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Almost squeezed in his tight embrace, I simply blinked. Haven emitted the scent of the winter morning that had hurriedly made its way from the night.
When I realized his cloak, touching my cheek, was cold and wet, Verdi’s voice reached my ears.
"Your Grace, Her Majesty has not yet dressed properly..."
Haven, who had been burying his face in my shoulder, lifted his head at Verdi's voice. He saw me in my pajamas and, with a startled look, hastily pulled up the gown I had draped over just one arm to cover my shoulders.
"Please wait outside for a moment, Your Grace," said Verdi, approaching me and bowing to Haven.
Even as he hesitated and stepped back upon hearing the maid's suggestion, given as she carried out her duties, he couldn't let go of the end of my gown's sleeve.
I couldn't help but smirk at his pleading look and told Verdi, "No, it's okay, Verdi. Would you step out for a while?"
