Chapter 44: Little White Lie
Aideen hesitated once more, grappling with the challenge of articulating her thoughts in a proper manner. What she was contemplating seemed utterly inappropriate, yet she clung to the belief that in order to reciprocate the kindness she wished to bestow upon Duke Valentine, she found herself compelled to resort to a little white lie of her own.
A soft, nearly inaudible sigh slipped from her lips as the princess took a significant step toward the man. Speaking in a hushed and hesitant tone, she said,
"Your Grace... Truth be told, I wish not for you to be apart from me tonight. Pardon my directness, but... could you spend the night with me in the same bed?"
"I... I beg your pardon?"
Now it was Tillian who found himself grappling to formulate a response, his entire body unexpectedly growing hot, as though the room had suddenly burst into flames. Never in his wildest dreams had he anticipated such a request from someone like Princess Aideen.
’Goodness, am I glad that you cannot see me right now...’
With his hand pressed against his burning face, the Duke released a long exhale, as if he had been holding his breath until that very moment. Meanwhile, Aideen took a step closer and elaborated,
"You see... Today’s encounter with His Highness Prince Valon proved to be rather stressful for me. I’m still frightened. I fear he might revisit me in my dreams. I... I promise, Your Grace, I won’t be as audacious as I am right now ever again! Just this once... I’m genuinely scared."
Tillian locked eyes with the woman before him, a conflicting storm churning within his restless mind.