Chapter 393: The Duke Reads Aloud
Lyria's POV
I remained still in my chair, the cat quiet against my hold, and watched as Duke Thorncrest turned the slender volume once more in his hand. Morning light fell across the side of his face, catching the faint curve of the smirk that had yet to leave him.
"Is this truly for educational purposes, Your Highness?" Duke Thorncrest asked. His voice was pleasant, though there was a quiet note of inquiry beneath it.
"W-why should it n-not be?" I replied. "My maid b-brought the volumes for precisely that reason. She s-said they might prove i-instructive."
He inclined his head slightly, as though he were prepared to concede the point, though the amusement in his eyes remained.
"Have you read any portion of it?"
"N-no," I answered truthfully. "I have n-not so much as o-opened one. You a-arrived before I c-could even examine the titles."
A quiet sound of consideration escaped him.
