Confused, the young Duke waited for an honest answer from the Princess as his eyes darted to the half-open door, trying to remember if he had locked it. He usually did... But his thoughts were immediately interrupted.
"I-I can't... I-I can't sl-sleep..."
She turned to look at him with watery, red eyes, she muttered in a muffled voice. Slowly she raised her petite frame to sit properly on the bed. She wiped her nose with the sleeve of her nightgown. The Duke also sat and met her terrified little eyes shining like diamonds in the moonlight. At first, he thought she was planning to approach him, maybe for some cunning plan; looking at her now, he changed his mind.
"Th-the no-noises of the se-sea gave me ni-nightmares..."
"I understand, but sneaking into my room and lying in my bed is more than inappropriate. If you wanted someone near you, you could ask Lily."
He explained, trying his best to be kind in his words, not harsh at all, until the expression in her eyes changed, melting a little of the ice around his heart. Aravis was looking at him like a lost puppy. It was as if she was almost begging to stay there.
"I-I don't tr-trust her...I...."
She looked at the pillow, then
his hands and face ... She examined his whole face for the first time, trying
to understand what he was truly feeling about this awkward scene she had
caused. Of course she wished for the earth to open and swallow her whole, but
there was no point running from what she had made. Aravis had to face the consequences.
Although she was scared of what the Duke might say to her, she believed that he
was the kindest man she had ever worked and stood next to. "Υo-you se-seemed ....up-upset .." she
mumbled, then moved to the edge of the bed, making space for him.
"I am more surprised than upset. It is the first time a Princess has invaded my room."
He said with a bit of a mocking tone. He looked at her, staining his sheets with her tears. It was repulsive, but he stretched his patience and did not comment on it.
"Lily is a trustworthy maid. I would not let her watch over you if I felt otherwise." He explained kindly. "Let me walk you to your room. I will watch over you if that calms you down. But! It won't be for too long."
Those big eyes shone like precious diamonds filled with happiness by his words. Even her heart was ready to jump out of her chest and thank him for being patient and receptive to this childish fear. Without wasting another minute, the young princess happily got up from the bed, fix the nightgown and quickly wiped her nose. Aravis followed him from behind with her hands folding knowing it was a bad idea but she couldn't handle... The nostalgic feeling of having someone next to her singing to sleep or even telling her fairytales was something she had been craving to win for years, and now she somehow managed to regain it. Richard looked from the corner of his eyes at the happy petite princess. He only smirked
' Even if she played it tough, she definitely isn't. She is still a little girl without parents to love her.'
"Are you sure?"
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