[Bonus chapter]

"You will not stop me?" it was no more a question as her gaze lingered on his face before meeting his eyes when they deepend, "i am sure his majesty would not accept it nicely." 

"I am here to follow your orders, your grace. And make sure that you are safe. Your majesty did not concern me." his eyes met hers with assurance that made her heavier than before.

She would have felt better if he had refused to oblige. She dragged her feet with pulsing veins.

The maids followed her confused. They wanted to stop her but at the same time they did not want to offend her further. Their wide eyes staring at Ana with helplessness until Luke came back.

Emma follows him with hasty steps.

He looked at the flushed face of Ana and then maids following her with a pale look.

"What happened?" It has only been minutes since he left the duchess. And he was sure that she was full of joy and arrogance. Then what changed?