44 Little White Lie

Aideen hesitated once more, grappling with the challenge of articulating her thoughts in a proper manner. What she was contemplating seemed utterly inappropriate, yet she clung to the belief that in order to reciprocate the kindness she wished to bestow upon Duke Valentine, she found herself compelled to resort to a little white lie of her own.

A soft, nearly inaudible sigh slipped from her lips as the princess took a significant step toward the man. Speaking in a hushed and hesitant tone, she said,

"Your Grace... Truth be told, I wish not for you to be apart from me tonight. Pardon my directness, but... could you spend the night with me in the same bed?"

"I... I beg your pardon?"

Now it was Tillian who found himself grappling to formulate a response, his entire body unexpectedly growing hot, as though the room had suddenly burst into flames. Never in his wildest dreams had he anticipated such a request from someone like Princess Aideen.