Chapter 67: Too Soon
"Right... Right now?"
Aideen could not tell why she was caught off-guard by the Duke’s seemingly harmless request. It was true that she kept practicing the intricate art of writing, even while she was taking a bath, trying to wash off the results of her previous practice session, which gave Safie quite a hard time. However, although she was sure that she did everything right, there was still no one to confirm that her writing of her own name was correct.
But what did she have to be afraid of anyway? Tillian, much like Ahspid, was there to help her, and he would never dare to make fun of her even if she made a mistake. After all, she had only just started her learning journey.
With the newfound confidence prompted by such thoughts, the lady slid the sheet of paper closer to her and placed her right hand on its smooth surface.
Careful and considerate of his every move, Duke Valentine placed the quill into Aideen’s hand, positioning a small ink bottle right next to it as well.
"Whenever you are ready, Your Highness. Do not be afraid; I won’t judge. I simply want to admire your progress."
He stepped away from her, giving Aideen more time to muster her courage while he moved his chair from across the desk and placed it right next to the lady’s. The Duke then took a seat beside the princess and leaned over her left shoulder, fixing his curious gaze on the still-empty sheet of paper.
’He is so close... I can feel his breath brushing over my shoulder and cheek. It’s so warm and smells like wine...’
Shaking her head as if to get rid of unnecessary thoughts, the young woman tightened her grip around the quill but then quickly loosened it, scared to break yet another innocent writing device. With a slightly trembling yet determined move of her right hand, she dipped the quill into the ink bottle and pressed the tip against the paper, ready to write.