The Duke's Bed Warmer-Chapter 29: Choosing For Me

"It’s also not in the contract that I’m answerable to you," he replied, still not looking at her.

"Why can’t you just accept that you care?"

That made him look up.

"About the people I love," she continued, looking into his eyes. "There was no reason for you to help my father. You have no relationship with him. No political gain." She leaned forward. "So why?"

He stared at her with an unreadable expression. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"You can think whatever you want," he replied. "Live in whatever delusion makes you feel better. But you’re wrong. I care about the people in your life."

He looked back down at his documents, ending the conversation. She watched him for a minute, before turning to the window.

Deny it all you want...But I think I’m beginning to understand you a little, after all.

After a few hours, the carriage slowed. Alina looked outside. They were stopping in a small courtyard. The horses needed rest.

Austin stepped out without a word and spoke to the driver. She climbed down slowly, her legs stiff, and her body heavy from sitting for hours.

The afternoon sun cast warm light as it filtered through the trees. A few chickens scratched lazily near the kitchen door, and a cat stretched on a windowsill before curling back in to sleep. Somewhere inside, someone was humming.

Everything felt ordinary.

She sat on the stone wall that ran along the side of the courtyard, watching the cat.

Austin who had gone inside the inn, came out carrying a flask of water and a warm bread roll. He handed them to her without a word.

She accepted them and only then did she realize how hungry she was. They hadn’t eaten since morning, and the emotional toll of the visit had drained her, leaving her lightheaded and empty.

She ate the bread slowly while he stood nearby. His hands were in his pockets, and his hair slightly tousled from the wind, looking at the road ahead.

"Sit down," she said.

"I’m fine."

"Stubborn as always.".

She tore the bread in half and held out a piece to him. He looked at it, then at her.

"I’m not hungry."

"You haven’t eaten, either." She extended her hand a little more. "Take it."

He hesitated but then accepted.

They ate in silence, side by side, the afternoon sun casting their shadows on the ground. The moment was so simple that it almost felt surreal.

She finished her bread, then drank the water from the flask. She then handed it to him and he drank as well, this time without refusing first. Their fingers brushed slightly but neither of them acknowledged it.

"Why did you choose two different roads?" she asked.

He frowned.

"What?"

"When we were going to see my father, the road was uneven and bumpy. The carriage kept jolting and I even fell in your lap." She paused. "But now, the road is smooth. It is taking more time but the journey is smoother."

He looked at the flask in her hands, then at the road ahead.

"The bumpy road was faster," he said. "You needed to reach him quickly."

"And this one?"

"We are tired and need rest which won’t be possible on that uneven road."

She smiled and also looked at the road ahead.

And you still say you don’t care???

The carriage rolled on. The sun set and the sky outside the windows turned from orange to grey.

By the time the torches of Ravenmoor appeared on the hill, night had already begun to settle.

The carriage passed through the gates. The courtyard was lit with torches, the flames flickering in the evening wind. Audrey was standing at the entrance, waiting.

She stepped forward as the carriage stopped. Her eyes were on the door and it looked like she had been standing there for a long time.

Alina climbed down first.

"Your father," Audrey said immediately. "How is he?"

Does she know about my father? Did Austin tell her? Of course, she is his fiancée’. How can he not tell her?

"He is better," she replied. "The physician is optimistic."

Audrey nodded.

"I’m glad."

Then she looked at Austin, who was climbing down from the carriage with his documents tucked under his arm and looking tired.

"I’m glad you helped her."

Austin’s face was unreadable. He looked at Audrey, then at Alina, then back at Audrey.

"I’m tired. I need to rest."

He walked past her towards the castle. Audrey fell into step beside him, her hand slipping onto his arm, and her voice lowering.

Alina walked behind them. She did not want to listen to them but the courtyard was quiet, and Audrey’s voice carried.

"Why did you go yourself?" Audrey asked. "You could have sent a guard, arranged a carriage, and let her go alone. There was no reason for you to..."

Austin stopped and turned to her.

"You shouldn’t involve yourself in my decisions so much."

Audrey froze, her hand falling from his arm.

Austin never spoke to her like that. He had always deferred to her, listened to her, and treated her with respect as his fiancée.

"I don’t have to answer to you," Austin continued. "I don’t have to report everything I do. Not even to you."

He then walked away.

Audrey remained standing there, her hand still slightly raised where it had been on his arm, her face still frozen. And for the first time, Alina saw fear on her face.

Then she lowered her hand and turned to see Alina standing behind her. She looked embarrassed.

"I didn’t mean..."

"Funny how you don’t mean a lot of things, and yet they still happen," Audrey cut her off.

"Anyways, I understand he had a rough day and is exhausted. He will aplogize tomorrow." She laughed.

Alina nodded.

"Alina..." Audrey continued, her tone soft but firm. "I’m sure you can manage your matters from now on. Austin already has enough responsibilities. I know it might sound rude...but please don’t ask for his help again. If you need help...come to me instead."

When did I ask for his help?

"I never asked..."

"Good night." Audrey cut her off and walked to the castle, leaving her alone in the courtyard, frustrated.