Unknowingly Surrender

"Miss Lyra hasn't touched her food all day, My Lord," said Mr. Bertus, standing weakly behind the bathroom door.  "You have to do something because her body already looks weak."  Fatigue ran through his body, almost numbing most of his nerves.

  Duke Kleo froze in his position, almost soaking in the warm water in the bathtub.  Some clothes were still attached to his burly body, which also seemed to be withering due to various reasons.

  "I don't care."  Finally, he said, sounding stiff and disgusted, holding the quiver in his throat.  Then he chose not to make another sound even though Mr. Bertus said a few other things as if it could kill Lyra right then and there.

  For a moment Duke Kleo closed his eyes, shutting off all access to his worries.  He'd just take a proper shower that night, then have a delicious dinner, check out some more work, and finally sleep.