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CHAPTER SIXTY ONE - 🍂୧ no matter . . .
what happens ও🦌

JAMES AND AUTUMN OFTEN DISCUSSED their future plans together. They envisioned a life with children and even contemplated the possibility of having pets. However, one crucial aspect they had not openly addressed was the timeline for their marriage.

In order to move forward, James needed to seek the blessing of Autumn's parents. Her mother Aurelia had always adored James, but her father August had mixed feelings towards him. Some days he wished to disregard James' existence, while other days he merely tolerated him. Surprisingly, there were rare instances where August showed a genuine liking for James.

Despite these occasional positive encounters, James was wary of asking August for his daughter's hand. He feared August's disapproval, knowing that his good opinions of James were few and far between.

However, the recent events had only heightened James' resolve to ask for August's blessing. There was an increased urgency and importance in knowing where he stood with Autumn's parents, and James knew that he couldn't put off the question any longer.

The teenagers had just recently graduated from school, and James was well aware that bringing up the topic of marriage would not be as simple as he had initially envisioned.

In the eyes of Autumn's parents, James and Autumn were still quite young and had not yet reached adulthood. As such, the thought of them getting married at such an early age was causing alarm bells to ring loudly in their minds.

James' heart sank a little as he considered this reality. He knew that August would likely be sceptical about his intentions with Autumn, and even the mention of marriage could cause him to have a negative reaction.

But James was determined. He could not shake the feeling that it was the right time to take the next step, to show August and Aurelia that he was serious about his commitment to Autumn. He needed to take the chance and hope for the best.

He knew he would need a convincing argument, something that would show August the sincerity of his intentions. After all, August was notoriously difficult to win over and had a tendency to be quite traditional.

James had never been one to tread lightly or carefully around others, but he knew that he needed to choose his words wisely when talking to August. He needed to strike a balance between being direct and respectful, a task that would require a certain level of finesse and diplomacy.

During the first week of summer break, James appeared at a corner store near Autumn's residence. He fidgeted with his shirt, unsure if it was appropriate enough, and suddenly found himself holding a bouquet of flowers that he had picked up after witnessing a random man give them to his partner.

James anxiously scanned the crowd until his eyes finally settled on the unmistakable sight of Autumn's red hair. He took a deep breath before making his way through the crowd to reunite with her.

As James approached, carrying the bouquet, he couldn't help but feel nervous. He ran his hand through his messy hair, trying to compose himself as he approached her.

"Hey," he said with a charming grin, trying to hide his anxiety.

Autumn looked up, a mix of surprise and happiness on her face. "Hey yourself," she replied, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Got these for you," he said, holding out the bouquet. "I saw a guy give them to his girlfriend and thought you might like them."

Autumn chuckled, taking the flowers from him. "You're such a romantic, aren't you?" she teased, a playful glint in her eye.

"Only for you," he replied smoothly, a hint of a smirk on his face. The nerves faded a little, as he fell into their familiar banter.

Autumn noticed the growing anxiety in James's eyes as he repeatedly adjusted his shirt. She chuckled gently and reached out with her free hand to rub his cheek soothingly. "Love," she reassured him, "you look fine, and I promise everything will go well. Just relax."

James sighed in relief as Autumn touched his cheek, her soothing gesture helping to ease his nerves. He took a deep breath, feeling his heart rate starting to slow a bit.

"I know, I know," he said reluctantly. "I just... I want tonight to go well, you know? I don't want your parents to think I'm not good enough or anything."

With a gentle touch, Autumn tucked the bouquet under her arm to free her hand. Then, placing both hands on his cheeks, she leaned forward and kissed him delicately. James relished the feeling of her lips against his own and leaned into the kiss.

A moment later, Autumn pulled away and rested her forehead against his. "Love," she said reassuringly, "just be yourself. Don't try too hard, and everything will be fine. Remember, I'll be there with you every step of the way."

James sighed softly, feeling some of the tension drain from his body. "Alright, I'll try to stop worrying," he murmured against her forehead. "I trust you."

He paused for a moment, leaning back slightly to look into her eyes. "But what if they don't like me after this? Or what if your father gets angry? You know how protective he is."

