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“I don’t want him to instruct me anymore. I want you. You’re so much fun!”

The earnest declaration tugged at Yvette’s heart. She let out a soft sigh, brushing a stray curl from Maisie’s cheek.

“How about this?” she said, her tone conspiratorial. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you wait for me in the living room, and I’ll join you shortly?”

Maisie’s face lit up as she clapped her hands together. “Really?”

“Really.”

Without hesitation, Maisie spun on her heel and dashed off, her delighted giggles echoing down the hallway.

As soon as the child disappeared, Yvette straightened and turned toward Daisy, who had risen to her feet.

“Come in, Daisy,” Yvette instructed, retreating into her room.

Daisy entered with quick precision, moving to Yvette’s wardrobe and pulling out her riding habit. As she helped Yvette dress, Daisy’s eyes drifted to her mistress’s reflection in the mirror.

“Pardon me, Your Grace, but it seems you barely slept last night.”

Yvette froze, her gaze locking on her reflection. Dark shadows circled her eyes, marring her otherwise pale complexion. She looked exhausted, a woman haunted by her own thoughts.

“I’m fine,” Yvette replied briskly, blinking away the heaviness in her eyes. She forced a smile. “It’s nothing of any concern.”

But deep down, she knew it was far from the truth.

She had told Killian not to worry about her, but how could she not think of him? All night, she had burned for him, the memory of his closeness tormenting her. Her body had ached, craving his touch in ways she’d never anticipated.

She’d taken a cold bath, desperate to douse the fire he’d ignited in her, but it hadn’t worked. Even then, she could feel the phantom press of his hands, his lips… Yvette’s cheeks burned at the thought. She had paced her room like a caged animal, the weight of unspoken desires leaving her restless and frustrated.

It wasn’t until the faint light of dawn that she had finally succumbed to sleep, though it had been far from restful.

“Are you sure, Your Grace?” Daisy pressed gently, still eyeing the shadows beneath Yvette’s eyes. “You look like you could use a bit more sleep. Would you like me to explain to Lady Maisie that you’ll need to rest longer?”

“No,” Yvette said quickly, shaking her head. “There’s no need for that. I wouldn’t be able to fall back to sleep now, not with Maisiewaiting for me.” She adjusted the collar of her riding habit and gave Daisy a faint smile. “Besides, a ride might do me some good.”

Daisy hesitated but eventually nodded. “As you wish, Your Grace.”

Once dressed, Yvette glanced at herself in the mirror. The fabric of her riding habit did little to mask the weariness in her eyes, but she straightened her shoulders, determined not to let her fatigue show.

With a deep breath, she turned to Daisy. “Thank you, Daisy. That will be all for now.”

The maid curtsied and left the room, leaving Yvette alone with her thoughts once more. She smoothed down the front of her jacket, forcing her mind to focus on the promise she’d made to Maisie.

Her lips twitched into a small smile. At least the little girl’s enthusiasm was something she could rely on.

Taking one final look in the mirror, Yvette squared her shoulders and headed for the door, ready to face the day—even if her heart still felt heavy from the night before.

Yvette’s idea was to take Maisie out for a ride on one horse, something she hoped the little girl would find thrilling. After all, a shared adventure might be a more memorable experience than simply riding around the estate. The thought also comforted her, as she herself longed for a moment of escape from the castle’s imposing walls.

When Yvette suggested they ride together, Maisie’s entire face lit up, her small body wriggling with excitement.

“We’re really going to ride outside the estate, Duchess?” Maisie asked, her voice practically trembling with glee.

Yvette smiled warmly and crouched to meet the little girl’s sparkling eyes. “Yes, we are, but only because I trust you’ll be on your best behavior, young lady.”

“I promise! Oh, I promise!” Maisie clapped her hands together, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Satisfied, Yvette chuckled softly, her own spirits lifting at the sight of Maisie’s uncontainable joy. She instructed the stable boys to prepare a horse, specifying one that was gentle and reliable for the ride.