The ring on my hand burned like a coal from the forge of loyalty. Without hesitation, I removed it and placed it inside the wooden chest. From that day onward, I buried myself in my duties at the physician’s quarters and within the family’s ledgers. Work became my refuge, a shield against the rising storm in my chest. The question of when Darian would return became irrelevant, drowned by the rhythm of my responsibilities.
Then, unexpectedly, he arrived one evening after my shift ended. His horse stood outside the physician’s grounds, steam rising in the cool air.
“Why are you here?” I asked softly, exhaustion lacing my voice.
“Have you forgotten?” he replied as he dismounted and offered his arm. “Tonight marks the anniversary of our union.”
“Oh,” I murmured. “Forgive me. My mind has been occupied, and I lost track.”
He stared at me, disbelief flickering across his face. “You once treasured this day above all else. How could it escape your memory?”