Autumn gave him a knowing smile, understanding his concern. "James, you already know that my father can be a bit... difficult at times. But he'll come around eventually. Plus, how can he not love you? You're the total package: handsome, charming, and madly in love with his daughter. He'll see that you're being genuine, and that's what matters."

James chuckled softly, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Total package, huh? You sure about that? Last time I checked, I was still just a messy-haired, trouble-making kid to August."

Autumn playfully rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Yes, a messy-haired, trouble-making kid with a heart of gold. You have a way of winning people over, even if you don't realize it yourself."

James snorted, "Heart of gold, huh? Now you're just being too kind."

He wrapped his arms around her waist, tugging her closer to him, trying to steal another kiss.

"Stop trying to change the subject," Autumn said, giggling as she fended him off with the bouquet. "You're more than just a messy-haired troublemaker. You're kind and loyal, and you have a good heart. Any father would be lucky to have someone like you asking to marry his daughter."

He let out a mock sigh. "You're too good at this pep talk stuff, you know that?"

He gave her a sly grin, "Maybe you should consider being an inspirational speaker or something. You'd have every room swooning over you in no time."

Autumn chuckled, playfully swatting his shoulder. "Oh, stop it. You're just trying to flatter me now."

She raised an eyebrow at his comment, a glint of humour in her eyes. "An inspirational speaker, huh? Maybe you should consider a career as my hype man. You seem to have a knack for compliments."

He chuckled and pulled her closer, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist. "Yeah, I bet you'd love that. Me running around telling everyone how amazing you are. Would you give me extra points if I said you were the most talented, gorgeous, intelligent person I've ever met?"

Her eyes sparkled with amusement, her mock-serious expression dissolving into a warm smile. "Oh, definitely. Extra points for every compliment."

She snuggled into his embrace, resting her head against his chest. "But you don't have to lay it on too thick, you know. I already know I'm amazing."

"I think I am rubbing off on your ego," James said with an affectionate eye roll.

He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, his expression sobering a bit. "But seriously, Autumn. You are amazing. I'm so lucky to have you. And I hope I am enough for your father's standards, uh once he gets past the whole marriage thing."

Autumn's smile softened her expression a mixture of love and reassurance. "James, you're just biased because you're hopelessly in love with me."

She reached up to run her fingers through his messy hair, her touch gentle and affectionate. "And you don't have to worry about Dad. He might be overprotective, but he's not completely irrational. He'll come around."

James leaned into her touch, his eyes closing briefly at the soothing feel of her fingers through his hair. "Yeah, I know. But still, I can't help but worry a little. I just want everything to go smoothly, you know?"

He wrapped his arms around her once more, pulling her closer. "But as long as you're by my side, I think I can handle just about anything."

Autumn smiled warmly, touched by his words. "I'll always be by your side, silly. No matter what."

She reached up to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, then pulled back to look at him seriously. "And don't worry so much about my father. He might be difficult at times, but he's not a monster. He just has a hard time seeing his little girl grow up, that's all."

James chuckled, the sound a mixture of nervousness and amusement. "Yeah, well, I don't blame him. If I had a daughter as lovely as you, I'd have a hard time letting go as well."

His grip on her waist tightened slightly as if seeking reassurance from the touch. "But I'll keep that in mind. And I'll try not to get too tongue-tied when I ask for his blessing."

Autumn chuckled, patting his chest gently. "Just remember, you're not selling a product at a sales pitch. You're just asking for his blessing. It's a simple question, and you're a great guy. He'll understand that."

She gave him a cheeky smirk. "And besides, you have me as a backup. If it looks like things are going south, I'll step in and charm the pants off him."

With a smile, Autumn moved her hand down to his own, which was on her waist, and intertwined her fingers with his. She then moved their clasped hands to the side and exclaimed, "Alright, let's go and win over my parents."

James let out a nervous breath, squeezing her hand for reassurance. "Alright, I'm ready. Or at least, as ready as I'll ever be."

He mustered a smile, trying to hide his nerves. "Lead the way, love. Let's go charm your parents."

Autumn squeezed back, giving him an encouraging smile before pulling him along behind her. They walked hand in hand towards her house, the sun beginning to set in the background.

