Chapter 52: Her Concern
Aideen rose from the bed as soon as she heard a gentle knock on her bedroom door, welcoming Bella to enter. The maid came inside carrying a large wooden tray laden with delicious food, deftly situating it on the small, round table by the tall window. She cordially invited her lady to take a seat and enjoy her dinner, a gesture that surprised the princess as Aideen had been hopeful of the opportunity to share a meal with Tillian tonight.
Regrettably, Bella relayed,
"His Grace has informed me that he was unable to prepare for dinner and will be skipping it tonight. He extends his sincere apologies, Your Highness."
Aideen struggled to conceal her disappointment, sinking into the chair behind the table. Although she took the silver spoon from the tray, the prospect of commencing her meal eluded her – her mind preoccupied with concern. It wasn’t merely about dining alone, a departure from the shared meals she had grown accustomed to with the Duke in the Capital. No, her apprehension was more selfless; she feared that Tillian’s penchant for skipping meals, coupled with his daily patrols and the relentless burden of official tasks, might be stretching him too thin.
’He always ensures my well-being, but he neglects his own. Sleepless on the road, straight to his study upon arrival... What if he succumbs to illness?’ The weight of worry settled upon her, overshadowing the simple act of having a meal.
The very notion of Tillian succumbing to illness due to overexertion rushed the princess to her feet in a sudden surge of anxiety. Her pale hands trembled, betraying the depth of concern that had flooded her entire being.
Startled by Aideen’s abrupt movement, Bella, clutching a small bowl of sauce, teetered dangerously close to dropping it. Leaning over the table, she steadied herself by pressing a free hand against her chest and shouted,
"For heaven’s sake! What’s going on with the two of you today?! Scaring me like this, I’ll soon kick the bucket at this rate!"
As the lament escaped her lips, she instinctively covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes widening in shock. In her apologetic tone, she stammered,
"Goodness, Your Highness, please forgive me! I got scared and couldn’t control my words. Forgive my rudeness, My Lady!"
Aideen, displaying a gracious understanding, reassured Bella with a warm smile,