Chapter 13
Orland was desperate.
Trying to hide his trembling, he slowly moved his hands towards hers, wishing to hold them one more time. He feared with great anguish she would reject his attempts. The mere thought was enough for his heart to nearly explode from the pain her refusal could ignite. However, his hands kept moving... ultimately grasping hers. When he saw that her hands were still lying on top of his without the intent of leaving... his soul found a hint of peace.
’... She has let me do this much... Then...’
"I... I am very happy you came today." — Taking a moment to ensure his voice wouldn’t break, Orland spoke.
"I would like it very much... if you visited again in the very near future... and often if possible..."
His heartfelt thoughts were told out loud, nonetheless, the Duke still couldn’t look his daughter in the eye. The fear of finding a new rejection in her eyes was enough of a reason to keep him from doing so.
’...Oh...’
Yet... A squeeze to his hands was all it took...to blow his belief away.
Lifting his face reflexively in reaction, the nod that he saw once their eyes met, felt like a miracle. He hoped the fierce mass of emotions he was feeling inside wouldn’t be shown fully on his face. Orland knew he would look like a real mess if it were to happen.
Regardless of his attempt to conceal them, it was not possible for him to hide it completely from his voice, letting it come out with a forcibly restrained tremor only himself felt evident.
"I will look forward to your visit, sweetie."
*******