"Oh..." The duke sighed. He couldn't refute the king's words because it would be considered treason. So, he could only nod and hide his disappointment. "Understood, Your Majesty. I will not insist."
"However," Mars smiled. "I am sure Lord Edgar wouldn't mind if you just invite him for tea. That way, you can show that you are grateful, and he wouldn't feel burdened by your gifts."
Both parties were silent. They thought about the king's words and finally nodded in unison.
"I can do tea," Edgar said with a smile. "Please, Lord Langley, I don't want anything from you. I didn't know Lady Clara was your daughter. I would have saved her even if she was a peasant. I am not used to accepting gratitude from people I helped because, usually, we don't cross paths again."
