Chapter 413: The Duke's First Lesson
Lyria's POV
For a while, neither of us spoke.
The words I had just uttered seemed to linger between us.
Duke Valenridge continued to regard me, though his expression had become difficult to read.
At length, he drew a quiet breath.
"That," he muttered, almost to himself, "may prove to be a rather difficult task."
My brows creased.
"For s-some reason, I d-doubt that. Being my anchor cannot be more d-difficult than being yours. N-neither is easier, I m-must say."
He gave a soft laugh.
"Touché, Your Highness."
I smiled despite myself.
He regarded me for another moment before shaking his head slowly, as though arriving at a conclusion he had not entirely anticipated reaching.
"Nevertheless, you are still standing. And, if you would be so kind, I believe you ought to sit before we discuss the particulars of this
sponsorship."
I nearly laughed.
"S-sponsorship?"
"Would you prefer another term?"
"I d-do not know, to be h-honest."
