dens, as if even the roses had paused in their blooming to listen. Duke Damien's face broke into a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with somet

th one of the most powerful men in the realm, the church would have a fine match to bless, and my family's tarnished reputation would be poli

bbling within me. Damien's steps were confident beside mine, and he began speaking of his life, filling the air with stories

r often reminds me. My brothers are scattered across the continent - one is a scholar in some distant university, another a knight who

always at grand balls or formal dinners where we exchanged no more than pleasantries. His reputation was solid - a respectab

en I was quite young, leaving me with responsibiliti

o gauge my reaction. I offer

ow so little of your life, Lady Arabelle. Besides, of cour

e me too much credit, Your Grace. Dancing wit

th a grin. "You play with word

offense. "Determination? Is t

uine. "Absolutely. Determination is a f

age wouldn't be so bad after all. His charm wasn't overbearing, and his company was..

ancing in the dappled sunlight. Damien gestured for me to sit, and I obliged, smooth

ment may seem... sudden. And you may wonder why I have

was it - the moment I might final

s a fickle thing - too easily swayed, too unreliable. I have seen too many marriages c

ed despite myself. "And yo

asily swayed by frivolous emotions. You have a clear sense of duty and loyalty - qualities I value abo

ce, or an heir. But Damien spoke of something more substantial - respect, perhaps even eq

, my curiosity getting the better of me. "You speak of

secrets he was not yet willing to share. "That,

urther, he rose from the bench, offering h

an hid behind that charming facade. He was clearly intelligent, but there was a guardedness about him, a veil

upon him as the head of his house. He spoke with ease, his voice smooth like honey, and I found myself relaxing

o him wouldn't be