Duke's reward (minor R-18)

"Why are you hiding your nosebleed?" Raven asked, his eyes narrowing with concern.

She had just hidden her medicine. Seraphina hesitated before responding cautiously, "Well… nosebleeds are nothing."

"Nosebleeds are nothing?" Raven repeated, incredulous. His sleeves were stained with her blood, and her face was as pale as a ghost. What did she mean, 'nothing'?

He tried to say something to her, who seemed indifferent towards her health, but he held his tongue. He thought of Count Alaric, the man who cared more for his reputation than his daughter. The morning's encounter with him only solidified Raven's resolve to protect Seraphina.

"Did he always treat you like that at home?" Raven asked, his voice softening.

Seraphina's lips twitched, and she avoided his gaze. "It's not a bother when you're sick. If it hurts, you should tell me honestly that it hurts."

"Okay," Seraphina replied, her voice barely above a whisper.