The Duchess

chapter 9

Chapter 9: A Delicate Accord

The late afternoon sun bathed the room in a golden hue, but Hanna barely noticed. She stood in her study, surrounded by maps and reports, yet her thoughts drifted to the man downstairs-the one who had disrupted her carefully ordered life.

Allen, the Northern King, had taken up residence in her estate after the battle. His charm was infuriating, his presence impossible to ignore, and his intentions still a mystery. She sighed, rubbing her temple.

A knock on the door broke her reverie.

"Enter," she called.

The door opened, and Allen stepped in, carrying a delicate tray. On it sat a porcelain teapot, two matching cups, and a small bowl of sugar cubes. His expression was disarmingly warm.

"I thought you could use a break," he said, his voice soft but confident. "Tea, Duchess?"

Hanna blinked, momentarily thrown by the simple kindness. She recovered quickly, nodding. "I suppose I could."

Allen crossed the room, placing the tray on her desk with the ease of someone used to handling fragile things. He poured her a cup, his movements deliberate and graceful.

"You're trying too hard," Hanna remarked, taking the cup he offered.

Allen smirked. "Or perhaps I simply enjoy your company."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the faint smile tugging at her lips. "Flattery won't work on me, Your Majesty."

"Noted," he said with a playful bow. Then, in a quieter tone, "But it isn't flattery, Hanna. You're remarkable."

The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard. She sipped her tea to mask her reaction, the warmth spreading through her like a shield.

Allen took the seat across from her, leaning back as if he belonged there. "Why do you insist on carrying everything alone?"

Hanna frowned. "It's my duty."

"And no one else's?"

She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she studied him, the man who had been her enemy not long ago. His piercing gaze, his easy smile-it was infuriating how he could make her feel both guarded and... seen.

"Why are you here, Allen?" she asked finally.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Because I care about Elarion. And..." He hesitated, his confidence faltering for the first time. "Because I care about you."

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning.

Hanna's heart betrayed her, skipping a beat. But her walls remained intact. She stood, retreating to the window.

"Careful, Allen," she said, her voice steady. "Words like that can be dangerous."

He stood as well, closing the distance between them. His presence was overwhelming, but not unwelcome.

"Sometimes, danger is worth it," he murmured.

Hanna turned to face him, their eyes locking. For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist.

Then, with a smirk that mirrored his own, she broke the tension. "Finish your tea, Your Majesty. I have work to do."

Allen chuckled, stepping back. "As you wish, Duchess."

But as he left the room, Hanna couldn't help but glance at the empty doorway, her resolve wavering just enough to let the warmth linger.