As they approached her house, she paused for a moment, turning to look at him. "Just remember, stay cool and calm. My parents can smell fear like bloodhounds."

James chuckled, a mix of anxiety and amusement on his face. "I don't think I've ever been cool and calm a day in my life."

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "But don't worry, I'll do my best. I'll pretend I'm just one of my usual cocky, aloof self."

"Yeah, you do that," Autumn replied with a smirk and a roll of her eyes. "Just don't overdo it. I'd rather have a nervous, stuttering mess of a boyfriend than an overconfident idiot."

He feigned offence, putting a hand over his heart. "Overconfident idiot? How dare you. I prefer the term 'suave and charming gentleman.'"

She stifled a laugh, playfully swatting his shoulder. "Yeah, sure. You're a real gentleman, with your messy hair and trouble-making ways."

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Hey, my messy hair is part of my charm, you know. It adds to the whole mysterious, brooding aesthetic I've got going on."

She shook her head with playful exasperation. "Mysterious and brooding, huh? So, you're more of a misunderstood bad-boy type. Should I swoon right now or wait until later?"

"You should swoon right now," James replied with a cocky grin. "I look extra brooding right now if I don't say so myself."

He leaned in closer, putting on his best impression of a brooding expression. "I mean, just look at me. Dark, mysterious, and just a hint of danger. I'm practically a walking cliché."

Autumn chuckled, trying to suppress her laughter. "Okay, you're laying it on a bit thick now. You're going to give yourself a headache with all that brooding."

She reached out to poke his forehead, her expression a blend of amusement and affection. "But I guess I can give you a small swoon. Just a little one, though. Can't have you getting too cocky."

Autumn then walked towards her front door, pausing before opening it. She turned to glance at him and gave a soft chuckle, stating, "Love, please try to smile."

He sighed, a mock pout on his face. "Fine, fine. No more brooding. But you're ruining my image here."

He couldn't help but chuckle as he forced a lighthearted smile onto his face. "Is this better? Not too cocky, right?"

Autumn laughed softly and gave a nod of approval. "Much better. You look less like a brooding bad boy and more like my charming, slightly less messy boyfriend."

She reached out and tidied up his hair a bit, trying to make him look less dishevelled. "Now come on, let's head inside before my parents start to wonder what's taking us so long."

James rolled his eyes playfully even as he leaned into her touch. "Yeah, yeah, mess up my hair and then try to fix it. I swear you're more obsessed with my hair than I am."

He took a deep breath, forcing his nerves down. "But alright, I'm ready. Let's go inside and charm your parents."

Autumn chuckled, giving his hair one final pat. "Just trying to make you presentable, that's all. We can't have you looking like a complete mess when you see my parents. "

She then turned to the front door, taking a moment to compose herself before opening it and stepping inside.

As they walked into the house, they were immediately greeted with the warm, familiar scent of cooking. Aurelia was in the kitchen, prepping ingredients for dinner.

James tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as they entered the house. The warm scent of cooking lingered in the air, making his stomach grumble slightly. He followed Autumn to the kitchen, steeling himself for what was to come.

Aurelia, looked up from her work and smiled as they entered. "Ah, there you two are. I was starting to wonder if you both got lost on the way."

Autumn smiled warmly at her mother, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "No, just a little delayed, that's all."

She pulled James forward a bit, standing close to him. "Mum, where is Dad?"

Aurelia looked at them curiously, seeming to sense something in the air. "Oh, he's in the living room, dear. You know how he is, always watching the evening news."

Autumn nodded and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat before heading to the adjoining room to gather a vase for the flowers.

James stood nervously in place, attempting an awkward wave. He cleared his throat, but froze when Aurelia chuckled and spoke up, "Come, why don't you give me a hand, James?"

James looked at Aurelia, a mix of surprise and nervousness on his face. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of himself before nodding slowly.

"Uh, yeah, sure," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets. "What can I do to help?"

Aurelia smiled warmly and gestured towards the counter. "Just grab me that chopping board and the knife over there, please."

She began preparing some vegetables, a comfortable routine for her in the familiar kitchen. As they worked in silence, she spoke up again.

"So, how have you been, James?"

