Silence immediately surrounded us, his eyes still on mine as I stood there, holding my own.
"You may take your seat," he said, breaking the silence.
I sat across from him. His gaze left main as he opened a drawer and retrieved a letter. I watched as he pushed it toward me. The letter was raven black.
Confused, I took it and opened it. My mind instantly recognized the curve of the handwriting.
It was Eric's.
Dear Father,
I pray that this letter finds you in great peace. I apologize for not being in touch; I have been quite busy lately. I know this is sudden and unlike me, but Ivory Coast has become more than a place of learning it has become my new home away from home.
After spending most of my younger years here, I have begun to question something that has weighed on me for quite some time. Do I truly want the throne? I have realized that I do not. I have found happiness and contentment elsewhere. I am happy here.
I wished to tell Mother, but I struggled to find the right words. I understand that doing this through a letter is improper, and I apologize. I wished to do it in person, but Father's recent wedding has made it difficult for me to return. So I write to you instead.
With this, I officially remove myself from the line of succession. I leave it to my elder brother, Miach. I apologize to you and Mother, for I have failed you both. But I say truthfully, I have never been happier.
May you find it in your heart to forgive me. I will visit as soon as summer begins, but I wished to relieve myself of the title first.
Your loving son.
Eric.
A laugh escaped me as I placed the letter on the desk.
"Your Highness, forgive me for asking is this supposed to be a joke?"
The duke leaned back, his expression serious.
"I have not replied yet. I thought it would be fair to show it to you before I respond."
His words sank in. Why would Eric write such a letter? After all the work everything I had done. The blood I had shed. It was all for him to sit in that chair, and he dares to write this shallow letter, speaking of happiness elsewhere.
"What does Your Highness choose to do?" I asked bluntly.
"I am obligated to accept his request. If it is of his own free will, it is his right."
I bit my lip. Eric, that fool. I should not have let him out of my sight. Who filled his head with such foolish ideas? Without the title, he is nothing. He has grown too arrogant.
"As the law states, it must be of his free will," I continued. "But we cannot be sure until he confirms it in person. Simply decline it on the basis that it was not delivered in person."
"Is that what you want me to do?"
"Of course."
"Very well. Then I will not reply."
I watched as he took the letter and tossed it into the nearby fireplace. It shriveled until it was nothing but ash.
I rubbed the bridge of my nose. I would have to put him in his place.
I looked up. The duke's eyes were still on me. He seemed unbothered by Eric's letter. It puzzled me that he had shared it with me. He must not favor Miach much.
"If I may ask"
"Speak.
"Did Lord Greywood meet with you?"
His eyes widened slightly. "Yes. We hunted together not too long ago."
They hunted together, yet he could not even dine with me.
"Has he not met with my lady? If so, that is quite terrible of him," he teased, a grin forming.
"He must have been busy."
"Do not fret. The lord would not leave without meeting you."
His words reassured me slightly. Perhaps I had been overthinking.
"Do you wish to go home?" he asked casually.
The question startled me. I wanted to but Eric, the new consorts, and the upcoming feast made it impossible. I had to stay.
"Unfortunately, I cannot. There is too much going on at the moment. Perhaps when things settle."
"If you say so, my lady. You may leave when you feel free to."
"I thank Your Highness for your kindness," I said, bowing.
"Is that all I get?" he asked, catching me off guard.
"What more can I offer Your Highness?"
"I am still hurt by your recent actions," he said, rising from his chair.
He moved behind me. I remained frozen in place. Recent actions. The words echoed in my mind. What had I done?
"Have I done anything to offend Your Highness?" I asked, confused.
He leaned in, his breath warm against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. His hands rested firmly on my shoulders.
"You have hurt me very much, Caroline. Why do you run from me?"
His words made me clutch my dress. Where was this coming from? I had not run from him.
"It's alright," he continued softly. "I do not want your answers they would not soothe my wound."
He straightened.
"Let us go out tonight," he said. "Like we used to."
He released me and returned to his chair. The warmth of his touch lingered on my skin.
"I will call for you. In the meantime, get ready."
A pause.
"You may leave."