An Unwelcome Approach

Carlie Ejhip basked in the adoration of the crowd, his easy grin flashing like sunlight on steel as he waved to the noblewomen who eagerly fanned themselves, calling out his name. 

Their eyes shimmered with admiration, hands lifting lacy handkerchiefs in hopes that he would notice them.

But Carlie's attention was locked elsewhere.

Across the pavilion, his gaze landed on Jean.

Seated beside Lucius, her lady's sworn protector, Jean was the very picture of composed elegance. 

Though she was merely a lady-in-waiting, she carried herself with quiet dignity, her slender frame poised, her expression unreadable.

But it was her eyes—sharp and intelligent—that caught his attention the most.

Ignoring the noblewomen vying for his time, Carlie strode forward with effortless confidence. 

His dark riding boots barely made a sound on the polished stone, the lingering dust of the race still clinging to the hem of his tunic.