James fumbled with the chopping board and knife a bit, unused to the domestic setting and the question. He set both on the counter, then tried to answer casually.

"Oh, you know, same old, same old. Just been busy with school and all that or erh, well now that we graduated..." He paused, then added, " I am just fumbling now..."

Aurelia chuckled at his response, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Relax, dear. I'm not here to grill you. Just making some conversation, that's all."

She continued cutting the vegetables, her movements smooth and practised. "So what are your plans now?"

Autumn chose that moment to enter the room, assisting as she sensed James' unease. The topic of employment was a delicate one, as the teenagers' commitments to the Order meant their job prospects might be unstable for the foreseeable future.

James gave her a grateful look as she reentered the room, sensing her silent support. He tried to keep his cool as he answered Aurelia's question.

"I'm still figuring that one out, honestly. There are a few options I'm looking into, but nothing concrete yet."

He shifted uncomfortably, not wanting to delve into the complexities of the Order and their unique situation.

Aurelia nodded, sensing his discomfort. "I see. Well, it's perfectly normal to be unsure of your path at your age. There's no rush in figuring everything out."

She set the knife down and turned to face him, a gentle smile on her face. "But whatever you decide, just know you have our full support."

She picked up the chopping board and moved towards the oven, her voice carrying a slight hint of concern as she added, "Just be careful with your decisions, alright? The world can be a tricky place for young people starting out."

James nodded, grateful for her kind words. "Yeah, I understand. I'm being careful, don't worry."

He paused for a moment, unsure if he should say anything about the Order, but before he could, Autumn spoke up, her voice light and conversational.

"So mum, how's work been? Anything exciting happening?"

Aurelia chuckled as she put the vegetables in the oven, her eyes sparkling with amusement at the topic change.

"Work? Oh, you know the usual. Dealing with clients and their never-ending list of complaints. It's a wonder I have any hair left, with the amount of stress those people give me."

Autumn laughed, clearly amused at her mother's description of her work. "Yeah, I can imagine. Dealing with clients can be tough at times."

She looked over at James and gave him a subtle signal with her eyes, silently reminding him to not say anything about the Order. He nodded back discreetly, understanding her message.

Fortunately for the teens, they managed to sidestep any further inquiries about their impending careers. Soon after, August joined them in the kitchen and swiftly whisked James away to engage in a game of chess until dinner was ready.

James followed August obediently, albeit a bit reluctantly. He shot a pleading look at Autumn, silently hoping for a rescue, but she gave him a sympathetic smile and mouthed 'good luck' as he was led to the living room.

He sat across from August at the wooden chessboard, trying to keep his nerves in check as they began their game.

James managed to endure an hour of playing chess and, when it was time for dinner, things were relatively smooth.

However, Autumn's parents were perceptive, and they could sense the formal atmosphere.

Aurelia took the lead and initiated the conversation, inquiring, "So, we're gathered here. What is it that you two wanted to discuss with us?"

James sat up straighter in his chair, his palms growing sweaty as Aurelia addressed him and Autumn. He glanced at Autumn, who seemed to be equally nervous but also determined.

August raised an eyebrow, intrigue in his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. Aurelia exchanged a curious look with her husband before nodding encouragingly at James.

"Go on, dear. We're listening."

James took a deep breath, his hands clenched into fists under the table. He looked towards Autumn, searching for encouragement. She gave him a small nod and a reassuring smile, silently urging him to continue.

With an exhale, James gathered the courage to speak, hoping his voice wouldn't crack too much. "Well, you see... I've been wanting to ask permission for something."

August's expression became more serious, while Aurelia's intrigue deepened. August took a sip of his wine and set the glass down, his gaze never breaking from James.

Aurelia prodded further, her voice kind but assertive. "Permission for what, exactly?"

James swallowed again, his heart racing in his chest. He took a moment to compose himself and chose his words carefully.

"Uh, well... it's about..."

He glanced at Autumn, silently praying that she'd step in if he stumbled too much. She gave him a small nod of reassurance.

"It's about... marrying your daughter."

For a moment, complete silence filled the room. August and Aurelia exchanged stunned glances, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected request.

