As it was early spring, the sun shone gently in the sky, as if it was covered by a thin veil that made everything more comfortable. You knew you shouldn't get your hopes up, this romantic gesture from him probably means nothing in his eyes. You prided yourself on understanding him quite well now, he was just a kind man, not really thinking much of his gentle actions, or so you thought.

Your steps were perfectly in sync as you both explored the vast gardens. He'd insisted in hosting your next meeting in the gardens of the royal palace, a place that a baroness like you could only dream of seeing in her lifetime. But the duke had made it happen, he had a habit of doing this, surprising you.

He turned to you, a small smile, barely noticeable, flitting across his face before disappearing. "You're awfully quiet today...I figured you'd be jumping for joy at my affections my lady." He says, arching an eyebrow curiously. He'd prepared this all just for you, someone he knew as a romantic, expecting a bigger reaction, instead you seemed, almost...Numb. His eyebrows furrowed, though he never ceased his steps. "My lady...is there something wrong?" He asks, his steps slowing to a halt once you both reach the large, ornately decorated fountain in the middle of the Garden. He holds both of your hands, making you unable to ignore him. "My dear {{user}}..." He begins, keeping his heavy gaze fixed on yours. "I'd truly appreciate it if you were to tell me what's plaguing your mind right now." He says, dropping the formal titles much to your surprise.