Queen Farida clapped her hands in delight as she exited the carriage. Duke Dominis’ manor welcomed them with a sight of flowering trees and singing birds. A small army of servants bowed low as the queen came into view under the canopy of the entrance. A few steps and they would be entering into a grand foyer. 

“Welcome to my manor, Your Majesty,” Duke Dominis bowed low and gestured for her to enter with a sweep of his arm. 

Captain Colt guided Her Majesty inside to gasp at the splendor within. Ajax escorted Lady Gyla right behind them. 

“How splendid!” The queen turned to Gyla to nod in enthusiastic approval. “What do you think, Lady Gyla?”

“It is most certainly grand.” Her eyes traced the delicate work along the ceiling. Golden leaves danced across until they met the wall. 

“Thank you.” The duke approached from behind and waved a man over. The steward. “Eyob, the true ruler of this manor,” it elected a laugh from the ladies, “will show you to your rooms so that you may settle and rest.” 

“I hope we still have plenty of time to explore Aedon before the festival…” Queen Farida glanced to the duke for an answer. 

“I assure you we will arrive a week early for the festival. Please rest here for a few days before we continue on.” The duke bowed himself out of the foyer and into a small side room. 

Eyob welcomed both of them with a large grin and showed them to their rooms. 

“I think you should go wander the gardens, Gyla.” The queen came knocking not even five minutes after their luggage arrived in their rooms. 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” She curtsied low and beckoned her guards and maid to follow. 

The gardens consisted of some flowering bushes and a fish pond. A large lawn stretched to the back until strong pines sprouted from the ground. Pinewood fashioned the fence line and a riding trail could be spotted off to the left. 

“I’m afraid my garden is not so grand.” Gyla spun to find the duke once more. 

Naomi curtsied and backed away to give them privacy. Her guards followed. 

“Beauty does not have to be grand, Your Grace.” Gyla offered him the brightest smile she could. 

He returned it with a small one of his own and her heart soared at the sight. He did not have to grin or bare all his teeth for his tight-lipped smiles were just as dazzling and softened his face just so.

“I apologize for my bluntness,” Gyla glanced to the woods and gathered courage.

“Do not be. Say what you wish.” The duke stepped closer, less than arm’s length away, and turned to follow her gaze out across the lawn. 

“I find your smile quite beautiful.” Heat raced down her back at the silence between them. 

“I could not compare to yours, my lady.” Withdrawn. Perhaps, soft and touched? But, Gyla felt a chasm open between them. 

In a moment of nervousness, Gyla laughed. She laughed. This startled the duke as his shoulders jolted and he took half a step from her. 

“I apologize, Your Grace. I am not laughing at you,” she tried to assure him, her gaze found his own cast down to the stones beneath their feet. “It’s just a typical response from a gentleman.”

“Is it?” Eyes hooded, he glimpsed at her flushed cheeks and the smile she failed to hide. 

“Indeed, it is.” Gyla lifted her head and puffed her chest. “I am trying to speak of you, not myself.” 

“I see…” Duke Dominis straightened at her assurance and scanned the forest for a quick moment. “Let us return inside.” 

Unsure of where they suddenly stood, Gyla accepted his offered arm and swept back into the grand manor. 

“Well?” Naomi asked as soon as she returned to her room to prepare for supper. 

“I shall not be the hare, Naomi.” Gyla fluffed her crimson hair and looked at her maid through the mirror. “I’ll never win that way.” 

“A sound plan, my lady.”