INEXORABLE

Ash and Sir Evan exchanged glances the moment Duke Aurelian spoke. Without wasting a second, Ash quickly instructed Sir Evan, "Please go ahead to Lady Liandra. I'll follow shortly."

Still taken aback by the duke's abrupt summons, Sir Evan gave a small nod. "As you wish, Ms. Ash," he replied calmly before turning to acknowledge the duke with a brief bow. Then, without further delay, he headed toward Liandra's room.

As soon as Sir Evan departed, Duke Aurelian began walking briskly, motioning for Ash to follow. She trailed behind him obediently, her steps composed and unhurried. Despite her efforts to maintain grace, his long strides created an unavoidable distance between them.

Ash had anticipated that the duke might confront her eventually, given his demeanor the night before, but she wasn't sure what to expect from this encounter. Her last meeting with him had already left her unsettled.

Before long, they arrived at the palace's glasshouse—a place Ash had never visited before. The sight took her breath away. It looked like something out of a fairytale: vast, radiant, and brimming with vibrant flowers whose calming fragrance filled the air.

Duke Aurelian seated himself first, and Ash followed suit, settling onto a brass-colored chair. Moments later, a maid appeared seemingly out of nowhere, pushing a wooden trolley laden with tea and refreshments.

Ash watched in silence as the maid carefully poured black tea into an intricately designed ceramic teacup. She avoided looking directly at the duke, though she could feel his sharp gaze fixed intently on her.

Once the tea was served, Ash offered the maid a polite smile. "Thank you," she said softly. The maid nodded and stepped back.

With a subtle gesture of his chin, the duke dismissed the maid. She bowed and exited swiftly, leaving the glasshouse in silence.

Duke Aurelian picked up his cup and took a sip, the sound breaking the stillness. His eyes, however, never wavered from Ash.

"You're not drinking your tea," he remarked, his tone cool and pointed.

Ash glanced at the teacup before lifting it to her lips. She sipped quietly, careful not to make a sound, her face remaining calm as always.

The duke placed his cup back on the saucer with a distinct clink. His presence radiated authority, a silent command for attention. Leaning slightly forward, he spoke again.

"Ms. Ash," he began, his voice measured, "I brought you here to discuss your intentions regarding my dear sister."

Ash straightened in her seat, meeting his piercing gaze with poise. "Your Grace, my intentions are sincere. I deeply cherish and value Lady Liandra," she said firmly.

The duke leaned back, scrutinizing her. "It's hard to believe that someone who claims to be a mere acquaintance can bring such joy to my sister. Surely, there's more to this than you admit."

Ash maintained her composure. "Your Grace, I understand your reservations. However, my friendship with Lady Liandra is founded on trust, mutual respect, and genuine care for her well-being. I have no hidden motives."

The duke's gaze narrowed, searching for any cracks in her resolve. "And your background, Ms. Ash? I know nothing of you or your origins. It's only natural for me to be cautious when it comes to those entering my sister's life."

Taking a steadying breath, Ash realized this was a pivotal moment. While revealing the truth about herself might complicate matters, honesty seemed the best course.

"Your Grace, I come from modest beginnings. I've faced challenges and hardships that I prefer to keep private, not to deceive but to protect Lady Liandra. I hope you can understand."