When the Duke leaves, he tells me that he won't come back for a couple of days. I nod, apparently uninterested. In truth, I'm glad that for once he let me know about his schedule. It makes me feel a bit more relevant.
I also get permission to use the study at my discretion, which means that I won't get out of there for the whole time.
When the Duke has left, the maids walk in and start with my usual morning routine. After finishing dressing, I walk out of the room and bump in a messenger.
«From his grace, Duke of Kyre,» he exclaims. «This is a gift to thank his wife of taking care of him.»
My lips tremble for a second while I wonder whether he's doing this on purpose. But then, I look at the box. In it, there is a necklace with a giant, yellow gem. It's beautiful and expensive: I'll be able to show it around for a while.
«Tell him that his wife likes the present,» I reply and grab the necklace before walking away. I wear it by myself.
