I walked to the duke's office with thoughts swirling about how to explain things to him. I knew why he had summoned me, and while that didn't bother me, the idea of having to explain everything to him made me uneasy. How was I supposed to articulate the complexities of my feelings and decisions?
"Duke, it's me, I'm coming in," I said, knocking once before pushing the door open. Mother was seated on the couch by the corner, engrossed in some documents. She looked up when I entered and smiled warmly.
"Rose," she called, gesturing at the space beside her for me to sit down. I glanced at the duke, who maintained a straight face, his eyes scrutinizing me intently.
"I know why you called me," I said as I took my seat, my voice steady despite my inner turmoil.
"You know, and?" he asked, his tone demanding yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.
