Published at 8th of June 2022 06:17:47 AM

Meek as she was, the girl was blunt. Little that she thought wasnt spoken aloud. Shed had much to say about the elders of Mille and Elo, and her intense dislike of them. Giving up the lives of their people to join with monsters, shed said.

Certainly, if the elders are enemies of man, it was wise to ask Delrose for help, Ilyin said after a moment, Id have done the same.

Its a reasonable decision, Aden agreed. Delrose had the master, after all. Her actions did make since. But he still couldnt keep the worry from his eyes, or the shadow from his expression.

But how could you let an intruder come in as a guest? he asked.

Shes a lady of the Mille family, Ilyin answered with an innocent smile. She had only come to winter a short time ago. The politics of the houses still eluded her. Hospitality to the girl was the best decision she could make.

Ive told you multiple times, Aden sighed. He couldnt find fault in what she did. His exasperation was more from simple worry. He leaned in closer, his voice softening to a whisper.

Put yourself first above everything. Not Delrose, not me.

Thats why I didnt dismiss Etra, she replied.

Of course, she hadnt been alone with Rippo. Etra had stayed, under the pretense of serving them. There was a rule that maids werent allowed in when they were dealing with important guests, but Ilyin had suspended that rule for cautions sake.

Even so he said. He closed his eyes. He couldnt scold someone he loved. His blame would have to go elsewhere.

Im going to put the responsibility for this on the person in charge of the mansions defense.

The lady of Mille had used Setoze to hide her sound. Shed climbed down the wall from the roof and they had indeed found the rope, as shed said. But she was still visible, and to not see her as she climbed down that was enough for him to blame the person in charge.

Emil is doing enough, she said soothingly, as if trying to calm him out of the idea, he couldnt have imagined Setozes ability. None of us could. No harm was done. We just have to make sure something of this sort doesnt happen again.

So, are you telling me not to punish Emil? Aden asked.

Ilyin smiled. Their eyes met.

Is it too much to ask?

Her lips curled into a soft smile that seemed to light her eyes. Her cheeks blushed slightly from the warmth, or some other reason? Aden brushed her cheek despite himself.

Are you worrying someone else will climb in my window?

I am, he breathed. He pulled her closer until their lips almost touched.She smells like summer, he thought. If only she knew how talk of someone else affected him, how seeing her pushed all other thoughts from his mind.

His eyes shined with hunger, but Ilyin wasnt finished.

Im more worried about you than Emil, Den.

Ilyin grabbed his hand, and he felt himself weakened by her soft touch. He seemed helpless with her.

I worry about you Den.

Aden didnt need fear to rule. From what she had seen, the Delrose was already Adens people and not because of fear. Those that feared him had left already. The Red Delrose that remained were his.

She didnt want him to punish them over small mistakes. She worried for them, but more for him if he took that path.

Be a generous master.

Her delicate hand covered his strong one, lifted their intertwined hands to her forehead.

Aden, for yourself.

Aden sighed; His gentle laughter tickled her forehead.

Youre whispering these things in bed

It wasnt typical pillow talk. Aden brushed her hand gently.

Become a generous master, he said.

His hand traveled up Ilyins arm, rounded her shoulder. He traced lightly up her neck to caress her face. How could he not listen to one so lovely? But that didnt mean he had to like it. He put on a cold expression, hardened his voice.

then can you calm my anger?

Ilyin couldnt help but smile at his performance. Her pale hand touched his cheek. His skin was cold the Duke of Winter, indeed. Her thumb grazed his cheek soothingly.

How can I persuade you? she asked. She had a serious tone, but her eyes still smiled.

Even Emil, whod served him for more than 10 years, faltered when his expression went cold. Even Idith, whod served him longer than anyone, or Milo, whod done much to earn his trust. Everyone else shuddered under his icy gaze. But not Ilyin. Perhaps it was the scent of summer that clung to her, but his coldness collapsed whenever he touched her.

He couldnt hold his serious faade. It dropped with a smirk, and he kissed her on the nose.

Speak sweet words to me, he said. Shake me with your scent.

And tell me you look only at me, he added silently.