#13. On a Night Like This, When the Stars Twinkle (17)

The small black box drew closer before her eyes.

Wrapped in glossy black velvet, the box looked exceedingly luxurious, and the Verbritz raven was elegantly embroidered across its surface in gold thread.

Eleonore could tell at once what the box before her contained. She could also guess what it meant—and roughly what he would say next.

It certainly seemed that way…

Dmitri, who had risen from the bench, bent his knees slightly toward Eleonore, who remained seated. His black eyes met her sky-blue ones at the same level, even though he had lowered himself.

Eleonore drew in a deep breath.

At the sight reflected in those black eyes before her, her pounding heart had become difficult to control.

“No matter how hard I try, I don’t know if the North… if my lands will be to Eli’s liking.”

Dmitri’s low, subdued voice weighed heavily on Eleonore.

“But I’ll do everything I can.”...