Two days ago, Gareth told me that Duke Cedric would like to have dinner with me every Friday. Today is Friday, and I am in my room getting ready for the dinner. Amelia, Lila, and Sofia are here to help me.

I sat in front of the mirror while Lila and Amelia worked diligently around me. Lila carefully arranged my hair, and Amelia adjusted the intricate details of my dress.

“You’re almost ready. I hope you’re feeling alright about tonight,” Lila said, brushing my hair.

“I’m a bit anxious, to be honest. I haven’t dined with someone like the Duke before. I don’t really know what to expect,” I replied nervously.

“I understand. The Duke is... a bit reserved. But you’ll be fine. Just stay calm and be yourself,” Sofia said as she adjusted my dress.

“Yes, you’ve been doing wonderfully so far. Just focus on enjoying the evening. The Duke might be formal, but I’m sure he’ll appreciate your company,” Lila added, smiling reassuringly.

“Do you think I’ll fit in? I don’t know much about how these things are usually done,” I said with a hint of worry.

“You’ll do just fine. It’s clear you have a natural elegance. Just remember to be polite and composed. That’s all anyone really expects,” Amelia said gently.

“And don’t let the Duke’s seriousness throw you off. He’s not someone who mingles easily, but that doesn’t mean he’s unkind. Just follow his lead,” Sofia said with a slight chuckle.

I took a deep breath. “Thank you for the advice. I feel a bit more at ease knowing I have your support.”

“Of course. We’re here for you. If you need anything during the dinner, just let us know. We’ll be nearby to help if needed,” Amelia said.

“And remember, you’re more than capable. Just be genuine, and everything will go smoothly,” Lila encouraged me.

I nodded, feeling a bit more reassured as I glanced at my reflection. With a final touch from my maids, I stood up, ready to face the evening ahead.

“I appreciate everything you all have done. I’ll do my best,” I said.

As I headed towards the dining hall, my heart raced with anticipation, bolstered by the support of my maids. 

The door to the dinning hall opened, "Lady Elara.” the butler announced. I turned in her direction and stood.

My eyes followed her every movement as she gracefully entered the room. The soft glow of the candlelight from chandeliers danced off her flowing dress, highlighting her delicate features. Her warm smile lit up the room as she greeted the butler, who led her towards the table.

She moves with such elegance, each step a delicate dance. How can someone appear so ethereal, yet so real?

Elara’s eyes darted shyly around the hall before settling on me. A soft blush crept up her cheeks, making her look even more innocent and endearing. I couldn’t help but let my gaze linger on her flushed face, noting how her shyness added to her allure.

She seems so innocent, so untouched by the harshness of the world. Her innocence is... captivating.

As she approached the table, my eyes traced the curve of her neck and the delicate lines of her shoulders. She looked up at me through her lashes, her shyness evident in her hesitant steps. I felt a surge of desire.

When she finally stood before me, her eyes met mine with a mix of curiosity and nervousness. Her vulnerability was apparent, and it stirred something deep within me.

Her blush, her timid glances... they’re driving me mad. She doesn’t even realize the effect she has. How can someone be so unaware of their own allure?

I was momentarily lost in the spell of Elara’s presence when the butler cleared his throat, jolting me back to reality. I realized Elara was waiting for me to sit before she could take her place at the table.

“Please,” I said, gesturing to the chair. “You may sit.”

***

As Elara and I took our seats, the butler began to serve the meal. The clinking of cutlery and the soft rustling of napkins filled the brief silence.

I glanced at Elara, attempting a more relaxed tone. “I never got to ask, but I hope the room is to your liking.”

She looked up with a genuine smile. “Yes, it’s beautiful, thank you very much. And the staff have been so kind in helping me settle.”

I nodded with approval. “I’m glad to hear that. You seem to enjoy spending time in the garden.”

I could see the shock on her face as to how I would know this.

 “Yes, I do. I love the smell of flowers. Being outside and surrounded by nature is the only thing that feels nostalgic to me.” She replies.

I smiled, remembering the number of flowers and plants I had noticed in her room a few nights ago.

I noticed the duke observing me struggling with the cutlery. “This so embassing” I thought to myself.

“Do you need help with that?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of genuine concern.

His question surprised me. But before I could respond, he was already on his feet, striding over to me. Unsureof his intentions, I quickly let go of the cutlery, expecting him to assist me with cutting the food.

To my surprise, the Duke came up from behind, his large hands gently enclosing both of mine. "His hands are enormous!" I thought, a blend of curiosity and surprise washing over me.

He guided my right hand to grasp the knife and my left hand to hold the fork. His touch was firm yet gentle, and as he began to cut the steak into small pieces, my heart raced. The sensation of his hands on mine was unexpectedly intimate.

After cutting a few pieces, he took the hand holding the fork and guided it to my mouth. He then let go, but his presence stayed close. As he leaned in closer, his musky scent overwhelmed my senses, intoxicating me, while the warmth of his breath against my ear made me feel lightheaded.

“I’m sure you can take over from here,” he whispered.

After dinner, I bid the Duke goodnight and hurried to my room. The moment I was alone, I collapsed onto my bed and screamed into my pillow, finally letting out all the feelings I had kept in check during dinner. I couldn’t help but replay every detail of the evening in my mind—how Duke’s touch felt, his warm breath against my ear. My emotions swirled with anticipation as I imagined sharing every detail with Lila, Amelia, and Sofia.

Meanwhile, in Cedric's quarters, 

I paced restlessly, grappling with my thoughts. “Why did I do that?” I wondered, confusion gnawing at me. “What’s gotten into me? The butler could have assisted her.” My mind was a whirlwind of doubt and frustration. “Ugh! What was I thinking? She probably thinks I’m strange. I think I am strange.” I muttered to myself, feeling a mix of regret and bewilderment.

As I tried to calm myself, I realized that despite my internal conflict, the memory of Elara’s blush and her reaction to my touch lingered, creating an unexpected turbulence in my usually orderly world.