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It was an apology, an acknowledgment of her pain, and a silent promise that he was there for her, even if only in this moment.

Killian pulled away and stared at her, his breathing suddenly ragged. Yvette could tell the exact time desire came into his eyes, and she watched as his gaze went from her face to her lips, lingering there for moments longer than he was supposed to.

Without warning, his face inched closer stopping a hair’s breadth away from her lips, as though he was seeking permission.

When she didn’t respond, his face came closer, but before he could place his lips on hers, Yvette shifted.

“Thank you, Your Grace. I appreciate your help.”

CHAPTER 14

Yvette woke the following morning with a heavy heart. She hadn’t expected to feel so… unsettled.

The events of the previous night had left her torn between conflicting emotions, and she wasn’t sure how to face Killian. She had bared a part of her soul to him—something so personal, something she had never shared with anyone, not even her dear brother.

She had cried in front of him, cried for the loss of a relationship she could never have, for the rejection from a father who should have loved her unconditionally.

His response? A kiss on her forehead.

The area where his lips had touched still burned. Even now, nearly eight hours later, she could feel the imprint of his kiss, and it unsettled her more than anything else.

The thought of facing him today made her stomach twist. She needed space—needed time to think—to understand what all of this meant.

So, she did what she had done for most of her life when confronted with emotions she couldn’t manage—she avoided him.

Daisy noticed the shift immediately. Yvette had been quieter, more withdrawn than usual, and her lady’s maid, always eager to please, sensed the change.

“Your Grace, you look a bit out of sorts today,” Daisy remarked as she helped Yvette into her gown, her voice full of concern. “Is everything well?”

Yvette hesitated, brushing her fingers along the hem of her dress. “I’m fine, Daisy,” she said with a forced smile. “Just tired, I suppose.”

Daisy, ever so eager to distract her, brightened. “Well, ye should take a walk outside then, Your Grace. The gardens look particularly beautiful this time of year. You might like to take a turn about the flowerbeds. It’ll do you some good, I think.”

Yvette gave a small nod, though her thoughts were far from the idea of a peaceful walk.

She simply didn’t want to face Killian. Not yet.

She could feel her thoughts twisting in a spiral, and felt unsure how to deal with the emotions he had stirred in her.

Soon, Yvette found herself making her way to Maisie’s chambers. It was something she hadn’t done before because she had no reason to go into the little girl’s room.

She knew Maisie was often there with her governess, but she hadn’t seen much of the child on her own. As she approached, she heard voices, the soft lilting tones of Maisie’s speech followed by a sterner, measured voice that could only belong to the governess.

Yvette paused by the door, listening.

“Maisie, you cannot speak like that,” the governess said firmly. “It is improper.”

“Ye know, governess,” Maisie replied, her voice high and innocent. “I just wanted to show ye how well I can draw.”

Yvette was surprised to hear an accent from the girl’s mouth. She hadn’t displayed it before.

Perhaps it slips out on occasion, Yvette thought.

“Notye— it isyou,” the governess corrected, her tone bordering on harsh. “You must erase that brogue from your vocabulary if you ever hope to fit in properly. It will be difficult for you if you continue to speak like that. People will laugh.”

Yvette’s brows furrowed at the governess’s words, and without thinking, she pushed open the door.

“Your Grace!” The governess glanced up in surprise as Yvette entered, and Maisie’s face brightened at the sight of her.