Chapter 20: Goosebumps
Bella assisted Aideen in settling into her seat behind the dining table before stepping aside, allowing the duke to continue.
"I understand that you may still feel somewhat uncomfortable here, but I want to express my gratitude for your presence this evening. Bella mentioned that you haven’t been eating well since your arrival. Unsure of your culinary preferences, I instructed the cook to prepare a variety of dishes for you."
The princess, her golden-green eyes widening, couldn’t help but exclaim,
"A variety?! Your Grace, that seems like such a waste!"
While her words conveyed genuine surprise and consideration, Tillian was unimpressed. On the contrary, his eyebrows furrowed, a hint of irritation tugging at his lips.
"I beg your pardon? Do you consider my efforts to care for you a waste, Your Highness?"
Aideen felt a shiver run through her entire body, her skin breaking into goosebumps. She hadn’t intended to be offensive; she merely wished to emphasize that such an extensive effort was unnecessary to attend to her needs. However, her insecurities and the difficulty she faced in expressing her emotions confidently had once again undermined her intentions.
In an effort to clarify, she stammered with a trembling voice,
"N-No, Your Grace, th-that’s not what I meant at all! I––"
"Bella, please leave the room."
Tillian interrupted the nervous torrent of words, instructing the maid to exit the dining hall. Once again, Aideen felt her body tremble, as if the warm castle surroundings had transformed into a frozen tower made entirely of ice.