Two days passed after the incident, and nothing came of it. Neither of them brought it up again. But Alina was sure Austin would find the culprit.
Then an invitation arrived from Lord Mantis, a neighbouring noble whose estate lay a half a day's ride from Ravenmoor. It was a boring political gathering, the kind Austin had to attend out of obligation rather than interest.
Alina learned of it at breakfast, when he appeared at her side just as she was finishing her tea.
"You're coming with me," he said. "At Lord Mantis's estate. Audrey finds these gatherings boring so she won't be attending."
"So you're asking me to attend this gathering as your date again?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Whatever you want to think. Wear something appropriate. We leave in two hours."
She lifted her cup again and finished her tea. He stood beside her, impatiently waiting for her answer.
"I will."
"Good," he said and left.
