The kettle trembles on the stove, not yet ready to scream.

You keep your eyes on it, begging the water to boil faster, though every second stretches like pulled taffy. The kitchen is too quiet—just the tick of the clock, the whisper of gas flame, and the weight of his stare pressing between your shoulder blades.

William sits at the small staff table, chair turned backward, arms folded across the top. He hasn't moved since you came down in your hand me down nightgown and borrowed shawl, sleep still crusted in your eyes. Hasn't looked away either.

Your hands shake slightly as you retrieve the tea tin from the cupboard. You fumble the lid. It clatters against marble—too loud.

"Chamomile," he says. His voice is smoke and boredom. "Not that one."

You put the Earl Grey back. Reach for the chamomile. Feel his eyes track the movement of your arm, the turn of your wrist.

The kettle begins to hiss. You pour carefully, watch the steam curl upward like surrender. The cup is fine porcelain—probably retrieved from the formal dining room. He would have walked past three others to choose it.

Chamomile blooms in hot water, pale and bitter.

"Honey. No sugar"

You cross to the pantry. His gaze follows. You feel it map your shoulders, your waist, the mess of your sleep-loose hair. Your skin prickles hot beneath your thin nightclothes, and you hate that you notice, hate more that he notices you noticing.

The honey spoon trembles. One turn. Two.

When you finally approach to set the cup before him... The tea he woke you up at 2 in the morning for, he doesn't reach for it. His eyes lift instead, catching yours for the first time since you entered. They're different than you remember—colder, yes, but not empty. There's something burning underneath that makes your breath catch.

"Stay."

One word. Barely audible.

You stand there, tea steaming between you, while he continues to stare like he's looking at something he lost and hates that he ever wanted it in the first place.

He hasn't touched the tea.

You don't think he ever intended to.