Evan stopped eating and looked at Ashley. "Are you alright?" He reached and checked on her while Ashley nodded.
"Yes, I am. I was able to defend myself, so she wasn't able to hurt me."
"Physically. How about inside?" Evan asked with a frown.
Ashley got taken aback momentarily as she smiled sadly, "I-I am…."
Evan gritted his teeth and looked back at Clark, "Order the knights; never let Count and Countess Harriston enter here again."
Clark bowed, "As you wish, Your Highness." and walked away.
Ashley looked at him with a frown, "Are you sure about that? Aren't we aiming at making him look like your ally? If we kept our distance-"
"Forget about that. They never considered you their child initially. They tried to hurt and disrespect you even after you became the Grand Duchess."
Ashley nodded as she looked at him, "Alright. I was also tired of making excuses not to meet Count Harriston."
