Time with the Duke

Corina sat on the vanity stool after Nadine had worked her magic on the princess' hair and makeup. She admired the handiwork of her new lady-in-waiting, who somehow managed to cover up the appearance of exhaustion from the long journey to Luminairea. 

It had taken much longer to prepare Corina for the dinner party that Nadine had expected. In fact, she feared it may already be too late.

The two had become engrossed in their conversation and lost track of the time. Nadine loved how the princess was so curious about the world. It seemed she knew very little about the world.

The woman explained her background and what it was like growing up on a small farm. It was a world far removed from Corina's own, so she listened intently, highly intrigued by the descriptions.

"I'm thankful this dress is thinner," Corina sighed. "The kingdom is so muggy."

Nadine smiled and nodded in agreement. The dress the princess wore was stunning—with silky green fabric and exposed shoulders. However, it made her look even thinner than she did upon arrival.

Both women perked up when they heard a polite knock on the door. Nadine answered the door, then left it cracked as she looked toward Corina. "It's Duke Alexander."

"The Duke?!" Corina gasped as she quickly stood, hurrying toward the door.

When she opened the door, Alexander stood there, a warm smile upon his face. His eyes moved to glance over Corina's dress. He had to stop himself from staring too intently. 

"You look beautiful," he said as he extended his hand forward. "Would you care to join me this evening, princess?"

The blonde took his hand, then stepped into the lavish hallway, closing the door behind her. He paused to look into her eyes, transfixed on the azure oasis. Once he caught himself staring for too long, he glanced away as his cheeks flushed a light scarlet hue.

"It seems you missed the dinner guests," he began with a slightly shaky voice. "I greeted them, but they agreed to eat alone for tonight."

"I'm so sorry," Corina muttered, looking at her feet. "I'm sorry for being late. I'm sure you were too busy to come to my rescue."

"I-I would never be too busy to rescue you."

The two of them stood in the hall, connected by their hands, awkwardly gazing anywhere but one another. 

Surprisingly, Corina was the one to break the silence. "Should I retire for the night, then?"

A subtle frown formed over Alexander's features when she mentioned returning to her room. He shook his head, then took a deep breath. "I was wondering if you would like a tour of the palace?" He inquired. "Then maybe we could dine together privately."

Corina's face lit up with a bright smile. "You have the time for it?"

Duke Alexander raised her hand, then placed a timid kiss on the back of it. The kiss was brief, but the way his eyes met hers as he kissed her skin was utterly intoxicating.

Corina felt she had been personally visited by Cupid and struck by several arrows. The arrows must have struck her heart in rapid succession.

"Y-Yes!" She stammered with a hint of excitement. 

Alexander chuckled. "I'll always make time for you."

"Really?"

"I promise," he assured her. 

With those words, he gave her hand a gentle tug, leading her down the long hall. As they walked, the Duke pointed out various art pieces lining the walls. Many of them told the kingdom's history.

"Is this not the capital village?" Corina asked him in response to a painting with a grand, stone castle.

Alexander used his free hand to point out faded black, cursive text on the lower-left side of the painting. "Luminairea's capital city is Lux. Lux, the capital city of Luminairea, is located at the furthest point of the continent and enjoys perpetual sunshine."

"Then where are we now?"

"I rule over the city of Mystic," he said, leading her to another painting. "As you can see, it's much less grand."

"Do we get a night here?" Corina placed a finger against her lips as she looked at the painting. 

"We do," Alexander confirmed. "Though they aren't as long as the ones you're accustomed to, we generally have four to five hours per night."

"It would be terrible to not have night!" She exclaimed with a frown.

"Why is that?"

Corina's eyes sparkled as she looked over at Alexander. The excitement in her eyes made the Duke's chest flutter so intensely that he had to place his free hand over his heart. He felt he could collapse at any moment. He was not used to being so drawn to another human.

"The crystal mines shine beautifully under the moons during the night," she said with a tender smile, as if she were reminiscing. 

Duke Alexander couldn't help it. Though their time together had been brief, he was already developing feelings for the petite woman standing next to him. 

When his father had propositioned the idea of marriage, he protested. He felt he was too young to enter such an arrangement, but meeting her and seeing her joyful innocence on display captured his heart. 

"Would you like to see the royal gardens?" the Duke asked her. "I'm sure they aren't as impressive as the one you are used to, but I enjoy going out there on the nights I'm unable to sleep."

"Do you have trouble sleeping often?" Corina asked with a worried tone. 

"Sometimes," he admitted. "Since I was a child, I've had trouble sleeping alone."

Corina nodded. She wished there were something she could do to ease his troubles. 

He led her through the halls to the garden. When they stepped outside, the sun was already beginning to set. 

Corina's blue eyes gazed at the scenery before her. He was right—the garden wasn't nearly as green as the one back home, but it was beautiful none-the-less, and the construction of the dark, brick paths and the fountain standing at the center was impressive. 

She let go of his hand and ran forward. He wanted to protest, as he felt she might trip on the hem of her dress, but the childlike way she ran forward made his heart race.

The Duke watched as she took a seat on the bench near the fountain, then quickly joined her, leaving enough distance between them to not make her feel uncomfortable.

The palms of her hands clutched the seat of the bench, and her upper body leaned forward. Her short legs kicked back and forth as her blue eyes watched the water flow.

"I'm glad you enjoy it," he whispered, his eyes never leaving her face.

"I do, your grace."

"Please don't be so formal," he insisted with a shy smile. "There's no need for formalities between us."

Corina turned her head to look at him. "Then what should I call you? Husband?"

"Alex," he quickly responded, then looked away.

His hand immediately shot up over his face, concealing most of his features as he profusely blushed. "B-But husband would be fine, I-I guess."

Corina pointed at herself and grinned. "Then I am called the wife."

"W-Wife," he nervously repeated.

Corina nodded. 

Alexander sighed. She was the most adorable person ever. She required unwavering protection. He knew at that moment he would always love and cherish her, no matter what may happen. 

Alexander had definitely never met anyone quite like Corina.