Seek Shelter from the Storm (2)

With a slight twitch of his brow, Nicolaus let go of the parchment that he had been holding and watched it flutter down to his desk. He stood up from his chair, unable to hide the faint annoyance that creased his face.

"I can't stand those who are overly attached. Not my type," he declared his dissatisfaction, the words ringing with a hint of exasperation.

Secretary Cade, attuned to his lord's sentiments, posed the crucial question. "My lord," he ventured, his voice a conspiratorial whisper, "what are you going to do about this… situation with the young lady? Her persistent affections seem to know no bounds."

"I hear you, but we can't just shut her down completely. Her father will make trouble for us, too," Nicolaus retorted.

He did not want to admit it, but he knew that her father was not someone he could easily ignore. He was an influential figure in the noble circle with whom Nicolaus was familiar.