The uncomfortable silence inside the Duke's study magnified every single move, making it thunder through the room with unusual volume. The cluttering of cutlery resonated like the clanking of swords and spears, while every movement made by both Tillian and Aideen sounded like the rustling of dry branches and leaves against the harsh wind.
It was unbearably awkward, and that awkwardness was almost palpable.
Though determined to resolve their unnecessarily complicated situation at first, once the princess entered his study and took a seat across his desk, Duke Valentine found himself at a loss on how to proceed.
At last, with a quick and generous sip of red wine to fuel his dying courage, the man cleared his throat and began,
"So, Your Highness... Stanis tells me you are showing quite a noticeable progress in your studies. How is it going? Is it hard? Do you enjoy your lessons? Because if that imbecile is giving you a hard time or refusing to––"
