Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke: Volume 4 [Parts 1 to 2] by Ichibu Saki

Author:Ichibu Saki
Language: eng
Format: epub

Upon her return to the detached palace that evening, Claire found Vik waiting for her, cheerfully sipping a cup of tea in her living room. Denis yawned as he sprawled on Claire’s couch opposite Vik. From his exhaustion, she gleaned that the pair had come to see her during a busy period in their duties. Had Lui been there, Claire knew, she would likely have had some wisecrack such as, “Just whose room do you think this is, anyway?” but for her part, Claire enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

“Welcome back,” Vik said. “Did you have a good time at the Reines’?”

“I most certainly did,” Claire replied. “I’m having such a lovely time there thanks to you. Today, you know, Isabella said Dion was like a brother to her. It was so heartwarming.”

“Oh? She’s certainly taken a liking to him, hasn’t she?”

“That she has,” Claire agreed. “You know, I have the feeling that I’ll enjoy myself there even more than I did before.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

The warmth in his voice made Claire smile. She sat down next to him on his couch. “No one told me that you would suggest I become the Reines’ governess, so I was quite startled. Thank you very much, Vik.”

“Had I proposed the idea to you beforehand, I’m positive you would have rejected it. That’s why I chose to make it a surprise.”

“Well, I suppose.”

True enough, she realized. Had he come to her before and asked, “Say, what if I put forth to the Reines that you be their governess?” or some such, Claire imagined she would have refused him on the spot. No matter how much the proposition delighted her, she no doubt would have deemed that her responsibility lay elsewhere. Claire was aware of the role she played as fiancée to the throne’s heir, but it seemed to her that it drove Vik mad. Hence why he, not infrequently, skipped asking her permission in this manner.

“I just hate to see you look so forlorn,” Vik said.

“Oh, Vik, I’m not forlorn in the slightest,” said Claire. “I’m wonderfully happy at present, you know.”

“But you always put yourself last, behind other people and the responsibilities of your position, don’t you? That’s why I’d do anything in my power for you. I swear, you will never feel the same pain you once suffered in your first life.”

Claire made no response. She felt as if a simple “thank you” wouldn’t be enough to convey her gratitude for how Vik always thought of her and brought her desires to life.

As she fell silent, unsure of what to say, Vik reached out to touch her cheek. Her heart raced, and she felt a slight heat pool in her cheeks.

But just then, Denis emitted an enormous sigh, and Vik remembered they had company.

“Hey,” Denis said, “could you guys not make googly eyes at each other when Dion and I are around? Sure, none of us want Claire feeling lonely, but I guess the same can’t be said for the guardsmen, huh?”

Claire flushed and darted away from Vik.

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