CHAPTER 7.

I head off to the reading nook and look around. There's another chair a little bit away, hinting that the reading nook can probably be used by two.

Still, this place really is gorgeous.

Gold adornments run along the edges of the bookshelves, and the ceiling arches are filled with paintings of angels and flowers by the ocean.

I wish Clovis could have been here to introduce it to me, and sit with me, and tutor me.

I feel my cheeks flush red at the thought of him sitting next to me, leaning close because he has to whisper the words to me not to be noisy.

I sit down in the leather bound chair and wriggle my toes a bit. Perhaps I could request a bit of his time to do that?

Soon the silver haired man returns with only a couple of books, which he places in front of me, and I sit up straight and try to compose myself, so the silver haired man doesn't realize I'm thinking about silly things.

"I hope you will excuse my rudeness, but I assumed that you'd be most comfortable with these two books. They are great entryways into the many details of estate management."

I look down at the books, a bit ashamed that my ignorance is that obvious, but happy that he took the effort and found these for me, and didn't just bring a tower of books.

"Thank you. I guess my lack of knowledge is quite obvious." I smile nervously, but he doesn't mock me.

"Many high nobles and heirs have done nothing else since they were born. Is it not just as admirable, that you decide to improve now? One is never too old to learn something for the good of others, and I am sure you'll do great."

I look up at the silver haired man and end up smiling shyly. It feels good, being praised like that. Being praised for a good effort.

"Thank you... can I ask what your name is?"

I feel a bit ashamed I forgot to introduce myself.

"Syrel, and yours?"

"Syrel? That's pretty. My name is Delia."

Syrel smiles.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Delia."

In the end Syrel proved to be a really nice person. When I had trouble with understanding the books he gave me, Syrel ended up tutoring me instead. Of course I would have preferred Clovis, but perhaps it's okay, since Syrel ended up being a really, really great tutor.

Around dinner time I left and went to eat dinner with Clovis... but he never appeared for dinner, and the only thing I got was a message that he would not have time to dine with me... and in the end I ate it alone... after it had gotten cold, hoping he would find the time anyway.

Clovis didn't return that night until the clock struck midnight, where he laid down on the bed next to me, falling asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

I was alone there for dinner the day after that too... and the day after that... and the day after that... but none of the times he came to eat dinner with me... and so my time at the library grew longer and longer, until Syrel invited me to eat with him instead, when I told him that I'd been eating alone for a few days.

...A few days later...

It's dark outside as Clovis finally returns. It's a couple hours earlier than usual, but he still looks exhausted as he gets ready for bed, and lays down on the other side, so far away from me.

Even though we've slept in the same room now for a week, he hasn't touched me. Not even hugged me close at night.

I feel my eyes burn a little.

I'm being unreasonable.

He's just tired from working too much.

He even gets up before I wake up too, so of course he is tired.

A sniffle still escapes me, as I still end up working myself up, from feeling unattractive, if he won't even hold me close at night.

"Delia?"

I jolt at the sound of his voice, and a hiccup escapes me.

"Are you still awake?"

He sounds groggy, as he turns over.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" He calls sweetly and worriedly.

"I'm sorry," I mutter.

"I'm fine," I add, but hearing his voice made all the feelings overflow. I miss him.

I begin to wipe my eyes, but as I do, I feel the bed move, and suddenly I'm pulled close to Clovis's chest. His shirt is still on, but his scent is all over it.

"Shhh," he whispers, now against my ear, as he strokes my back.

I hiccup with surprise.

He's so close!

"It might be selfish, but I'm glad you're awake, Delia. I've missed you," he says so softly, that my heart skips a beat.

"I miss talking with you... Delia..."

"I miss you too, Clovis," I respond with a little smile, closely snuggled against him.

"I love you, Delia."

I hear a heavy breath from him, and his arms get heavy around me.

He's out cold like a light.

I look at his face up close in the darkness, with only the moonlight slipping in through the window.

Yosh, I've decided, if he doesn't have time to come to me, then I will come to him!

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