Instead of following my suggestion to leave the room, the Duke grabs my hands and kisses my fingers. I wouldn't be so bothered by this if there weren't so many people around us.
It was me that asked him to let them think that he favours me, but this is a bit too much.
Before he can touch my face, though, I stop his hand.
«The makeup is still fresh,» I remind him before the maids can start losing consciousness because of my rejection. They better get used to it, though. I start to feel bothered by their gasps of surprise and fear.
«Will you come with me at a public lunch, my Duchess?» the Duke asks as if nothing happened. Either he's very, very easygoing or he's used to being countered so often.
Up to a few days ago, he was an Archduke and an older cousin of the Emperor. He's still the next in line for the throne, so I don't think just anyone would dare to treat him like I'm doing now.
But I can't resist!
