Seeing this interaction, Duncan's face went pale.
He looked at Cassius's expression—the tight jaw, the narrowed eyes, the clear desire to commit violence—and realized his mistake.
"I'll be—I should—the kitchen!" He was already backing away. "The kitchen needs me! Yes! Very busy! Goodbye, my lord, my lady!"
He turned and fled, his belly jiggling with each panicked step.
Cassius watched him go, then sighed heavily.
He looked down at Maria, his expression sheepish.
"I'm sorry for lying, Maria."
She raised an eyebrow.
"It's just..." He rubbed the back of his neck "...I'm not fond of showing off my achievements. It feels...shameless. Boasting about such things, especially to you is too much even for me..."
He trailed off, looking genuinely uncomfortable.
Maria stared at him for a moment.
Then she reached out and playfully slapped his arm.
"What are you talking about, Cassius?!" Her voice was warm, affectionate. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing to hide."
