EVIE
She narrowed her eyes at the Duke as her hands flew and crossed over her chest. "I do not understand, your grace. Why do you not want me to be the queen now?"
As she asked that, his face became stern and serious. "I just do not want you to be harmed, Lady Evie." His voice became softer and more thoughtful.
His silver-gray eyes gazed at her intently as he leaned forward, his palms touched her elbows.
"Will I be harmed if I become the Queen?" She tilted her chin and faced him without batting her eyelashes.
The Duke's face turned grim, and a flicker of anger glinted in his eyes. It was an expression that she has not seen before with the Duke. "I just learned recently that many will take advantage of you. And I do not want you to experience it."
Evie nodded her head as she pulled out her arms from his grasp and put them behind her back. "I understand your concern. But I can take care of myself."