Chapter 212: A Promise of the Ball
Lyria's POV
I was quiet for a while.
The words lingered between us like something delicate that might shatter if either of us moved too quickly.
The Duke's expression had shifted. Not entirely away from amusement, but something softer now sat beneath it—something expectant, as though he already knew my answer and was simply waiting for me to confirm it aloud.
The truth was rather simple.
I could not remain.
The Queen had ordered me to keep the dates brief. Five minutes. No more. And I had already lingered far beyond that limit.
It would be wiser to leave now. To retreat to my chambers before the Queen learned how long I had stayed. To avoid placing myself directly in the path of her wrath.
I exhaled slowly.
"I have t-things I must attend to, Your Grace," I said at last.
Duke Thorncrest blinked.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he tilted his head slightly.
"Are those things more important than me?" he asked.
I paused.
