The next morning when Alina woke up, her eyes snapped open. Austin stood near the wardrobe, fastening the cuffs of a plain coat. He wore simple clothes instead of his usual ducal attire.
She sat up and rubbed her eyes to clear her vision.
"Why are you dressed like that?"
He turned and took in her messy hair, rumpled nightgown and sleepy eyes looking at him in confusion.
"I'm going out."
"Out? Where?" she asked, curious.
"The market. I need to buy something."
"Buy something?" she sat up properly. "Since when do dukes buy things themselves?"
"I want to personally buy that item."
"What is it?"
"That's not your concern," he said. "But…if you want to know, you can come with me."
She huffed.
"If you want me to come with you…just say it directly. You don't need to talk in circles."
He didn't reply. Instead, he looked at her, torn between irritation and amusement.
"Come with me to the market."
A huge smile tugged at her lips.
