Startled at first, Aideen abruptly recoiled from the door, pressing both of her hands against her chest. Although she had indeed been hoping to find Tillian still awake, the princess was now overwhelmed with a strange sense of embarrassment.
The Duke's insistent tone helped her regain her confidence as it seeped through the door once more,
"Please, come inside already, Your Highness; you are making my friends wait."
'Friends?'
Pushing the study door, Aideen stepped inside the room, immediately offering a polite apology she had rehearsed at least a dozen times while on her way to see Duke Valentine,
"Forgive me for bothering you so late, Your Grace. I know you mentioned working most of the time, but I was wondering if I could sit here with you in the study, just to pass the time until I finally calm down and get tired..."
