Exchanging letters with Henry's advisors only put more problems on his plate.
His dream of having a peaceful summer where he stayed around the Duke's Tower and managed everything from the comfort of his own home would remain as such. He had been advised that a duke should take a yearly trip around his dukedom to retain a good image for those who lived on his lands.
While Henry did enjoy traveling, the true reason for his hesitance to leave was due to Irene.
He had gotten comfortable in their routine of seeing one another each night and holding her in his arms. The thought of not being able to kiss her each night sounded like misery. He felt pathetic but the truth was alive in his heart.
Despite his resistance, the inevitable arrived and he set off with a few of his knights to visit the surrounding villages and make sure that the people were well taken care of. That was his utmost priority after all.
