Episode 14

Leonard left Olivia's room, his heart heavy with worry for her. He asked Amelia, Alfred's wife, to check on her.

Olivia had made it clear she didn't want to see the doctor, yet Amelia wasn't a doctor, just a wise old lady. So, she wouldn't be able to refuse Amelia's aid.

Leonard had to leave for a meeting with the diplomats and the crown prince, a task he disliked greatly. However, there was no choice.

Upon seeing him, the prince commented, "You look awful. What happened?"

"I had quite a night," Leonard responded briefly.

The prince chuckled, "I see, the little duchess wouldn't let you sleep."

Leonard didn't respond to the prince's insinuation, choosing to switch the subject. "I'm deep in work. I hope my presence is not required here anymore."

"Today is the last day you'll have to endure this. They will leave tomorrow morning, and you can go back to your normal life."

"I hope so, this is becoming tiresome," Leonard muttered.

"I know..."

After managing to endure the rest of the day with the diplomats, Leonard returned home after dinner. Telling Alfred to send Amelia to his study.

As soon as Alfred led Amelia to Leonard's study, Leonard asked, "How's my wife doing?"

Furious, Amelia chided, "The poor duchess won't be able to get out of bed for a week. And don't you dare touch her during that time."

"What happened?" Leonard asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"You ought to know better than I do, my lord. You were too rough on Lady Olivia; she can't even stand up now."

Feeling guilty, Leonard instructed, "Tell Alfred to summon the doctor immediately."

Seeing Leonard's reaction, Amelia said, "No need for that, my lord. The duchess needs rest more than anything. I've prepared a herbal tea to soothe her pain. As long as she rests, she should recover in a week. However, don't you dare touch her before that, and remember to be gentle with her."

Amelia, one of the few who could scold the duke freely, had taken care of him since he was a child, just like Alfred. She cared for him deeply and had no qualms about admonishing him when he did something she disapproved of.

After a good night's rest and reminding Leonard to treat Lady Olivia gently, Amelia left him alone in his study.

Leonard finished up the most urgent papers and went to check on Olivia, who was sound asleep. He sat by the bed, observing her as she slept. Her hair was a mess, and she was drooling. She looked so tiny and innocent sprawled over the large bed. Leonard felt terrible for bruising her petite frame. Pained, he gently smoothed a lock of hair off her face whispering, "I'm sorry for hurting you."

He kissed her forehead lightly and climbed into bed next to her.

That night Olivia didn't toss and turn as she usually did. By morning, Leonard was so exhausted that he fell asleep. When Olivia awoke, she found herself firmly wrapped in Leonard's strong arms. He slept soundly next to her, his face a picture of serenity. Was she dreaming? She found it hard to believe someone so beautiful could exist.

She reached out to touch his face, unable to believe what she was seeing. His skin was soft, and his long eyelashes seemed to glitter. She then touched his hair, finding the texture as soft as silk. Enjoying the sensation, she continued tracing her fingers through his hair for a pleasurable period until he eventually blinked his eyes open.

Olivia tried recoiling in shock, but his arms held her fast. "Don't move so abruptly; you'll hurt yourself," Leonard cautioned.

Olivia felt her cheeks heat up as she buried her face in Leonard's bare chest. However, that only escalade her embarrassment as her face made direct contact with Leonard's wide, muscular chest, heat rising to her cheeks.

Leonard had been awake from the moment Olivia touched his face, but he pretended to be asleep just to save her the embarrassment. When she continued threading her fingers through his hair, his desire for her rekindled. So, he opened his eyes before things could spiral out of control.

Now her face was subsumed in his sturdy chest turning scarlet with embarrassment. This made it even worse for Leonard, she was too adorable to resist. He wrapped her in a tighter embrace, as Olivia struggled for breath, punching his back to loosen his grip. He heeded her feeble protests and withdrew slightly from the exhausted Olivia who gulped in air.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. You're just too adorable," Leonard apologized.

Olivia found this amusing and couldn't help her laughter, "I'm okay my lord, don't worry."

"Hah! How many times do I have to tell you to call me by my name?" Leonard grumbled.

Recalling how he made her pronounce his name flushed Olivia's cheeks.

"I'm fine, Leonard," she reassured him, making him break into a contented smile as he thanked her with a passionate kiss.

"That's my girl."

He resumed his gentle caressing of her breasts as she whimpered his name, "Leonard!" He wished to devour her then and there, but he remembered Amelia's warning and reluctantly pulled away.

Resting his head on her shoulder, Leonard sighed heavily, "I guess I'll have to wait for you to get better."

Olivia found his resemblance to a child who had been denied his favorite dessert adorable and chuckled at the ridiculous comparison.

Leonard lifted his head hearing her chuckle, "Seems like you're finding my trouble amusing."

Caught off guard, Olivia worried her laughter might've offended him, "No, not at all. It's just that... you look cute."

Leonard leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. "I don't mind you mocking me if that gets a smile on your face."

His gaze was tender, making Olivia's heart flutter. She never imagined she could enjoy such a moment with Leonard when they'd gotten married. The realization filled her heart with joy.

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