The Duke's Bed Warmer

Chapter 93: No More Secrets

Austin held Cecily, his face buried in her hair, for a long time. When he finally pulled back, his eyes moved over her face, stopping at the silver scars on the right side of her face.

He lifted his hand and touched them gently, remembering the worst night of their lives.

"I’m sorry," he whispered. "I’m sorry for hiding you here. I’m sorry I never found the courage to come and see you."

"Austin..."

"I keep telling myself I was protecting you. But the truth is...I was afraid... that if I opened the door, I’d have to face what happened to you. And if I did that...I’d have to admit I failed you."

Cecily’s grip tightened on his hands.

"Stop," she said softly. "You did not fail me. If I’m alive today, it’s because you ran through a burning door for me. But hiding...it was my choice too."

She reached up and wiped the tears from his face.

"You didn’t imprison me. We did this together. You, out of guilt... and me, out of fear."

"But still... I should have..."

She pulled him into another hug before he could finish. Alina stayed at the door, watching them with a small smile and teary eyes.

After a moment, Cecily pulled back again, wiping her face with her sleeve, and turned to look at Alina. They had known each other for weeks. Cecily had seen her sometimes from the window. But this was the first time they stood face to face in the same room.

Cecily walked over to her.

"You’re shorter than I imagined," Cecily joked.

"Huh?"

"I thought you were taller when I saw you from the window. But I bet you can’t even reach the high shelves without help, can you?"

"I use a stool."

"That’s unfortunate."

They both laughed. Cecily took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Alina.

"I really wanted to meet you," Cecily said.

"Me too."

They pulled apart and grinned at each other.

Austin watched them from across the hall in bewilderment. He had been visiting Cecily for years but barely talked to her. Alina had been visiting her only for a few weeks, yet here they were, hugging and laughing as if they had been friends for years.

"How did you two get this close in just a few weeks?" he asked.

Alina shrugged as she laughed softly.

"Some doors open easier than others."

They sat down together after that and talked about everything that was happening in the castle and what had made Austin finally open the door after five long years.

"So...Dorian knows about Alina’s bloodline. Does he know about me?" Cecily asked.

Austin shook his head.

"I don’t think so. You’ve been dead to the world for the last five years."

"But we need to be more careful," Alina said. "With Dorian and Audrey planning against us, if anyone gets suspicious about us coming to the east wing..."

"Once a week," Austin cut in. "We’ll come to meet Cecily once a week through the servant passages."

Cecily’s face fell a little. She had grown used to Alina’s visits so the sudden change made her a little upset.

"Once a week in person," Alina added quickly. "But I can still sit outside the door like before and bring you delicious food from the kitchen."

"Thank you," Cecily said, looking at Alina. "For bringing Austin here. He wouldn’t have opened the door without you."

Alina shook her head gently.

"He just needed someone to knock loud enough."

Time passed quickly after that. It was time to leave before anyone noticed. Cecily hugged both of them again, holding on a little tighter this time.

"Come soon," Cecily said. "I’ll be waiting."

They both nodded and stepped outside. Austin locked the door while Alina looked around to make sure no one was there. Then they walked side by side towards his room through the hidden servant passage again.

"Thank you," Austin said after a while. "For tonight. If you hadn’t knocked on that door, Cecily and I might have stayed on opposite sides of it for another five years."

Alina looked at him and smiled.

"Some things are worth the risk," she replied. "It also proves that it’s good that I’m terrible at leaving things alone."

He smiled and they walked the rest of the way in silence. The corridor was almost empty as they turned the corner towards their wing.

Then, suddenly, Austin stopped, and signalled her to stop with his hand. Alina froze and looked past him.

Ahead of them, two figures walked together with their backs turned to them, heading towards the guest wing.

"Audrey and Dorian," Alina whispered.

Austin quickly pulled her behind the corner and pressed her gently against the wall. The corridor was narrow, his body covering hers. His back rested against the wall while she stood close against him, her hands resting on his chest, their bodies touching from top to bottom.

Her heart pounded. She could feel his warmth and the steady rise and fall of his chest. His one hand rested on her waist to keep her still, and it made her stomach churn. This sudden closeness was new, sending a quiet tension through both of them. Time seemed to slow as they waited.

"...the timeline is clear." Audrey’s voice drifted them back to reality.

"And Alina? If she doesn’t cooperate?" Dorian asked.

"She will. Everyone cooperates eventually. It’s just a matter of finding the right time..."

Their voices faded as they walked farther away.

Austin and Alina stayed pressed together against the wall. Neither of them pulled away.

Then they heard footsteps again. They both turned at once. A guard on his night round was coming towards them.

They stepped apart quickly. She smoothed down her dress while he straightened his coat. The guard rounded the corner and saw them.

"Your Grace," he bowed and continued walking.

"We should go," Austin said. "Before someone from Dorian or Audrey’s household sees us."

Alina nodded and they both rushed towards his room, holding hands.