CHAPTER 53

That evening, the triad attempted their first open discussion about boundaries. They met in Vivienne's private parlor—a cozy chamber with plush settees and a single low-burning lamp. Lucien arrived first, stiff with unease, while Julian waited near the window, arms folded. Vivienne hovered between them, determined to maintain calm.

Lucien cleared his throat. "We need ground rules. So none of us festers in silent resentment."

Julian inclined his head. "Agreed. Let's speak plainly."

Vivienne perched on a small sofa, drawing them closer. "One rule: speak up if jealousy or discomfort brews. Hiding it will only spark bigger arguments."

They nodded. Lucien exhaled. "Then I propose: no flaunting any…intimacy in front of the staff. If rumors swirl further, we risk scandal."

Julian shrugged. "Fair. Publicly, you and Vivienne remain the official couple. I'm a friend or advisor. But in private, we share freedoms…that's our arrangement."

Lucien tensed, recalling the orchard scene. "Yes. Privately, however, we must coordinate. I…don't want to walk into my chamber and find you there unexpectedly." His cheeks colored. "Knocks, schedule, something to avoid shocking each other."

Vivienne's cheeks heated, but she nodded. "We can decide nights or times, ensure no unfortunate overlaps." The idea of scheduling their affections felt surreal, but she saw the necessity.

Julian took a careful breath. "And if either of us wants exclusive time with Vivienne, we ask politely, not demand. Vivienne has the right to choose each moment."

They fell silent, each processing the awkward logistics of a triad. Then Lucien mustered a wry chuckle. "It feels absurd, but it might spare us drama." He regarded Julian. "Also, you mentioned potential missions. If you leave for stretches, how does that affect us?"

Julian's face clouded. "I…haven't decided if I'll accept any new mission yet. If I do, I'd inform you both. Vivienne remains free to be with you, obviously. On returning, we'd resume our arrangement."

Lucien pursed his lips, uncertain. "I suppose that's workable. Provided you keep me informed about your arrival times, so I'm not blindsided."

Vivienne's heart twisted at the practical nature of this conversation, but also a flicker of gratitude that they were addressing it head-on. No illusions indeed. She reached out, touching each man's hand lightly. "Thank you. For trying."

Their eyes met in a trio of unspoken compassion. No further words sufficed, so they parted soon after, each carrying a mix of relief at having some structure and the poignancy of how fragile it all remained.

That night, Vivienne waited in her chamber, uncertain who might knock. At last, soft steps approached—Lucien. She opened the door to find him holding a single candle, face guarded. "May I come in?" he asked quietly.

She nodded, stepping aside, heart racing. He entered, setting the candle on a side table. For a moment, they stood in the dim, recalling earlier nights before deception was laid bare. The difference now: both knew Julian's presence in the manor, and a shared vow that she might also lie in Julian's arms on another night.

An ache flared in Lucien's gaze. "Tell me if this is too soon."

Vivienne cupped his cheek. "No. I want closeness with you. Let's not hide from each other anymore."

A faint tremor ran through him. He bent, pressing his lips to hers with tentative reverence. She responded, returning the softness, each breath mingling in the hush. The candlelight danced across them, illuminating the raw mixture of longing, relief, and a subdued sorrow for how things had changed.

They sank onto the edge of her bed, entangled in careful embraces, reacquainting themselves with once-familiar intimacy. Yet in the back of Vivienne's mind, a voice whispered: Julian sits alone somewhere, abiding this arrangement. She pushed it aside, focusing on Lucien's warmth, determined to honor both loves in turn.

As they drifted into a tender night, the triad's reality set in: balancing hearts required constant compromise. For now, Vivienne savored the comfort of Lucien's arms, silently thanking fate that he'd chosen to remain rather than push her away. Tomorrow, she thought, she might share time with Julian, abiding the boundary they'd set. The path ahead remained uncharted, but at least for tonight, she had found one anchor in the swirling sea.