Chapter 360: A Sea of Faces
Lyria's POV
Duke Thorncrest looked towards Elise, his expression one of exaggerated solemnity.
"Since you have refused to furnish me with a flower," he said, "I believe you shall have to make amends by performing all the introductions for me."
Elise giggled.
Whatever shyness had possessed her earlier appeared to have vanished entirely. She had apparently decided that Duke Thorncrest was the most amusing person she had encountered that afternoon, and I suspected there was very little he could do now to convince her otherwise.
He bent down and, with surprising ease, scooped her into his arms.
She gave a tiny squeak.
Then she laughed.
Her little arms went around his shoulders as he settled her against himself.
"Now then," he said. "Are you prepared for your most important duty?"
Elise nodded vigorously, her braids bouncing with the movement.
"Good girl."
He glanced at her.
"Who is your favourite suitor?"
Elise did not hesitate.
"You."
