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“What’s the matter, darling?”

Oh my fuck. When was the last time someone asked me if I’m ok?

Regardless of the fact that he’s only asking because I’ve interrupted him, the simple question makes me long fortenderness I haven’t experienced since before my parents were killed.

Draping an arm over my eyes, sudden emotion swells. My chin trembles beneath my lips as I barely manage to whisper the words.

“I need to get out of here.”

The bed dips beside me as Evermere attempts to wrap me in his arms. Despite the fact that we’ve slept together for months, the gesture feels perfunctory and awkward. Like he’s simply doing what he thinks he should, but actually feels no emotion or genuine concern.

And it makes me want to jump out of my fucking skin.

“As in a vacation?”

I huff a helpless, sardonic laugh, parroting his words.

“A vacation.”

I haven’t been on a vacation since I was a child.

My eyes open, peeking out from beneath my forearm to stare up at the ceiling like it’s a winning lottery ticket. “The idea has merit.”

Lord Evermere’s thumb strokes against my arm, and it may as well have been a touch laced with boiling acid because the sensation to me, at that moment, is so vile, I can’t help but leap from the bed.

Before his eyes can linger too long on the scars peppering my back, Iwillmy silk robe over my nude form. The one with the feathered collar and cuffs that I’ve had since before I became a duchess. It’s one of the last remaining personal comforts that I’ve allowed myself. If Evermere were to look inside my jewellery cabinet, he’d see that only one singular item of considerable wealth remains.

The gaudy jewel-encrusted duchy coronet I was burdened with when my cousin, Queen Theia, enthroned me as a duchess.I’m fairly certain it’s illegal to sell it, butAkashknows I won’t feel an iota of guilt leaving it behind…

Scratch that.

I can feel the guilt settling in already, but I’m far too determined to let it stop me.

“Where are you going?”

I halt, mid-stride to my boudoir to glance back at Evermere. Admittedly, the fae male’s cock is as pretty as his face, but alas, it does nothing for me. His expression is contorted in a pout, and his malehood is indignantly erect. I’m certain if it had a face, it’d be pouting at me, too.

Evermere catches me staring at it, and waggles his eyebrows at me as he gives it a languorous stroke. The sight is so ridiculous that my lips curl over my teeth to stifle my giggle.

Akash almighty, please take me somewhere far, far away.

Tossing my verdelume-flower-filled strawberry-blonde hair over one shoulder, I resume my determined march to the boudoir.

“On vacation. Thank you for the suggestion. I take it you can see yourself out? The day’s half gone, so I really must make haste.”

The door slams shut from the force of excitement bubbling up within me. I’m grinning maniacally at what remains of my finely tailored clothing. Scarce as it is, if Lord Evermere were to actually see inside, he’d likely clutch his cravat.

There’s a mountain of parchment on my vanity table and it’s dimming my exuberance. It’s entirely unheard of for a Duke or Duchess Paramount, such as myself, just to disappear. Reginald will likely have a heart attack when he realizes I’m gone.

Or he’ll be relieved because he’ll be able to rule in my stead.

The fact that Reginald would be a far better Duke than I will ever be, gives the last bit of resolve I need to push forward in my impulsive plan.

If anything, I’m doing my province, and all its people, a favor.

Evermere’s voiceis but a distant, muffled wail of disappointment as I begin to scribble down a note to my vizier.

Dearest Reginald,