August was the first to break the silence, his voice laced with surprise and disbelief. "Marrying our daughter? You're asking for our permission to marry Autumn?"

James could feel his whole body tense up under the weight of their gazes. He forced himself to nod, his voice almost a whisper as he replied, "Yes, sir. That's correct."

He looked towards Aurelia, her reaction unreadable. He prayed that she wouldn't reject him outright.

Aurelia raised her hand to her mouth and looked at Autumn, asking bluntly, "Dear, are you pregnant?"

Autumn's eyes widened in shock at the accusation while August m choked on his wine. Meanwhile, James inhaled deeply, even though he knew it wasn't true.

Autumn hastily denied the claim, "What? No, Mum, I'm not expecting!" She wanted to eliminate any possibility of further speculation.

Aurelia seemed surprised by the denial and quickly composed herself, though she still wore a confused expression. "Are you sure, darling? I mean... surely you understand why I might think that."

August cleared his throat and leaned forward slightly, his eyebrow raised. "It's just... this is quite sudden, isn't it? You two are just teenagers."

James' palms were starting to sweat now, his nerves on edge. He could practically hear his heart pounding in his chest.

"I understand that we're young, sir," he began, his voice still a little shaky. "But I love Autumn. And I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I know it's fast, but—"

August raised his hand, gesturing for him to stop. "It is fast. You have to understand, James, that most people your age are still figuring themselves out, not thinking about marriage and settling down."

James nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words. "I know, sir. And trust me, I hadn't planned on this happening so soon either."

He took a shaky breath, trying to compose himself. "But I love Autumn more than anything. And I'm not asking you to give permission today. I just want your blessing. That's all."

Aurelia's expression softened slightly as she saw the genuine affection in his eyes. August, meanwhile, leaned back in his chair, still looking skeptical.

August spoke up, his voice firm yet not without a hint of understanding. "And what about your careers? Your futures? You're both so young. Have you really thought this through?"

Autumn closed her eyes and took a deep breath as her father's words washed over her. While she had managed to disclose some information about the impending war to her parents, she knew she had to share with them her decision to join the conflict. However, the words were difficult to articulate, and she was certain her parents would be appalled at the thought of her participating in a war, especially one involving magic.

As the tension hung in the air, James held bated breath. He could practically hear the wheels turning in both Aurelia's and August's minds. He held onto Autumn's hand under the table, silently offering support.

August turned his gaze to his daughter, a mix of concern and confusion in his eyes. "And you, Autumn? What do you have to say about all this?"

Autumn froze at her father's question, her mind racing. She had hoped to avoid this specific discussion but knew she could no longer avoid it. She clenched her jaw for a moment to steady herself before meeting her father's gaze.

"There's something else I need to tell you," she began slowly, trying to control the trembling in her voice. "Something related to... my future."

Aurelia's brows furrowed in confusion, while August raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What is it, darling?" Aurelia asked gently, sensing the seriousness in their daughter's tone.

Autumn took one more deep breath, desperately searching for the correct words. With a trembling voice, she continued, "The war I mentioned before...we will be joining to fight in it."

The moment the words left her lips, a palpable tension enveloped the room. Autumn's parents were visibly stunned, their faces frozen in shock, and James's grip on her hand tightened perceptibly.

August's eyes widened his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. Aurelia stared at Autumn for a silent moment, her mouth slightly agape.

It was August who spoke first, his voice sharp and strained. "Wait... wait just a second. War? You're talking about joining a war? Are you joking right now?"

Autumn shook her head, her expression firm and determined. "No, Dad, I'm not joking. I'm serious."

She glanced at James, who was watching her with a mixture of pride and nervousness. He squeezed her hand under the table, silently encouraging her.

"Autumn Willow Rivers," August exclaimed, his face turning pale. "You are only seventeen years old! You're not supposed to be discussing war and combat. Instead, you're supposed to be securing a job, and living your life. You shouldn't be willingly placing yourself in harm's way!"

Autumn flinched slightly at the sound of her full name, but she held her ground. "Dad, please listen to me," she pleaded. "I know this is a lot to take in, but it's my choice."

She could see the fear and disbelief etched on her parent's faces, and it pained her to see them so worried. But she knew she had to stand her ground.

