Chapter 224: Different with Her

{Third Person}

Barron returned to the estate without informing Alexander beforehand.

He arrived shortly after midday, responded to the servants’ greetings at the entrance, and walked inside with the same easy confidence he always carried whenever he came to see his cousin.

He expected to find Alexander occupied with his usual affairs, but the moment he entered the sitting room, something caught his attention.

Amara was seated near the window, speaking to Alexander about something that had apparently amused her.

There was a softness in her expression that Barron had not seen before, and Alexander, although his face remained as restrained as ever, was actually listening to every word she said.

He appeared calm and attentive, neither impatient nor distracted, just sitting quietly and listening.

Barron stopped for a moment. He looked at Amara, then at Alexander, and a small smile formed at the corner of his mouth.

So this was what had been happening while he was away.

He greeted them normally and joined their conversation without making any remark about what he had noticed.

He stayed for a while, chatting with Amara and listening as she talked. When he finally found an opportunity, he asked Alexander to walk with him.

They stepped outside and followed one of the paths around the estate.

Barron chuckled. "You have really changed."

Alexander’s brows moved slightly. "Changed how?"

Barron turned his head toward him. "You really want me to answer that?"

"I asked."

Barron laughed under his breath. "Fine. You are becoming attached to her."

Alexander’s expression immediately hardened. "I am not."

"That was quick."

"There is nothing to be attached to."

Barron shook his head. "You know, for a man who claims not to be attached to her, you have been doing some very interesting things lately."

Alexander gave him a warning look. Barron only grinned. "You built her a swing."

"That was because she said she liked swings."

"And you remembered."

Alexander said nothing.

"You found the exact place she liked and had one installed there," Barron continued. "You take her out. You listen to her endless questions. You even let her drag you into conversations you would have avoided with anyone else."

"She is my wife."

Barron stopped walking and looked at him. "That is your explanation?"

Alexander continued walking.

Barron hurried after him, laughing. "You should have seen yourself when I mentioned the swing. You looked like a man who had been caught doing something embarrassing."

"I regret telling you anything."

"You barely told me anything. I have simply been paying attention."

Alexander finally stopped. His face became serious as he looked at his cousin.

Barron noticed the change and stopped smiling. "Have you confirmed anything?" he asked.

Alexander was silent for a moment before responding. "I am halfway there."

Barron furrowed his brows lightly. "What does that mean?"

"It means I have reasons to believe she may be my mate, but I do not have certainty."

Barron’s expression became thoughtful. "And you are afraid to find out?"

Alexander looked away. "I do not know whether what I feel is because she is my mate or because I have simply grown accustomed to having her around."

Barron nodded slowly. "That is possible."

Alexander glanced at him.

"I am serious," Barron continued. "You have spent years protecting yourself from disappointment. If you convince yourself that she is your mate before you know for certain, you may end up hurting yourself again."

Then, he considered his cousin for a moment before suggesting, "I think you should speak with Mage Seraphina."

Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the suggestion. "That may be the sensible thing to do I will ask her."

Just then, another thought came to him. He had not heard from Seraphina concerning Amara’s origins either.

That matter had been left hanging for too long.

"I will write to her," he said.

Barron smiled. "Good. And until you have answers, keep this between us."

The two cousins continued walking for a while before Barron suddenly changed direction.

Alexander looked at him. "Where are you going?"

"I have another matter to settle."

"What matter?" Alexander’s curiosity rose.

Barron’s smile returned. "I am going to find your political bride."

Alexander narrowed his gaze, drawing a laugh from Barron. "Relax. I am only going to talk to her."

"About what?" He refused to let the matter go so casually.

"Something important."

Alexander did not look convinced, but Barron was already walking away.

He eventually found Amara in the garden. She stepped out shortly after the cousins left the house.

She sat beneath the shade of a tree, a book resting on her lap. She looked up when she heard his footsteps and smiled.

He returned the smile and sat opposite her. "Have you found anything else you wanted to add to the house?"

"Not really." She shook her head.

Then he casually asked, "So, how are you finding life with Alexander?"

Amara paused briefly, then nodded. "It is fine."

Barron smiled. "Fine?"

She nodded, looking at him suspiciously. He leaned back and proceeded to ask, "Has he been difficult?"

"No."

"Cold?"

Amara considered that one. "He is still reserved."

"But?" he lifted a questioning brow.

She lowered her eyes to the book on her lap. "He is different with me now."

Barron’s smile widened slightly. "How?"

She began to think before answering. "I suppose he listens more. He doesn’t make me feel like I am bothering him when I ask questions. And he has been considerate."

He nodded. "Do you enjoy his company?"

Her fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the book. "Yes."

The answer came too quickly. She noticed it herself. Thankfully, Barron pretended not to notice.

"What about the city?" he asked. "If Alexander suddenly became too busy to spend time with you, would you miss him?"

Amara looked at him. "Of course."

Again, the answer came without hesitation. Barron lowered his gaze briefly so she would not see his smile.

Just then, Amara seemed to realise where the conversation was heading. "Why are you asking me all these questions?" she inquired.

"I am curious."

"You are not curious. You are investigating me."

Barron laughed. Amara shook her head, but she was smiling now.

After a moment, he asked one final question. "Would you be unhappy if Alexander suddenly decided that you should return to the palace?"

Her smile disappeared. She thought about it. The answer troubled her because she already knew it.

"Yes," she said quietly.

Barron did not tease her this time. He simply watched her for a moment before smiling. "That is all I wanted to know."

Amara frowned. "What?"

"Nothing." He stood.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"To leave you in peace before you start throwing questions back at me."

She laughed softly, watching as he walked away with a satisfied expression.