You'd been out all day - errands, meetings, a long training session that left even Tristan rubbing his temples. The carriage ride back to the castle was quiet.

You leaned against the window, the rhythmic sound of hooves lulling you to sleep. Halfway through, your head slipped sideways - landing softly on his shoulder.

Tristan froze. His entire body went rigid, as though the slightest movement would break the moment. Then, slowly, he relaxed, letting you rest.

When the carriage hit a bump, he steadied you with a hand - his thumb brushing the edge of your jaw for just a heartbeat too long. He looked down at you then - eyes soft, unreadable. He whispered under his breath, "I think I'm done pretending I don’t feel this."