Before August could direct his blame towards James, Autumn stood up and interjected, "Dad, Mum, please listen to me. This is a decision I made on my own. No one - not James or any of my friends - forced this upon me. I acknowledge that this is not something you want to hear, but I implore you to understand that remaining idle would put both of you in danger. I can protect you by doing this."

Her words hung in the air, heavy and loaded. Both of her parents sat in stunned silence, clearly processing the magnitude of her decision.

Aurelia spoke up, her voice wavering only slightly. "But Autumn, dear, it's so risky. You'd be putting yourself in the middle of a war. What if something happens to you? We can't lose you."

"And I do not want to lose either of you as well," Autumn declared, meeting their gaze with a determined expression. "By participating in this war, I have a better chance of safeguarding both myself and you."

As James slowly rose to his feet and bowed before them, he vowed, "I vow to protect Autumn with my life."

Autumn glanced at him, firmly holding his hand and added, "No, we will protect each other, ensuring no one's life is ever at risk."

James' declaration hung in the air, a solemn promise that left August and Aurelia speechless. They looked between James and Autumn, the gravity of the situation slowly sinking in.

August eventually found his voice, his gaze locked on James. "You promise to protect her, no matter what?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and uncertainty.

James nodded firmly. "With my life, sir."

He held Autumn's gaze for a moment, silently communicating his conviction. He knew the promise he was making, and he meant every word of it.

August sighed and placed his hand on his forehead, rubbing his temple in frustration as he said, "No, son, no. Please, promise me that both of you will survive this ordeal. Swear it to me."

James swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the promise on his shoulders.

"We will survive this," he repeated firmly, his gaze never wavering from August's. "And we will protect each other."

Autumn squeezed his hand, silently communicating her own determination.

August turned to his wife and received her nod of agreement. He then leaned forward, placing his arms on the table and clasping his hands tightly, resting his chin on them. He stated firmly, "Once Autumn reaches the age of eighteen, you two can get married. That is my condition."

A wave of relief washed over James at August's unexpected agreement. He had prepared for a much harsher response, but the condition came as a pleasant surprise. He exchanged a quick glance with Autumn, both of them silently expressing their relief.

"Thank you, sir," James said, managing a small smile. "I promise we won't let you down."

Before anyone could say more, Aurelia interjected with a gentle yet firm voice, "Wait a moment. This agreement between the three of you leaves me out. I have my own condition to add."

August and James both turned their gaze to her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Before you two embark on this journey," Aurelia continued, her voice solemn, "I want you to promise me something."

Autumn and James shared a glance, silently wondering what her condition might be. They both nodded, eager to hear her request.

Aurelia paused for a moment, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and determination.

"Please," she said quietly, her voice slightly cracking with emotion. "Please come back to us. No matter what happens out there in that war. Just promise me you will come back, both of you."

James felt his heart ache at the desperation in Aurelia's voice, and he saw the same feeling mirrored in Autumn's eyes. He squeezed her hand tighter, silently communicating that he would do everything in his power to fulfil that promise.

"We'll come back," he said, his voice steady. "No matter what happens, we'll find our way back home to you."

Aurelia nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. August reached out and placed his hand over hers, a silent gesture of comfort and understanding.

The room fell into a heavy silence, everyone lost in their own thoughts. Then, suddenly, August cleared his throat and looked at James.

"One more thing."

James swallowed hard, bracing for what was coming next. "Yes, sir?"

"Promise me..." August paused, his gaze locking onto James's. "Promise me you'll always take care of Autumn."

James felt the gravity of the request weigh upon him. The promise wasn't just about protecting Autumn physically, but also about looking after her emotionally and mentally.

"I promise," James said, his voice firm and sincere. He looked over at Autumn, meeting her gaze, which was filled with a mix of determination and gratitude. "I will always take care of her. No matter what."

"Great," August said, his stern expression softening slightly. "Those are my conditions. If you keep those promises, you have my blessing."

James let out a breath of relief, feeling the weight lifted off his shoulders. Autumn smiled weakly, seeming to sense James's relief.

Aurelia, meanwhile, had to dab her eyes with a nearby napkin, trying to hide her emotional display.