Lost in thought, Eileen was startled back to reality by a gentle touch on her cheek. When she opened her eyes, she found Cesare's bright crimson gaze fixed on her.
Those same eyes had watched her in the past, now just as intense.
The dark bedroom resembled the Emperor's chamber, but this was the Grand Duchy's bedroom, and Eileen was now the Grand Duchess of Erzet. Cesare's gaze remained unchanged from that day, but the reality surrounding Eileen had transformed completely.
Without thinking, she whispered, "…There was something, actually."
Cesare narrowed his eyes as he held her close, his arms wrapped around her waist. Eileen hesitated, then continued.
"Today, Lady Farbellini… we had a bit of a disagreement, but it was nothing serious…"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt even smaller. Embarrassment washed over her as she mumbled,
