Chapter 193: Bread and Apples

The rhythmic clop of hooves echoed through the quiet evening as Lucian finally reached Haverbrocks Manor. The familiar rolling hills and the gentle glow of lamplight emanating from his windows filled him with a bittersweet longing.He had spent the past few weeks consumed by war councils and battle strategies, a world away from the peaceful haven he had built with Jane. As he dismounted and entered the house, a wave of warmth washed over him. The scent of baking bread and the soft murmur of a lullaby drifted from the kitchen. Relief flooded his system, momentarily pushing away the weight of war on his shoulders. He found Jane in the nursery, rocking a gurgling William in her arms. The sight of his wife and son, bathed in the warm glow of the firelight, stole his breath away. Jane looked up, her face lighting up with a radiant smile as she spotted him. "Lucian!" she exclaimed, setting William down in his crib for a moment. She rushed over, her arms wrapping tightly around him. He held