*Duke Sable*

Lili’s dancing reminded me of her mother. My dear Alyssa used to have that same color hair, such a foreign violet color, always reminding me of the orchids she used to love. Seeing Lilian sit and chatter when that merchant walked over I presumed it would be trouble. 

“I see you miss her already.” Duke Asmus said, his steps stopping besides me. 

“She is my daughter.” Turning to look at him his eyes were fixated on Lili.

“And I’ll be sure to make her happy Duke.” His words felt heavy on me, knowing how Lili felt about all of this, “She’s got good friends.”

I nodded, “That she does.” I saw Lili look at us, signaling her to come over, “If you don’t mind now, I’d like to have a chat with my daughter.”

Asmus grinned, taking a step back as he got lost in the crowd. I on the other hand headed to the balcony, waiting until i saw Lili come in. 

“You wanted to speak with me.” her words were sharp, eyes glaring at me.

“Now Lili, don’t be so rigid. I was hoping you’d be having a better time today.” Although she’d been smiling the way she’d grab at her dress when she thought no one was looking, or how her eyes fell at the mention of the Duke where worrying. 

“Well forgive me father, I was hoping today never came.” Of course she’d say that.

“This is for the best Lili, you can’t expect to be with-” 

“Is he really what this is about? You trying to make me see he and I can’t ever be?” I’d hoped she had grown past this affection she had for the merchant long ago, but she just seemed to always be drawn to him. 

“Not entirely.”I looked at the floor, pinching the bridge of my nose, “There is no better suitor for you than a duke-”

“Tell me the truth.” 

I don’t know what other truth she could be expecting, “The Duke is a competent man.” I stared at her, seeing she wanted something else, “he knows his way around politics, he’s a part of the council even. He’s a smart man who knows enough about the economy to make sure you live as extravagant as you want, but most importantly he’s got eyes for you.” I sighed, taking a deep breath, “Even if you don’t love him at least this way I can make sure you’re not the one getting hurt.” 

All I want is to make sure she can be happy, that she can be looked after. 

“But you hurt me with this marriage instead.” Hearing that was like seeing the child who ran around the garden calling herself a fairy all over again. 

I felt a knot on my throat looking at her, the feeling of having all eyes on me like I’ve done something wrong, “Well hate me.” Saying that in a whisper made me feel even worse, “I’m willing to go to much farther lengths to ensure you have a good life Lili, even if you don’t want me in it.”

Seeing her lips pout as she sucked in a breath, her eyes welled up, “You’re doing it again.” Her hand clenched up and teeth gritted, “I hope I never turn out like you.” Lili pointed at me, “If mother was here she’d agree, she’d be so ashamed of you.”

“Lili stop.” My voice came out hoarse, “If she really were here, she’d still be in that asylum, she wasn’t well. She was sick, she couldn’t make decisions like this.” 

She pushed me, slamming her clenched hand against my chest, “You put her there! You locked her up! It’s all you fault!” Her voice was loud enough to be heard inside, her screams wouldn’t stop, “I hate you! You hurt her! It was all you!”

I could see people starting to move towards the balcony doors, “Your dignity Lili.” I snapped, feeling a pull at my coat as i felt her glare at my face, “This has to stop.” I grabbed her hands, “You can curse me all you want when your reputation isn’t at stake.”

I saw the door start to open, grabbing Lili in a hug, speaking loud enough for all those at the door to hear, “You can come visit any time dear, there’s always going to be a place for you.”

Looking up at the door Asmus was the one walking in, taking a stand by the door holding his head down. 

I patted Lili’s head, looking down as I smiled, “Go enjoy your night.” the tears streaming down her face where a harsh contrast to the glare she had on me. She took a deep breath before she turned over to Asmus. 

“Excuse me for my outburst, I got sentimental.” She said. 

Asmus looked at her without a doubt in his eyes, “You don’t have to explain.” he grabbed her hand in his turning towards me a second, “I’m sorry for interrupting.”

They left pretty quickly, and I stayed outside. My chest was hurting, reaching into my pocket for my handkerchief, drying out my coat. I made a mistake in calling Lili over, I should have just let her be.