[A/N: Has Yuri. Please skip the chapter if you dislike it. A TLDR will be given at the chapter's end for the important bits of this chapter.]
…..
After her momentary burst of shock, Rivera calmed down and tried to make sense of the situation. She couldn't comprehend the Prince's words so far.
Lith took a sip of tea and said while looking into Rivera's eyes, "You deserve my attention, Duchess. Your loyalty has moved me. There's nothing to feel surprised about."
Rivera placed her palm on her chest and asked, "My apologies for being so audacious, Your Highness, but could you please elaborate on this?"
Lith put the teacup down and walked up to Rivera. He turned her chair to face him and bent down to bring his face closer to hers.
Placing a finger under her chin and gently lifting it up, he stared into her red eyes.
Ba-dump! Ba-dump! Ba-dump!
Rivera's fastened heartbeat could literally be heard by Lith.