The Cofrontation

"I think the blue one would be better." he pointed at the one that was chosen by the owner.

"Alright! Why don't you try both? Then you can decide better." she nodded at the owner who took out the suits from the mannequin herself but Rowan shook his head.

"That would not be needed. I have decided that i would go with the blue." he cut her coldly with no shred of warmth on his face, "i will try this one so that you can check how much it needed to be adjusted." he asked the lady who nodded her head with a smile.

But as soon as Rowan was escorted in a changing room by the maids, her eyes shifted to Ana who looked confused.

"Maybe his favorite color is blue." Diana placed her hands on the shoulders of Ana who nodded. But it only worried Diana further.

"Of course, kids these days have strong choices and liking and disliking. They are quite stubborn." the owner smiled softly, "would you like to give a look at other clothes till the young lord returns?"

Ana nodded, it would be better! Maybe she pressed hard that Rowan did not like it.

"I would like to see some casual dresses for him too." the owner nodded and opened the catalogs for both of them to check.

Ana's spirits were high again. She checked dresses one after the another and this time, she only chose clothes keeping the likes of Rowan in her mind. She had seen him often in the past to know what kind of dresses he usually wore.

"That seven would be enough for now, thank you.'' She returned the catalog to the woman when the door of the room was opened and Rowan came back.

The suit fitted him perfectly as if it was only made for him.

"Now I can see why you only wanted to wear blue. You look so handsome in it." she smiled brightly when he shifted his weight from one foot to another and whispered, "thank you!"

"The lady is right! I do not think it needs much work." She checked the shirt and pants and then smiled, "I will deliver the suit by next morning, my lord." He nodded and soon changed back into his clothes and they left the shop.

He was so silent that Ana felt a bit uncomfortable. But she clenched her hands into a fist and forced a smile on her face.

"Rowan, since we are done with shopping. How about we go and eat something?" her voice was so soft and full of warmth that his jaws clenched.

"I apologize! But I think there is a lot of work left in both houses and I am sure we do not have much time. Some other time?" his voice was cold and curt again, as if he could not wait to go back to his palace.

Diana held Ana's hand but Ana only smiled.

"Well, work never ends! But that does not mean that we can not take some time for ourselves. I know a shop where the best desserts are sold. You must try their eclairs." she smiled unfazed by the cold look in his eyes when he stiffened. Her smile.. That was so.. Sweet!

"Ana!" Diana whispered when Rowan did not reply, "the lord must be busy." she sighed, worried that she was not welcome in the palace of the duke at all.

"Are you that busy Rowan??" she asked again, blinking her eyes, her face looked so vulnerable and her doe eyes, you could never refuse looking at them.

Rowan found himself nodding unconsciously.

"Heat! Then let's go." she held his hands and dragged him with her before he could even realize what happened. He could only sigh and curse himself.

She did not take the carriage but decided to walk. Pointing at everything on the way,

"You know Rowan, that is the best shop if you want to eat skewers or fried snacks. I used to go there with my father when I was young." she chuckled, "I used to eat his part too."

"And that, it sells…." despite trying to act cold, he found himself staring at the shops she pointed at and looked amazed.

This was the first time he had come to the plaza. There were so many people! Though he hates crowds, it still felt thrilling to be here. Her warm hands were holding him all the time while she tried her best to entertain him even when he was frowning this much.

he could not help but stare at her and wonder why!

"Here!" she pointed at the shop and they walked in.

She took the window seat when the servant came to pull their seats for them. She sat beside Rowan instead of her mother who took the opposite seat and ordered a few dishes.

"Excuse me, I will be back in a minute." DIana stood up and left them alone when Ana finally turned to look at Rowan.

"Rowan, are you angry with me or upset over something I have done?" Rowan flinched as he was not expecting a confrontation. Especially when she was behaving ignorant towards his cold attitude.

"Why would that be!" he ignored and looked out when she chuckled.

"Because you are a terrible actor, Rowan. I can see how much you are enjoying despite trying to be cold and rude towards me. Is it my company you did not like? But last time, you were kind and caring."

"...."

"Did your father say something?" she pressed when he finally looked back at her.

"Why do you think that my father would say something against you? Every time you are sure that he is against you and I will support you!"

"Yes, because you are a kind soul. I know that you can not hate anyone, rowan. So, if anything is worrying you, tell me!" his brows knitted at how she ignored his father.

"Then let me ask you first, why are you struggling so hard to appease me and win my favor, my lady?"