Chapter 128 - Hundred And Twenty Eight
Delia woke up from a deep and dreamless slumber, the first truly peaceful sleep she had experienced in a very long time. She murmured softly, her hand reaching out for the warmth that had been her anchor throughout the night, the arms that held her closer and protected her from the chills of the night. But the other side of the bed was empty. She touched the sheets. Their warmth was gone, leaving only a faint, lingering coolness. He had been gone for a while.
She opened her eyes slowly, the soft morning light of her room greeting her. She watched the empty space beside her with a sense of longing so profound it was a physical ache in her chest. For a moment, she allowed herself to just feel it, this new and unfamiliar feeling of missing someone.
As she shifted, her hand brushed against a piece of folded paper that had been tucked almost under the other pillow. She picked it up and sat up in the bed, pulling the soft, heavy covers up to her chest. She unfolded the note. The handwriting was undeniably Eric’s, strong and bold.
My Dearest Duchess,
By the time you are reading this letter, I will have almost gotten to the eastern isles. I am sorry that I had to leave without saying a proper goodbye. Forgive me. I know it’s not an excuse but you were sleeping peacefully. I did not have the heart to wake you.
I want to thank you for last night. For everything. I enjoyed it. I wished I could have told you physically but time was not on my side. It is the memory of it that will keep me going until I can return to you. And when I do come home, I promise, I will make it up to you.
Do take care of yourself.
I love you so much my Delia.
My Duchess,
Your Husband, Eric.
Delia read the short, simple letter three times. A slow, warm smile spread across her face. He was a man who kept his promises. She held the letter to her chest for a long moment like a treasured, precious little thing.