Chapter 108

Meek as she was, the girl was blunt. Little that she thought wasn’t spoken aloud. She’d had much to say about the elders of Mille and Elo, and her intense dislike of them. Giving up the lives of their people to join with monsters, she’d said.

“Certainly, if the elders are enemies of man, it was wise to ask Delrose for help,” Ilyin said after a moment, “I’d have done the same.

“It’s a reasonable decision,” Aden agreed. Delrose had the master, after all. Her actions did make since. But he still couldn’t keep the worry from his eyes, or the shadow from his expression.

“But how could you let an intruder come in as a guest?” he asked.

“She’s a lady of the Mille family,” Ilyin answered with an innocent smile. She had only come to winter a short time ago. The politics of the houses still eluded her. Hospitality to the girl was the best decision she could make.

“I’ve told you multiple times,” Aden sighed. He couldn’t find fault in what she did. His exasperation was more from simple worry. He leaned in closer, his voice softening to a whisper.

“Put yourself first above everything. Not Delrose, not me.”

“That’s why I didn’t dismiss Etra,” she replied.

Of course, she hadn’t been alone with Rippo. Etra had stayed, under the pretense of serving them. There was a rule that maids weren’t allowed in when they were dealing with important guests, but Ilyin had suspended that rule for caution’s sake.

“Even so…” he said. He closed his eyes. He couldn’t scold someone he loved. His blame would have to go elsewhere.

“I’m going to put the responsibility for this on the person in charge of the mansion’s defense.”

The lady of Mille had used Setoze to hide her sound. She’d climbed down the wall from the roof – and they had indeed found the rope, as she’d said. But she was still visible, and to not see her as she climbed down… that was enough for him to blame the person in charge.

“Emil is doing enough,” she said soothingly, as if trying to calm him out of the idea, “he couldn’t have imagined Setoze’s ability. None of us could. No harm was done. We just have to make sure something of this sort doesn’t happen again.”

“So, are you telling me not to punish Emil?” Aden asked.

Ilyin smiled. Their eyes met.

“Is it too much to ask?”

Her lips curled into a soft smile that seemed to light her eyes. Her cheeks blushed slightly – from the warmth, or some other reason? Aden brushed her cheek despite himself.

“Are you worrying someone else will climb in my window?”

“I am,” he breathed. He pulled her closer until their lips almost touched. She smells like summer, he thought. If only she knew how talk of someone else affected him, how seeing her pushed all other thoughts from his mind.

His eyes shined with hunger, but Ilyin wasn’t finished.

“I’m more worried about you than Emil, Den.”

Ilyin grabbed his hand, and he felt himself weakened by her soft touch. He seemed helpless with her.

“I worry about you Den.”

Aden didn’t need fear to rule. From what she had seen, the Delrose was already Aden’s people – and not because of fear. Those that feared him had left already. The Red Delrose that remained were his.

She didn’t want him to punish them over small mistakes. She worried for them, but more for him if he took that path.

“Be a generous master.”

Her delicate hand covered his strong one, lifted their intertwined hands to her forehead.

“Aden, for yourself.”

Aden sighed; His gentle laughter tickled her forehead.

“You’re whispering these things in bed…”

It wasn’t typical pillow talk. Aden brushed her hand gently.

“Become a generous master…,” he said.

His hand traveled up Ilyin’s arm, rounded her shoulder. He traced lightly up her neck to caress her face. How could he not listen to one so lovely? But that didn’t mean he had to like it. He put on a cold expression, hardened his voice.

“…then can you calm my anger?”

Ilyin couldn’t help but smile at his performance. Her pale hand touched his cheek. His skin was cold – the Duke of Winter, indeed. Her thumb grazed his cheek soothingly.

“How can I persuade you?” she asked. She had a serious tone, but her eyes still smiled.

Even Emil, who’d served him for more than 10 years, faltered when his expression went cold. Even Idith, who’d served him longer than anyone, or Milo, who’d done much to earn his trust. Everyone else shuddered under his icy gaze. But not Ilyin. Perhaps it was the scent of summer that clung to her, but his coldness collapsed whenever he touched her.

He couldn’t hold his serious façade. It dropped with a smirk, and he kissed her on the nose.

“Speak sweet words to me,” he said. “Shake me with your scent.”

And tell me you look only at me, he added silently.