(Chapter 50)
As Lorcan Frostborne, the Duke of the North, stepped out of the room, his mind felt heavy. He placed a hand over his chest, trying to understand the turmoil growing within him. This feeling was no longer just desire—it was something deeper, something more genuine. He missed Clarisse.
When his eyes caught sight of Clarisse Faeloria—now Clarisse Faeloria Frostborne—standing with Sasa, his heart filled with certainty: this was love. A foreign yet undeniable emotion. Without realizing it, he smiled, only to quickly cover his mouth with his hand, unwilling to let anyone see this rare softness in him.
However, as Clarisse slowly disappeared from his view, unease crept into his heart. It felt as if he was losing something precious. Lorcan quickened his pace, calling out to her.
Clarisse turned around. Their eyes met, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks, rendering Lorcan speechless. He wondered—was this feeling his alone? Or had Clarisse started to feel the same?
"For me…" Lorcan whispered hopefully.
With quiet authority, Lorcan ordered everyone around them to leave, including Sasa, who immediately complied. Now, it was just the two of them. Lorcan's heart pounded, harder than ever before. In front of Clarisse, he was no longer the cold and indifferent Duke of the North. Here, he was simply a man in love.
"Do you love me?" Lorcan asked suddenly. His voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of his longing and sincerity.
Clarisse froze, caught off guard by his direct question. She took a deep breath, searching for an answer.
"I… I don't know…"
Her response struck Lorcan like a storm.
"I was surprised by your question," Clarisse continued, her voice unsteady. "I don't know if this makes sense… but it feels foolish to say that I'm in love with you. All I can say is… I'm beginning to care for you, Your Grace. The way a wife cares for her husband."
Lorcan stiffened. "That hurts…" he murmured.
Clarisse was startled by the raw pain in his voice.
"I've never felt this before," Lorcan admitted, pressing a hand against his chest. "It's strange. When you speak like that, I feel pain here."
Clarisse gazed at him, moved. Then, with quiet resolve, she stepped closer. In that moment, she made a decision even Lorcan didn't anticipate.
Clarisse kissed him.
It was different from all their previous kisses—this one carried something deeper, something real. In that kiss, Lorcan felt the world stop, and for the first time, he truly understood the meaning of love.
Clarisse, on the other hand, still couldn't fully grasp her emotions. She simply followed her heart, even if admitting it as love was difficult. How could she, someone who had always doubted, now speak of love?
But for Lorcan, it was undeniable. To him, love was real—it existed.
After the kiss, Clarisse smiled bitterly, as if she were on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him.
Without hesitation, Lorcan returned her embrace. The ache in his heart slowly faded.
"You will love me," Lorcan murmured softly, certain of it.
Clarisse looked at him, gently touching his cheek. "Forget what I said earlier. It was nothing but foolishness."
Lorcan nodded slightly, his eyes warm with understanding. He knew their love was still imperfect, but he was sure it would grow in time.
As they kissed once more, the world around them disappeared, leaving only the two of them. Amidst all the confusion, one thing became clear: their love had begun to take root.