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Lux paused in smoothing his golden hair to stare down at Autumn. Her royal blue gown that fell like a waterfall over her hips and made her creamy skin glow.
āYouāre asking me to what? Not charm your Grandmere?ā
She cut her gaze across his blue suit. Royals tailors had descended upon him yesterday and produced a marvelously fitted concoction of cream, travelers blue, and gold. Heād been pondering taking them with him whenāifāhe ever returned to the Empressās Castle.
Autumnās full red lips tightened. āIf itās at all possible.ā
āWearing this?ā He flicked a hand against his chest and studied his gleaming boots to get his eyes off her trim waist. Sheād been bad enough out in the wild, bedraggled by sun and wind. Autumn in full royal regalia was too much. āImpossible not to charm everyone in sight, Duchess.ā
āShe likes her men silent and respectful. If you want her favor…ā
He raised a brow.
Autumn sighed and turned back to the arched doors that led into the throne room. The liveried guards remained at attention. āIf you try to charm her, sheāll assume youāre requesting my hand. Thatās how itās done here.ā
He let his grin unfurl. āArenāt I?ā
āNo,ā she hissed. āItās not a joke. You have no idea what marriage to me would entail.ā
He made a considering sound. āSo youāre refusing my proposal out of concern for me?ā
She spun to face him and he narrowed his eyes to keep them from straying. āConvince her youāre not interested, and Iāll be in your debt. Is that good enough?ā
He waved a hand over his face and dropped the smile. āSilence and respect. For you, I suppose I can do that.ā
Her shoulders relaxed and she touched his hand, sending a cool shiver up his arm. āThank you.ā
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