The duke felt his heart might stop the moment Leonor appeared before him. The color of her dress suited her olive skin. She showed herself more than normal and his heartbeat quickened so much he wanted to sit down.
As usual, she was modest. There wasn't anything inappropriate about the clothing she wore. However, she was showing enough to remind him what he thought he would one day see more of when he was merely 18 years old.
The thoughts of having her as a prize on the other side of the war when he was still Valerio carried him through the bad moments. It was his reality until a dragon appeared before him and ruined his life's plans.
He had been hotheaded since King Stephano arrived. Her angelic appearance made him want to lock her indoors.
He didn't want anyone else to set their eyes on Leonor. If he could hardly look at her, much less touch her, why should anyone else have that privilege?
