For a moment, Damian looked at me with a skeptical look.

Then he asked me.

And do you like her Majesty too?

Absolutely! Who in the world doesnt like our Majesty, the Empress!

I shouted as I pumped my clenched fists in the air.

Damian wore an upset expression when he heard that.

Of course, he muttered.

Hey! Whats wrong with that?

Either way, I continued with what I had to say.

Im happy that his Highness is considerate of Her Majesty and me. However

I paused for a moment.

Whenever I encountered his thoughtful side, I felt a mixture of admiration and remorse.

Because I knew his desperation.

Damian was afraid wed abandon him.

I, for one, dont want to see His Highness in pain or sickness. That includes her Majesty too.

I placed my hand over his hand, grasping it.

Damian didnt take his hand away. He just quietly closed his eyes.

I meant what I said.

Damians been through so much, imprisonment, loneliness, sickness, and pain.

So Id like you to treat your body with a little more respect. Got it?

Still, what if it gets difficult because youre close to me

Hey, hey. So what if it gets a little harder? With a heart that likes his Highness so much, I can overcome it all.

I teased him a little.

Damian slightly lowered his head, averting my gaze. The redness on his cheeks however was very telling.

Hmm, Damians a bit shy, isnt he?

I opened with a cheeky smile.

Your Highness.

Yes?

Do you like me that much? Your face is as red as a ripe tomato.

Damian, who would usually crack up at my jokes, was awfully quiet for some reason.

Thats odd.

I lowered my head slightly, looking Damian in the eyes.

Dont tell me youre gonna get mad at a joke?

I know youre not that sensitive.

of course.

What?

I like you a lot.

Lifting his head, Damian answered as he looked straight at me.

With a much more determined voice than usual, I was slightly taken aback.

Well, thank you for liking me backbut why the serious voice all of a sudden?

Damian swallowed his saliva as he continued speaking.

And even if you cant be with me anymore.

cant be with you?

I stared at Damian with a dumbfounded expression.

He licked his lips for a second before finishing his words with all the strength he could muster.

I will still like you.

He tried to pretend he was confident but his voice was already wavering.

Oh, no way.

I blinked both my eyes.

Isis it because I received an adoption offer from the Duke?

Damian jerked his head the other way instead of answering.

After a while.

He opened his mouth cautiously.

To be family with the Duke of Rochester is a great opportunity for you.

Um, your Highness?

The Empress cares for you, the Duke of Rochester secretly adores you.

Damian who seemed to be conflicted for a moment looked me in the eyes.

Let me go, Lize.

.what?

Wear nice clothes, eat delicious food, sleep in a comfortable bed, look at pretty twings

Damian blurred his words at the end.

Biting his lips till they bled, Damian mumbled under his breath.

I wish I could live like that.

But Im going to turn down the offer.

WHATT?!

Damian gaped at me as if he heard something extraordinary.

Wait, why are you so surprised?

Did I say something I couldnt again?

I shrugged off Damians reaction.

Ive thought it through.

W-What happened?

The Empress has the Duke, members of the Imperial palace, and me as well.

Those desperate scarlet eyes were completely fixed on me.

Damian before was like an abandoned, defeated puppy

Now hes like a puppy thats hopeful its owner will return.

Damian looks cute but so miserable at the same time.

I smiled bitterly and continued.

But Im the only one you have.

Lize.

How could I leave his Highness behind?

I wrapped a bandage around Damians fingertip, smiling tenderly.

I was sincere.

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