The moment Eileen heard those words, her heart sank as though it had fallen into an abyss. She had never imagined, even in her wildest dreams, that such words would come from Cesare's mouth.
Cesare, who had likely never apologized to anyone in his life, had just spoken something resembling an admission of fault for the first time. Perhaps that was why her already racing heart pounded even harder.
To think she had made His Grace, the Archduke, say such a thing! Eileen felt she should kneel immediately, drop to the floor beside the bed, and beg for forgiveness, claiming she was the one at fault.
"P-please don't say that to me."
"Why not?"
When Eileen stammered, trying to dissuade him, Cesare's voice carried a hint of curiosity.
"B-because, of course, Your Grace is the Grand Duke and…"
"And you are the Grand Duchess."
