Buying the Gifts

Ely's smile was radiant, a beacon in the dimly lit carriage. "Anything that comes from your heart, my lord," she said, her eyes shining with affection. "They will appreciate it, no matter how big or small."

Theo nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting to the passing scenery outside the carriage window. He knew that Ely was right; the gesture of kindness and consideration would mean more to the maids than any material object. But the idea of giving them something tangible, something that they could cherish, was a powerful one. It was a symbol of the bond that had formed between them, a bond that was growing stronger with each passing day.

As the carriage pulled into the bustling streets of the Capital, the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the clatter of hooves on cobblestone filled the air. The lights from the shops and taverns cast a warm, inviting glow, a stark contrast to the cold, stark mansion they had left behind.