Page 9 of Fated (Lords Of Time)

THE TRUEST OF LOVES

Eris pulls the fabric up to her chin, sinking into its warm light and soft pulse.

She closes her eyes and dreams. A woman, her auburn hair lit from inside when the sun hits it.

She’s quiet and controlled and nervous. When in public her anxiety is so high Eris’ own heart races to keep time.

She grew up with two boys from neighboring estates, running the grounds and finding friendship.

Hugh loves her more than she understands and Charles loves her more than he understands.

She’s different and she knows it’s a very fine line between being eccentric and being committed to Bedlam.

But Hugh is determined to protect her, and Charles is determined to marry her. The three of them together…

Eris wakes, carefully untangling her fingers from their clutch on the threads. She continues to hold theirs, however, so reverently. “Ribbon this family is so, so lovely.”

“Tell me.”

“She’s Autistic? I believe? Perhaps something more, definitely an anxiety disorder. Her friend Hugh grounds her, keeps her tethered to the world, safe. And Charles… he helps her to fly.”

“Hmmmm. And thisss, it worksss?”

“Oh yes, it works very much— wait.”

Eris strokes the thread, moves her hands to another thread tangled with theirs. “Oh Ribs, it’s even more incredible than I thought.”

“Do tell, love.”

Amelia and Hugh and Charles’s story can be found in the illustrated novel: The Duke and The Baron.