The silence between them had always been a problem. It pressed in heavily, like an unwelcome companion that made her question why he bothered to walk with her if all this… strained quiet was going to be the inevitable outcome.
"Your Grace," Lilian uttered first. "Why are you accompanying me? Is there something you wish to speak to me about privately?"
"I was bored," he replied simply. "I thought spending time with my wife might offer some form of entertainment. But as expected, you're rather boring too."
Lilian stopped short at his remark and frowned at him.
"You are one to speak," she muttered, unable to stop the words.
She turned her gaze away sharply, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing just how much his remark stung.
He cast her a side glance, catching the irritation tightening her expression. For reasons he did not care to examine too closely, provoking her, or drawing any spark of emotion from her, was unexpectedly enjoyable.
