Trapped in a Secret Room With the Magnificent Duke - Chapter 6
Fifteen days had passed since Reyna’s encounter with Duke Gerard.
As she lay in bed, she often found herself thinking of him. Each time, along with the rising desire, she was plagued by guilt. Just because her partner didn’t remember it didn’t make the event any less real.
Reyna decided to visit the chapel during a particularly quiet period. She intended to seek forgiveness from God, even though she knew that her sins wouldn’t disappear just because she prayed.
“How have you been? It’s been a long time since you visited the chapel,” the priest greeted her warmly as he hurried out after hearing of her visit.
Reyna had only planned to pray quietly and leave.
Reyna quietly reached into her pocket, which felt as heavy as the guilt she carried.
“Priest, I have come to pray in silence today.”
“Understood. I will ensure that you can pray in peace.”
The priest accepted the heavy purse of gold coins with a bow. Given the considerable donation, he was perceptive enough to keep the chapel empty while Reyna prayed.
Reyna took a seat in a corner of the empty chapel, closed her eyes, and began her prayers.
As she was deep in her prayers, she sensed another presence.
‘Wasn’t it supposed to be empty?’
When she opened her eyes slightly, she immediately saw a broad, solid shoulder in her line of sight. It seemed that a man was also here to pray quietly.
Since it wasn’t too disturbing, Reyna finished her prayers and quietly prepared to leave. She tried to be discreet, but the man seemed to notice her presence and turned around.
The moment she met his blue eyes, she froze.
The man was none other than Duke Kadrion Gerard.
A ripple of emotion disturbed the calmness Reyna had just regained after her prayers. Given their eye contact and Gerard’s notable family, she couldn’t simply ignore him.
Reyna gathered her composure and greeted Duke Gerard with courtesy.
“Hello, I am Reyna, daughter of Count Hendrick. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Her introduction was incidental. Unlike the well-known Duke Gerard, he likely had no idea who she was.
“It is I who am honored. Lady Hendrick.”
Duke Gerard smiled and extended his hand. Reyna barely managed to keep her eyes from widening.
‘An honor?’
Despite being accustomed to noble manners, Duke Gerard’s words were surprisingly flattering. As Reyna hesitated, her lips moving but her eyes blinking, Duke Gerard spoke again.
“May I have the honor, Lady?”
It was only then that Reyna placed her hand on the palm he extended. Duke Gerard gently pressed his lips against the back of her hand before slowly withdrawing. Despite knowing it was merely a polite gesture, the sensation of his soft and tender lips brought an unexpected warmth to her lower abdomen.
“It seems that Lady has come to pray as well.”
Could it be that his gentle smile and caring tone inspired her? Despite the likelihood of getting rejected, Reyna found herself speaking before she could stop.
“Yes. If you’re not too busy, might you spare me a moment?”
Duke Gerard’s blue eyes widened slightly in surprise at the unexpected request.
The silence in the chapel grew so profound that even the sound of swallowing seemed conspicuous. Just as Reyna prepared to retract her offer, Duke Gerard’s lips curled up slightly.
The smile, while enhancing his already handsome appearance, gave Reyna an inexplicable sense of unease.
Hmm?
One corner of his smile seemed to curl just a bit more than the other. However, the smile quickly faded, and Reyna focused on the next words from Duke Gerard.
“Very well. I have some business at Saint Street. May we continue our conversation there?”
Saint Street, with its jewelry shops, boutiques, and coffee houses, seemed a fitting place for their discussion. Reyna concealed her surprise and nodded gracefully.
“Then I will wait until you have finished your prayers, Duke.”
Just as Reyna was about to turn away, Duke Gerard spoke.
“There is no need for you to wait.”
Had he changed his mind? As she bit her lip in frustration, Reyna wondered about his unpredictable nature.
“I’ve just finished my prayers as well.”
Under the sunlight streaming through the stained glass, Duke Gerard’s smile was dazzling. As Reyna stared at him, he asked,
“Shall we go?”
Reyna, flustered and blinking, quickly nodded.
“Yes, yes.”
* * *
Reyna sat in a luxurious chair and looked around the surroundings. The coffee house, known for its praise among visiting nobles, had a lavish interior and exceptionally attentive service.
Reyna found it somewhat puzzling.
Although she had visited this place before and found it bustling with nobles, the coffee house was now empty.
Except for herself and Duke Gerard.
