Chapter 41: Of Stubborn Kindness and Unwelcome Generosity
Lyria's POV
For several long seconds, neither of the men spoke.
The Duke still looked far too pleased with himself.
Lord Hawthorne, however, seemed less amused.
He frowned faintly and turned his attention toward the Duke.
"Your Grace," he said thoughtfully, "is it truly possible for hunger to alter one's voice?"
The Duke let out another quiet laugh.
"Well," he replied lightly, "we appear to be witnessing the phenomenon directly before us."
His tone carried that same easy amusement that had not left him since my stomach had betrayed me.
"I must confess," he continued, "I find it rather surprising myself."
His eyes flicked briefly toward me again.
"I had no idea hunger could produce such… interesting vocal conditions," he said.
My face burned hotter at his words.
The Duke's gaze settled on me again, bright with curiosity.
"Tell me something," he said. "Have you perhaps not eaten anything today?"
