"Ivana, don't mention her again, I really don't want to hear about it," Lucas Walker wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his face in her chest. "Now... I just want to be quiet for a bit."
Not saying another word, Ivana simply raised her hand to cradle his head, gently smoothing his hair with her fingers.
Under her soothing touch, Lucas gradually relaxed.
Ivana eased him onto the pillow, gently smoothing the frown lines from his forehead, staying with him until he fell asleep in her arms. She then carefully withdrew her arm, cover him with a thin blanket.
She tiptoed out of the room, only to find that the old butler was already standing outside the door.
"How is the duke?", the old butler asked in a low voice.
"He's asleep." Ivana nodded towards the study across the hall, "Let's talk inside!"
The two of them entered the study, one after the other, and the old butler began to speak in a hushed tone.
