Chapter 37: Checking In
The knight brought his daughter to a sitting room on the far northwestern wing of the Duke's Tower. There weren't many people passing by because all of the maids were in other areas of the small castle preparing for the evening meal and cleaning up the late lunch.
Since the Duke was feeling under the weather, the butler remained close to him on the upper floors of the tower.
Arthur glanced out the two windows along the wall of the sitting room. No one was giving them any attention.
"It's been one week since I've seen you last," he began as his eyes drifted back to his daughter. "Are you still certain this is what you want to do?"
Each night he worried for her and, even though his wife wouldn't say it out loud, he knew that she was worried sick as well.
However, Rochelle was of the opinion that Irene would come running back home eventually. He knew it was what Rochelle wanted rather than what was likely to happen. The man stood in a complicated position of wanting to support his wife but hoping that his daughter remained where she wanted even if it was hard.
There was no hesitance from Irene and her green eyes lit up.
"I love it here, dad," she gushed. "I am doing things I never imagined before."
A smile spread across Arthur's face and he reached out to ruffle his child's hair.