Saved By The Mad Duke

Tillian’s office was unusually dark. He didn’t feel like having all the lights on, somehow, he felt more comfortable that way.

He reclined in his chair, his strong arms crossed in front of his chest. His sharp red eyes were watching the man who had been pacing back and forth along the tall bookshelves lined up to the duke’s left for almost half an hour now, completely silent. The man’s hands were joined behind his back while his eyes absent-mindedly glided over the volumes lined carefully on each wooden shelf.

Finally, Leif paused before one of the tall bookshelves in the middle of the wall, and touched a leather-covered book, his voice lazy as he said,

"My lessons must have been quite useful... She seems to be very much in love with you. With you and everything else that is you. She thinks of you as her... family."

The prince’s words made Tillian’s face grow darker. While it was true that Leif was his mentor and helped him a lot when he was trying to win Aideen’s heart over, his evident arrogance was never a positive trait.

"Your Highness... I appreciate everything that you have done for me up to this point. You are right, your relationship advice was very helpful, I’ve learned a lot thanks to your teachings. But don’t you think that––"

"I know," the man shifted his attention from the books to the duke and continued, "I know what my father promised you. I know everything about your agreement, Your Grace. Don’t take me for a fool."

Tillian’s lips twisted, "Then why are you here? Why now?"

Now, it was Leif’s turn to become dark and serious. It was the second time that he heard this question today and each time, he had no idea what the right answer was.