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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.
âYouâre asking me to what? Not charm your Grandmere?â
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. Heâd been pondering taking them with him whenâifâhe ever returned to the Empressâs Castle.
Autumnâs full red lips tightened. âIf itâs at all possible.â
âWearing this?â He flicked a hand against his chest and studied his gleaming boots to get his eyes off her trim waist. Sheâd been bad enough out in the wild, bedraggled by sun and wind. Autumn in full royal regalia was too much. âImpossible not to charm everyone in sight, Duchess.â
âShe likes her men silent and respectful. If you want her favor…â
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. âIf you try to charm her, sheâll assume youâre requesting my hand. Thatâs how itâs done here.â
He let his grin unfurl. âArenât I?â
âNo,â she hissed. âItâs not a joke. You have no idea what marriage to me would entail.â
He made a considering sound. âSo youâre refusing my proposal out of concern for me?â
She spun to face him and he narrowed his eyes to keep them from straying. âConvince her youâre not interested, and Iâll be in your debt. Is that good enough?â
He waved a hand over his face and dropped the smile. âSilence and respect. For you, I suppose I can do that.â
Her shoulders relaxed and she touched his hand, sending a cool shiver up his arm. âThank you.â
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