Has His Highness learned about the rumor yet?

“Did you assume that I’ll never call you to my room again? I heard that you asked Marc to give the medicine to me instead of you.”

Duke Kyar entered her room and strode towards her.

“Oh, no. It’s not like that.” Isabella stepped back and glanced at him with shaking pupils. “I was just trying to be careful during the night, Your Highness. People might get the wrong idea, you know? Of course, I will still check up on you in the morning.”

“Why? Did the wild rumor bother you so much that you attempted to cover it up by pretending to date Evan?”

“What? No! I don’t care about that.” Isabella lowered her head and whispered, “I was just worried that you’ll be offended by such rumors—-”

She fervently hoped that the Archduke wouldn’t find out about it, but she didn’t expect him to know so soon.

“You were worried about me? You seduce me every night, Isabella.  Now, you’re afraid I’ll be offended to hear such rumors that I’m obsessed with you?”

Warmth flushed her cheeks at the Archduke’s blunt words.

“I think you are offended–”

“Why would I feel bad if it’s the truth? I’m crazy in love with you, Isabella.”

Isabella’s eyes widened.

Everything he just said didn’t make sense.

Did she hear him wrong?

“What?”

As she tried to calm down her beating heart, Isabella gave him an even stare.

Their eyes met and it almost brought tears to her eyes.

The way he looked at her at that moment reminded Isabella of their past.

Duke Kyar’s unwavering gaze was too warm and affectionate as he cupped her cheek with his hand.

He wiped the tears streaming down her face with his thumb.

Duke Kyar muttered bitterly, glancing down at her, “You’re seeing him through me again.”

Isabella’s countenance expressed conflict.

“I’m crazy about you, Isabella. It’s a relief that you aren’t reacting strongly against that fact.” Duke Kyar smirked, his palms cradling her jaw. “I don’t care if you see me as a substitute as long as you stay with me. I’m determined to win your heart in the end.”

She couldn’t respond because his lips had already sunk over hers.

His warm and moist tongue penetrating her parted lips dominated her whole nerves.

Duke Kyar had kissed her as a starving man would. But then he would alternate that roughness with gentle strokes that weren’t like him.

It continued for a long time, and Isabella thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Duke Kyar sucked her lower lip before he released it with regret.

Only then could she finally breathe.

Isabella never took her gaze off him after that.

Was this a dream or a reality?

If this was a dream, she didn’t want to wake up.

“Your Highness.”

“I’m going to expose myself to the people who had spread those rumors, Isabella. Now, you know how much I’m into you.” He murmured, tucking the stray silver strands of her hair behind her ears. “I won’t let them ruin your reputation anymore, so don’t worry. It’s my problem. Not yours.”

She knew that His Highness would be the last person to talk nonsense.

Isabella smiled.

“I’ll have to move your room first.” He said cryptically, and her brows furrowed in confusion.

**

Isabella felt strange as she glanced around her old room.

It reminded her of what happened in the past and the memories she made with the Archduke.

This room had a special place in her heart.

His Highness always visited this room to see her whenever he was free.

“Isabella! Are you back here? I love it! I love this room the most!” Ignis cawed excitedly as he sat by the wide window pane.

It was apparent that that particular spot was his favorite.

“That bird is still noisy.” Duke Kyar scowled at Ignis.

“Do you like this room?” The Archduke looked at her and asked,  “It’s the only place available, and it had the same floor as my bedroom. If you don’t like it, I can move you to another—-”

Isabella waved both her hands in refusal.  “No, I like it. But if I stay here, it might be a little—-”

The Archduke interrupted her and announced, “As long as you like it, you don’t have to think about anything else. The servants will bring your luggage soon. Don’t overthink and sleep well tonight.”

Wow.

Duke Kyar didn’t even hesitate to do this.

Well, it wasn’t like she would stop him.

Isabella also wanted to be as close as possible to His Highness.

“You will also have breakfast with me at the Dining Hall tomorrow. We would go there after you visit my bedroom every morning.”

“What?” Her eyes widened in shock. “I’m eating with you?”

“Get used to it. I’m going to eat with you every day, Isabella.”

It used to be like this.