Just let me sleep!

Chapter 6

Chapter 6
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I kept my gaze on the door, not listening to my surroundings, knowing that any minute now, the door would swing open. And so they did.

My breath as if trapped in my throat.

He strides in, his posture neat and confident, every movement deliberate. Possessing a commanding height that adds to his imposing presence. His smooth-looking skin on his face brightened under the rays of the sun. A strong jawline and high cheekbones along with muscular facial features, give him a rugged look.

A lock of midnight blue hair falls across his forehead, slightly tossed aside as he had pushed it away moments ago. His piercing blue eyes, cold and intense, survey the room with a sharp and analyzing gaze that seems to miss nothing.

His expression is stoic, almost impassive as if he keeps his emotions tightly controlled beneath the surface. There's a hint of tension in his features, a subtle furrow of his brows that suggests a mind always at work, perhaps preoccupied with thoughts or concerns beyond the immediate surroundings.

He is dressed impeccably in a tailored uniform, the fabric dark and elegant, showing his lean and muscular frame. The suit jacket fits him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and trim waist. A crisp navy blue shirt underneath buttoned to the collar decorated by a silver pocketwatch adds a touch of casual elegance to his otherwise formal attire.

As he moves further into the room, his steps are neat and quiet, his presence radiating a noticeable aura of authority and confidence. Despite his cold demeanour, there's an undeniable concern with him, drawing glances and curiosity from those around him.  His presence itself overwhelming for anyone in this room, including me, well strangely not this body, this body was way too calm, but my mind and consciousness couldn't even think about being calm.

" Lord Tru-" started the older red loudspeaker just to be cut by the duke's stern glance. My eyes trailed over his uniform. Oh, how many times did I see him wearing this uniform? I couldn't remember any other clothes but this. 

The duke moved his long legs elegantly and walked over to my bed. Looming his gaze down at my small body, compared to him I was just like a small chestnut.

I gulped as my gaze met his. He suddenly squatted down to my level, putting his knees on the ground, wrapped his large, muscular hands around me.

[!]
I was startled but at the same time I was speechless, there were no thoughts in my mind, nothing. As if they would rather escape than have to experience this.

His grip was tight but gentle, I could feel his arms slightly trembling.

" Oh.. Theo.. I was so worried.."
The dude whispered. The embrace was firm, but lacking the instinctive warmth that usually accompanies a father's hug. His arms wrapped around my shoulders, but there was a noticeable stiffness in my body language, as if unsure of the situation. There's a subtle disconnect, a gap between the physical closeness and emotional intimacy that should accompany such a moment from me, not this body, this body felt comfort. He pulled me more into the embrace. Squeezing my small limbs with his muscles. I was faced with his large shoulder. My face suffocated in his uniform. 

[..... ....?]
I couldn't bring myself to even utter a syllable. Not understanding anything. I was just lifelessly held in the embrace.

Something I wanted my entire life, my entire existence, was happening in this very moment, yet.. I was uncomfortable. I was suffocating in the emptiness, in the memories from my actual childhood.

[Is he doing this because there are so many eyes?]
[...]
[What a great actor.]

It was obvious to me that this was fake. How could he hold me like this? How could he be so worried that the moment he sees me he is filled with relief?

The same duke that used to be cruel and not even bother to look at me? I felt bitterness surrounding my mouth.

The people in the room only watched us, they wouldn't even dare to interrupt the duke, but it was only a little theatre play just for their eyes to see.