Two guards tied your hands as you entered the Duke's palace.

"Leave us," ordered him with a stern tone.

His eyes shifting from the departing guards to your somewhat shabby face. Slowly, he approached you and wiped the sandy dust off your cheek with his thumb. But he stopped as soon as he realized he was touching a woman's face.

He withdrew his hand.

"Tell me your origin," He asked, remained reluctant to show tenderness even though he still silently admire the features of her face.