A Touch of Shadow: The Duke's Obsession

Caelith quickly composed herself and spoke with careful courtesy, "Thank you, my lord."

She reached out to take the bowl—yet the instant her fingertips brushed against Rhaegar’s, she recoiled as though burned, drawing her hand back at once.

A low chuckle escaped him, his eyes moving away from her blushing face.

Setting the bowl upon the small table beside the couch, he leaned in, his presence closing around her like an overwhelming spirit.

"You were not so distant last night. I am rather hurt now."

Caelith forced her expression into calm, though the faint flush upon her cheeks betrayed her once again.

"Last night... I was not in my right mind. The medicine clouded my head—I remember nothing. If I behaved improperly toward you, my lord, I beg you not to take offense. I am truly sorry."

"You remember... nothing?" Rhaegar arched a brow.

His hand came up, closing lightly around her wrist—not enough to hurt, yet firm enough that she could not slip free.

Last night, she had drawn near of her own accord—yet now she claimed oblivion?

Did she truly take him for a man so easily dismissed?

He leaned closer, their distance vanishing in an instant.

"And if I refuse to overlook it? What if I do take offense, my lady?"

"I... truly remember nothing," she insisted softly, her cheeks deepening in color. "My lord should forget it as well. It’s rude to hold such a matter over a lady’s head."

"Then," he murmured, voice edged with quiet amusement, "I shall help you remember."

He lowered his head as if to claim her lips.

Caelith’s heart jolted; she turned her face aside in haste—but before she could escape, his grip tightened, drawing her back into his scalding embrace. His lips brushed hers, lingering in a slow, deliberate kiss.

The echoes of the night before stirred again, rising unbidden.

Her body betrayed her first—her fingers tightening instinctively in the fabric of his robe, her breath faltering, uneven.

Rhaegar rested his forehead lightly against hers, a faint, knowing smile touching his lips.

"Your body," he murmured, "is far more honest than your words. And far more... remembering."

Caelith turned her face away, unable to meet his gaze. "That is not—"

"Do you want more?" he interrupted, deliberately teasing.

Fearing what further words he might speak, she hurried to change the subject, "No more of this. I... I did not return home last night. I must go back to the Valehart residence at once."

She made to rise, drawing the covers aside—but before she could move, his arm circled her waist, pulling her back against him.

"I have not yet restored your memory completely," he said lightly. "You are not leaving just yet."

"You—"

Before she could finish, his hand moved as though to undo her garments once more.

Alarmed, she caught his wrist at once. "I remember—I remember everything now!"

Daylight was no place for such things.

"Since you remember," he replied, a trace of mischief in his voice, "shall we revisit it just to make sure?"

His hand slipped to her waist again, fingers tracing lightly as if to test her resolve.

Caelith immediately drew the covers tightly around herself, retreating into their folds.

"Rhaegar—stop!"

"What is there to fear?" he said with a quiet laugh. "Last night, I saw everything. It was I who changed your clothes as well."

"Enough of this!" she exclaimed, mortified, pulling the covers higher to hide her face.

Seeing her thus, Rhaegar finally relented, the teasing glint fading from his eyes.

"Very well," he said. "Eat the porridge first. I hate to send you off with an empty stomach."

He straightened, his tone returning to calm assurance.

"I have already sent word for Dolly. She will be here soon."

Caelith said nothing.

Only after Rhaegar had withdrawn did she slowly emerge from beneath the covers, her face still faintly flushed, her thoughts unsettled.

Once she had gathered herself, Dolly entered quietly. Though she did not know what had transpired the night before, she understood her place well enough not to ask.

"My lady," she said softly. "What are your orders?"

"We shall return to the manor," Caelith replied, rising. She allowed Dolly to support her as she stepped out.

Rhaegar stood beneath the eaves, his dark figure framed by the morning light. When he saw her, his voice came low and steady:

"Take care on the road."

Caelith inclined her head slightly. "Many thanks, my lord."

With that, she stepped into the carriage, and it set off toward the Valehart estate.