I sit down on the sofa, followed closely by the Duke.
«What happened?» he asks, whispering not to scare me more.
I clench my fists and straighten my back, but my mouth doesn't answer to my commands, and I remain in graceful silence.
«I talked with Martia. She told me that a man breached in the garden and assaulted you... How are you feeling?»
He looks quite worried. Of course, he wants to know whether I've really betrayed him.
«The Princess arrived in time,» I utter with a voice that's more firm than I expected.
He sighs, and his arms surround me. I wince and close my eyes tightly, while the Duke stops at half of what looks like an embrace.
He realises my feelings and steps back.
«Why are you so tense?»
I open my eyes and look at him.
«Because I don't want to die,» I admit. «I'd prefer to continue living...»
