Ellen blinked her eyes.
“Oh, so the current Duke, he…your father…”
“That’s right. We didn’t shed a single tear. Actually, I could have even danced on top of his decapitated body. Although I didn’t, as there were the watching eyes of other soldiers.”
River had a wicked smile and continued to speak.
“My brother stayed abroad with His Majesty the Iron King for years. Meanwhile, I took knight lessons under Count Gribeck. Then, after my brother came back, executed my father and took over the Duke’s title, I also returned to the duchy as a vassal. But we had both been apart for too long. We ended up not knowing how to treat each other. He feels guilty about me, and I want him to shake his guilt off. The only time our hearts are on the same wavelength is when we hug a woman.”
Ellen blinked again and looked at him with an incredulous look. River grinned.
“We sometimes share women. Preferably a woman with great discretion. If not for these moments, my brother would never lay with a woman. I usually seduce her, and we embrace her together.”
Ellen’s eyes widened.
“T-t-then…”
“Shh.”
He kissed her lightly on the lips and pressed his forehead against hers.
“If it was for this purpose, I would have chosen a woman with a lot of experience. But you’re different.”
If it was the case, then she couldn’t figure out why he was talking about this. Her heart pounded for a different reason than before. She was afraid. Afraid to be told a story she did not want to hear. At the same time, she was intrigued. Why was he telling her such a private story? The inside story of the Duke family had to be full of secrets.
“My brother told me about you. That he met you at Her Majesty’s chambers. And that you said to Her Highness that she must attend the party. He told me those kinds of stories.”
Ellen curled her lips and frowned slightly.
“Yes, we talked about the Kingdom Foundation Day celebration party that day. Her Majesty refused to attend, and His Majesty always let her do as she wants. So…”
“My brother is completely devoted to His Majesty. And therefore, his devotion extends to Her Majesty. It seems my brother felt your loyalty towards Her Highness quite attractive.”
Ellen frowned.
“There are a few people in the palace who are loyal to Her Majesty. I’m not the only one.”
“But not many people care about the fact that Her Majesty has to attend the party. You’re absolutely loyal to people you care about, aren’t you? You value Her Majesty very much, don’t you?
Ellen looked down and mumbled as she rubbed her finger under his collarbone.
“Her Majesty gave me a chance. Although she did not have to. There were a lot more people more fitted to be her maid of honor than I am, but she felt sorry for me and gave me a chance. She’s sweet and nice. She has no reason to listen to the harsh words of the nobles.”
“Her Majesty is sweet and kind. And most of all, she has an eye for good people. She knew you’d make a great maid. Just as I noticed you’d be a good match for us.”
Ellen looked at him with eyes of incomprehension. As River stroked her lips softly with his fingers, he whispered.
“Help me. Connect me with my brother.”
“Me? How can I…”
“Just as I’m attracted to you, so is my brother. But as long as you think you’re my woman, my brother won’t do anything. Let us both know that you’re a good woman, and that you’re a perfect match for both of us.”
Ellen’s eyes grew bigger. Her breath got stuck in her throat.
“I-I can’t. It’s, I’m, it’s… ”
“Why?”
Dozens of reasons came to mind, but only one came first.
“He’s the Duke!”
“Then, you’re letting me into the same bed because I’m not the Duke, is that it? Geez, I’m hurt, Ellen.”
Ellen grew red at River’s playful words.
“No, that’s not what I meant, but it’s…”
God, she didn’t know how to explain to him. She still did not understand how she had been caught, but now she had to come forward and seduce the Duke?! Did he really think that was possible?