The next several hours seemed to pass in a blur. Lord Hexley had not been able to recover his balance after stumbling on a toy that Calista had likely dropped mere moments beforehand and he went tumbling down the stairs. Every bit of that fall had seemed extremely painful to Sofia. Right away, she knew his injuries were going to be worse than any she'd experienced.

The whole scene upset Calista and at the sound of her first cry, Sofia had whisked her away to try calming her down. It had taken what felt like forever, especially since Sofia was exhausted and a little hungry, but eventually the toddler had settled down.

Now, Sofia was sitting in a rocking chair in the nursery rubbing a sleeping Calista's back. A couple servants had offered to help Sofia with the toddler but she refused, other than to have some food and drink brought to them.

The nursery door creaked open and Amber slipped in.

"The servants said you were in here with Calista. I'm surprised she fell asleep. She was so upset."

Sofia nodded. "Do you have any news of Lord Hexley?"

"The doctor left a bit ago. It's not good news for him."

"How bad is it?"

"I didn't hear the full extent of his injuries but I do know his hip is broken and I think a few others too. And he's very bruised. The doctor tried resetting some of the broken bones but he's not very optimistic. His experience has been that lesser falls have been more...detrimental than this. It's not good at all. For now, he's confined to bed rest. He can't do anything."

"Which means Cedric has to take over all his duties."

Amber nodded. "I think Lord Sebara could use a friend right now. Last I saw him, he looked very overwhelmed and definitely upset. You should go see if he needs a friendly visitor."

Sofia was quiet as she glanced at the toddler in her arms.

"What good could I do? I'm helping by keeping Calista occupied."

Amber raised an eyebrow. "Something's changed since last night. Last night you were happily by his side and now you don't want to go to him. What happened?"

"Nothing happened. I just don't think I can do much good."

Amber scowled, her expression angry and pained.

"Fine, keep lying to yourself and to me! I can't help you if you won't let others in. I thought you were past all of that. I guess I thought wrong."

Amber stood up and turned to leave the nursery.

"Amber, wait!"

Amber turned to face her sister.

"What is it?"

"I just don't know what to say to him. I'm just as confused about him as I ever was."

"Well then quit whining to me about it and go talk things over with him until you're not confused anymore."

Sofia grimaced. "What would I even say?"

"What would you say about what?"

Both ladies startled when they heard Roland's voice.

"Oh Sofia wants to offer some comforting words to the Sebara family, she just is having a difficult time figuring out what to say."

Roland nodded, although he didn't fully seem convinced.

"Always the kind and caring young lady," Roland said. "Just so you both are aware, we're leaving tomorrow."

Sofia looked surprised and mildly alarmed.

"We are?"

Roland nodded. "Yes. As Lord Hexley is unwell, we should not impose on the family anymore than we should."

"Even Sofia?" Amber asked. "I know Lady Hexley has taken to her and quite enjoys her company. She might still want that companionship at this time."

"Yes, even your sister is returning with us and Lady Hexley knows that. We're leaving first thing tomorrow morning so both of you, be ready."

Both sisters nodded. Roland left the nursery, likely to make sure preparations were underway for the imminent departure. As soon as he was gone, Amber shot Sofia a sharp look.

"So help me if you leave without talking to him, you will not like me one bit."

Sofia yawned. "I guess I better figure out what to say."

"You sound tired."

Sofia nodded. "Late night, early morning, and comforting a distraught child all day? I think you'd be exhausted too."

"Good point. Well then, maybe a short rest before you try talking to Lord Sebara then."

Sofia gently laid Calista down in her bed. The toddler stirred slightly but didn't wake. The brunette looked over the young child, a deep longing in her eyes.

"I guess I should get that rest now. No point dawdling."

"A wise decision. Now hurry up."

Sofia gave the slightest smile then left the nursery, her sister following close behind.