CHAPTER 7 Part 2

Utterly mortified, Alena was about to tug her hand off the duke's grip with everything she had when Elkhart's deep and prolonged sigh echoed.

"You know, my lord, despite everything..." the general began. "...her family trying to kill you and all... you need to remember something important. Princess Alena is your wife now. The duchess is now your family. So whatever her family's intentions may be, you must be good to her."

Alena focused on the duke’s face.

But the duke remained silent. His face was as inscrutable as ever. The only thing Alena could tell as she stared at him at that moment was the fact that he seemed listening intently to everything the General was saying.

“The princess is truly a good hearted person,” General Elkhart began again, his tone more relaxed now despite the duke's silence. "She's one of the few who truly deserve respect so make sure to treat her well, alright? Like doing some little gestures at least like just asking how her day was."

Still, the Duke didn’t say a word.

"And this is crucial, milord,” Elkhart continued, pausing for emphasis. “Always… always respond to her, no matter what. If she asks you something, no matter how trivial it may be, make sure to respond. And when I mean 'respond', I don’t mean a nod or one-word replies. Engage in the conversation with her, alright?”

Elkhart paused once again, as though ensuring that his words were having the desired impact, before continuing. "She still isn’t familiar with the fact that you’re a man of few words. So, don’t expect her to be like us, who’s not even a bit bothered anymore even if you never say a word. And last but not the least… please… at least try to smile at her. Oh, and I'm talking about a genuine smile.”