Aria hesitated, "My lord, why should I call you by your name? You're a powerful and feared lord. I shouldn't be so familiar."
Lord nigel gently took her hand. "Just call me nigel," he said softly.
Aria's curiosity got the better of her. "But why... why do you love me? Why me?"
Just as Lord nigel was about to respond, a knock at the door interrupted them. "Enter," he called.
The physician bowed upon entering. "My lord, I've come to complete the treatment and administer some medication."
Lord nigel nodded. "Go ahead."
As the physician continued to tend to Aria, Lord Miguel grew impatient. It seemed like an eternity since the physician had begun, and Lord nigell longed to be alone with Aria again.
Finally, the physician announced, "I'm done, my lord."
Lord nigel's expression turned dismissive. "You may go."
The physician bowed and departed.
As the physician departed, Lady Charlotte entered the room. "My lord, I brought some food for Aria," she announced.
Lord nigel inquired, "Who prepared it?"
"I did, my lord," she replied.
Lord nigel's eyes narrowed slightly. "Eat some of it first," he instructed Lady Charlotte, his tone cautious.
Lady Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise. "My lord, do you think I'd poison this food?"
Lord nigel's expression remained serious. "I know you wouldn't, but just eat some of it first."
Lady Charlotte scooped up a small portion of the food and ate it, demonstrating its safety.
After sometimes,lady charlotte supported aria to take her bath and she dressed in one of lord Nigel's comfortable clothing..Lord nigel made sure she was in the bed.
Meanwhile, Aria began to feel unwell, her fatigue worsening. She lay down, panting slightly.
Lord nigel turned to her, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong?"
Aria whispered, "I have an headache and stomachache."
Lord nigel reassured her, "We'll just rest for a bit, okay? You'll be fine."
Lady Charlotte watched the exchange, a warm smile spreading across her face. This was what she had always wanted to see – Lord nigel showing affection and care for someone.
****************************
Davina was seen conversing with a group of men, her voice low and urgent. "I want you to do a clean job, and I'll pay you handsomely," she promised.
The men exchanged curious glances. "What do you want us to do, madam?" one of them asked.
Davina's expression turned cold. "There's a maid at Ashwood Palace. I want you to capture her and bring her to me. If that's not possible, kill her. I'll reward you generously."
The apparent leader of the group spoke up, his voice confident. "Don't worry, madam Davina. We're professionals. We can enter the palace undetected. Who is the target?"
Davina produced a sketch from an unknown source, revealing a likeness of Aria. "This is the person I want you to eliminate."
*************************
Aria slept for a while and woke up to an empty room. She scanned her surroundings, still trying to process the events that had transpired. The Lord of Ashwood, a man feared by many, had shown her kindness and affection.
Aria's face flushed as she felt honored by his attention. With renewed energy, she stood up and began exploring the room. Her eyes landed on a small box, which she picked up, and inside, she found the cheap bead bracelet that she had been searching for.
She remembered seeing the bracelet in the village square and buying it for herself. It was a simple, inexpensive trinket, but she loved it,besides aria couldn't understand why Lord nigel, a man of great wealth and power, would fall for someone like her, especially when there were many richer and more refined ladies dying for his attention.
The door burst open, and Lord nigel entered,He stood by the door for a moment, his eyes locked on Aria, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"You're awake," he said, his voice gentle.
Aria's nerves still lingered. "Yes, my Lord," she replied.
Lord nigel's smile faltered slightly. "I told you, don't call me that," he said.
Aria hesitated. "You won't blame me, I'm not comfortable calling you by your name. I've been calling you Lord nigel for a very long time."
Lord nigel's expression softened. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it soon," he reassured her.
Lord nigel approached Aria slowly, his eyes locked on hers. Aria sat on the bed, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness.
As he drew closer, Lord nigel bent his head to meet her gaze. "There was a time I wanted to kiss you, and you told me you were on your period. Why did I feel like that was a lie?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Aria's smile was shy, but her eyes sparkled with mirth. "Of course, I lied," she admitted. "I'd never been kissed before, and the thought of being kissed by you was overwhelming."
Lord nigel's eyes sparkled with intent. "So, can I kiss you now?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
Aria's eyes widened in surprise, but before she could respond, Lord nigel's lips rested on hers.
This time, Aria didn't resist. She was swept up in the moment, entranced by Lord Miguel's captivating scent and the perfection that was him.
Slowly and gently, Lord nigel's lips brushed against Aria's. As they kissed, Aria felt herself melting into his embrace.
As Aria's lips met Lord nigel's, she finally experienced the gentle caress of his kiss. His lips were incredibly soft, with a delicate, pinkish hue that left her enchanted.
Aria felt deeply honored to be kissed by him, as if she were melting into his tender touch. The sensation was overwhelming, and she couldn't help but feel cherished in his arms.
Lord Miguel gently laid Aria on his bed, his fingers deftly unbuttoning her upper clothing. Aria's heart raced with anticipation, her mind whirling with uncertainty.
"What is Lord nigel about to do?" she thought, her breath catching in her throat.
As Lord nigel removed Aria's upper clothing, exposing her bare shoulders and only her bra, she felt a surge of shame and fear. Her eyes widened in alarm, and she couldn't believe the situation she found herself in.
Lord nigel paused, sensing her distress. He removed his body from hers and began to undress himself. Aria's anxiety grew, realizing that things were escalating.
She called out, "Lord nigel!" but he corrected her, "It's nigel, don't call me Lord nigel. Just nigel."
Aria felt a strange sensation saying his name. "Nigel, I haven't done this before," she admitted, her voice trembling.
Lord Miguel's expression softened. He gently lifted her chin, his touch loving. "I know," he whispered "And I haven't either.... But I will be gentle."