The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 70: A Place Beside You

Lucien's usually composed expression faltered for the briefest moment, his brows drawing together before he subtly reclaimed his calm. A gentle wind drifted between them, rustling their tunics, but Adeline's blue eyes never left his.

"If this is about what Eleanor said earlier," he began, his voice even, "you don't need to worry. No one has the right to force you into consummating our marriage."

Adeline parted her lips to answer, only to hesitate as she searched for the right words. Heat crept across her cheeks. She hadn't fully processed everything he had said, but she knew she had to explain herself.

"No, I didn't say that because I felt pressured." She stared quietly at the floor for a moment before looking back at him. "I just thought, if you're still planning to sleep in the library, then I feel guilty. I've been sleeping comfortably while you're there, and I just..."

Her voice trailed off as she fumbled for the rest of her sentence.

Lucien watched her in silence. Uncertainty flickered across his face. His eyes wandered for only a heartbeat, making the warmth creeping into his face even harder to ignore.

A soft memory surfaced in his mind.

His mother's voice.

"Never choose for someone when they cannot choose for themselves. If you really love someone, you'll wait until they can say yes with their whole heart."

His brows knitted together.

She wasn't completely drunk. She still knew where she was and what she was saying. Even so, the wine had softened her thoughts, and that alone was enough for him to refuse to take advantage of even the smallest uncertainty.

"I won't," he murmured, gently reaching for her hand. His fingertips brushed across her knuckles in gentle reassurance. "Not until you want me to."

His eyes met hers.

"I don't want to be the one who mistakes hesitation for consent, or take advantage of the fact that you've had too much to drink."

Adeline blinked and tilted her head.

"Your Grace," she said, her brow furrowing. "I think you've misunderstood me."

Lucien's breath caught in his throat.

"What do you mean?"

"I meant sleeping," she answered innocently. "Just... beside each other."

A giggle escaped her lips, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Lucien stared at her, utterly speechless as her words finally registered, slowly letting go of her hand.

That's what she meant?

Stopping herself from laughing outright, Adeline leaned a little closer, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

"Perhaps, Your Grace," she said softly, "you were thinking of something else?"

Lucien's cheeks warmed even further.

He let out a low grunt, unable to find the words.

"Enough," he muttered at last.

"I'm sorry. It's just, I really didn't expect a reaction like this from you."

Lucien cleared his throat and looked away.

"Be more specific with your words next time," he replied, his voice carrying more embarrassment than reproach. "You can't say something like that and expect people to understand exactly what you mean."