Rose exchanged a confused glance with the man beside her, curiosity written all over her face.
"Your grace, are you fine? You seem lost," she asked, her voice pulling Julian back to reality.
Her words jolted him awake, and he quickly responded, "Yes, I'm fine, Rose. I just had something on my mind."
"What is that thing that made you daydream mid conversation?"
Rose inquired, her tone playful as she tilted her head slightly, inviting him to share.
Before Julian could respond, Raphael, with a teasing grin, chimed in, "Must be some maiden who has captured the young duke's heart."
Julian's cheeks flushed, and he immediately replied, "No, no! It's not like that! I was thinking about war."
His defensive tone only seemed to amuse Rose more. She laughed lightly, the sound bright and melodic, making his heart skip a beat.
