Chapter 403 — Ball after Ball... Meeting after Meeting...
We leaned on him, wanting to be pampered by the father whom we so much cared for. Listening to his next words in simple tranquillity.
"... this treasure... don’t stop wearing it, sweetie. If it is aiding you, for more reasons you should keep it always on you."
’Yes... I will, mister. Don’t worry...’
"I will stay for a few more days here to take care of investigations... yet principally so I can be at ease that you are doing better." — The duke’s voice told us as his hand stroked our hair lovingly. Finally saying what I already wanted to request but did not need to tell in the end. — "What you have told me today will get solely to the ears of those involved in investigating these incidents... so do not feel concerned... and focus on having peaceful days, small and sweet bird."
Until this day... I am sure the Duke kept his word, to the extent I even regret he is so trustworthy... because he spent more than a week here, in which my nights were deprived of a certain visit while my days were accompanied not solely by him but as well as the other princes... keeping us with people... that made it almost impossible for Zeleskiaz and I to talk on our own if not for the few times Dioclecià would suddenly leave us on by ourselves... But even so...
’It’s been a while since that... uh... interaction... how can I bring it up without it feeling weird??’
... I just can’t, can I...?
*******
I really can’t.
"Tonight is the first session we are able to hold after his grace, your father departed... My lady, I am relieved we can resume these exercises."
’Uh... sure, relieved... although... I don’t like the word exercises right now kinky... we kind of got into dangerous ones the day the duke arrived, remember?’ — Giving a step to the side so he could enter my room, I said inwardly... Closing my eyes tightly since I felt weird welcoming him again in my chambers... and how not to be?
’... We’re alone... and right here where...!! Agh! Elizabeth, get yourself together!’ — Frustrated by my awkwardness after peeking at the commode we had been at, I shook my head wanting to actually hit it against the wall that was, unfortunately, too far to do it. And because of my little self-awareness... I didn’t notice that he saw my chaos.