The footsteps reached her closed door and she saw the shadow of the Duke beneath it. He paused on the other side, she braced herself, and the door swung open.
“Good,” he said from the other side of the doorway. “You’re awake.”
“Oh.” She started to see him there. “You… you came.”
“Did you think I would not?”
I hoped that you would not. But as I am learning more sharply than ever, rarely do I get what I want.
“No, I knew that you would,” she said.
The Duke stayed in the doorway, watching her on the edge of the bed.
The room was darker than it should have been, as the fire was beginning to dim. This had the effect of casting the Duke’s tallframe in mostly shadow, which in turn made him appear more sinister and indomitable than usual. Even foreboding.
He wore just a nightshirt. It was large and hung down to his thighs, which themselves were bare to the skin. The nightshirt was open at the neck, exposing his chest, revealing a matt of thick black hair. In most circumstances, it might have been a sight that would make any girl quiver.
However, as was the Duke’s way, his expression was flat as he looked at her. There was no hunger in his eyes. There was no curve on his lips. It was as if he was waiting for supper to be served, annoyed that it was taking so long, wishing that he was elsewhere.
If he wanted this, if he wanted me, maybe there would be a chance that… no, that was never going to be the case. What’s more, I do not want it to be.
“How have you found everything?” He stepped into the room and closed the door. Thalia jumped at the sound of the lock clicking.
“It has been fine,” she said, still sitting on the bed.
“The staff is helping you?”
“They are.”
“Good,” he said with a single nod, as if the information pleased him. “If they are not, please inform me, and I will see to their discipline.”
“I am sure that will not be necessary.”
He walked toward her. She felt each step through the floor, the vibrations racing up her legs and attacking at her insides. Thalia was shaking from nervous energy, and she labored under the effort to remain calm.
The Duke stopped short of her.
He looked her over, his brow furrowed slightly, those eyes working their way across her body in a way that was calculated. She tried to sit up straight, as if being appraised, and she attempted to meet his eyes but found herself unable.
“You are aware of why I am here?” he asked.
“I am.”
“And?” he continued. “What do you think?”
“I…” She hesitated, not sure what he wanted to hear. “Do you care what I think?”
“Would that surprise you?”
Elena narrowed her eyes, not certain at all where this conversation was supposed to go. Was he trying to make himself feel better? Was he hoping that she would give him permission? Someone, she doubted that very much.
“I accept it. This was what I promised, and I am not one to go back on my word.”
He nodded once with satisfaction. “Good. I would not expect you to.”
Silence then, and it was very awkward.
Thalia had no idea what she was supposed to do. This was her first time, and with a man who she did not care for. She knew that she should stand and go to him. She knew that she would need to kiss him and then hope that he took over. But as things were, she could not fathom how she might do such a thing.
