phin

he saw me. The smile that had been

cratic courtship manuals Agatha Foster had shoved at me. His eyes-those deep, intimid

tenderness? I had been given a second chance at life; was

gaze dripping with feigned affectio

had dared interrupt him in such a moment. He stared down at m

lly burned my throat. "You exhaust yourself for the duchy all day. Please, let your serv

d at me without a word. His dark eyes were bottomless, giving nothing away. Had I angered him? Afr

at split second of hesitation, I slipped past his guard. But before I could go further

sed, his voice a lo

pitifully. I noticed his posture relax a fraction at the sight of my submissive,

shudder and stopped completely, gazing up at him like a st

ou doing?"

incredibly sensitive, and the great Dragon-born heir was no exception. Outwardly, I immed

Duchy's influence. But when I feel the calluses on your palms and fingertips, I know

ine-the flattery had definitely hit its mark

e scolded. "Do not

ately dragged out the syllables into a melodious, tea

his lips against mine, silencing me. Knowing I had finally sparked something real, I eagerly took the initiat

, I'd probably wake up with aching joints. I was only here to fulfill my duty as a low-tier mate to breed an heir, not b

and properly dressed myself. Taking the proof of m

disturb your rest any

ace. Perhaps he was used to mistresses who lingered, desperately trying to stay the night or coax him into another

nted was a good night's sleep. Trudging back to the servant's quarters Agatha had arranged for me, I ha

. My position in the castle was secure, at least for now. Letting out a long, heavy sigh, the tight knot of anxiety in my ches

s time to pay your respects t