As Leonard was practicing, one of the guards approached him and reported that the duchess had arrived some time ago and was likely waiting for him in his office.
Upon hearing that Olivia had come to see him, Leonard ended his training early, threw on his shirt without fastening the buttons, and headed to his office. However, when he arrived, he only found Darius perusing some documents, to whom he inquired.
"Where is my wife?'
"I beg your pardon, sir?"
"I asked you, where is my wife? A guard told me she was here."
"I apologize, sir, but the only women who have been here today were a middle-aged lady and a young woman with brown hair and green eyes who was wearing some odd clothing."
"Where are they now?"
"I told them you were busy and couldn't see them, so they left."
Leonard raced to the entrance in hopes of catching up with them. Olivia was boarding the carriage when he arrived and he exclaimed, "You were leaving without saying a word?"
Upon hearing the duke's voice, Olivia turned quickly and stumbled, but Leonard caught her before she fell to the ground and lifted her in his arms, asking.
"What are you doing here?"
Nervous, unsure if Leonard was upset by her visit, Olivia stammered.
"I came because I wanted to bring you some snacks and a change of clothes. Are you upset?"
"No, it's just that your visit caught me by surprise; I didn't expect to see you today."
"I know, I heard you were quite busy, so we were about to leave."
"My training is finished now and I have some free time. Please stay."
"Are you certain I'm not disturbing you?"
Leonard kissed her forehead, soothingly saying, "You never bother me."
Relieved she could spend time with him, Olivia almost forgot that Leonard was still holding her in his arms as she beseeched, "Please put me down."
"I don't want to; it's faster if I carry you like this."
Carrying Olivia in his arms, Leonard brought her back to his office. Darius was stunned, realizing he had turned away the duchess earlier, having mistaken her for one of those persistent girls who chased after the duke. He could never have guessed that the plainly dressed young woman was the Duchess of Forest.
Leonard deposited Olivia on the couch and instructed Darius, "Look after her while I take a bath."
"As you wish, my lord."
Rising from the couch and reaching for the basket on the table, Olivia retrieved the spare clothes she had brought and offered them to Leonard, saying, "I've brought a change of clothes for you."
With appreciative tenderness, Leonard advanced towards Olivia, accepted the clothes, kissed her forehead, and gratefully replied, "Thank you."
Darius awe-struck to see the duke showing such warmth towards his wife, known to him for his liaisons with many lovers who never received such kindness, watched as the duke retreated to the adjoining bathroom, leaving the two alone.
Approaching the duchess, Darius offered, "Would you like something to drink, my lady?"
"No, thank you very much."
While waiting for her husband, Olivia wandered the office, her curiosity evident as she admired the room. Darius couldn't stop watching her, which made her feel self-conscious prompting her to return to the sofa.
The more Darius observed her, the harder it was for him to comprehend what the duke found so endearing about the petite duchess. The duke's past lovers had been curvaceous and voluptuous, while the duchess was slight, dressed in masculine attire-pants and shirts, an odd sight as women usually donned beautiful, jewel and lace-adorned dresses. Yet, the duchess's clothes were simple and unadorned with jewelry.
After bathing, the partially dressed sat beside Olivia on the couch and wrapped his arms around her. Her face flushed with embarrassment under Darius's intense gaze. Attempting to rise and grab the basket with snacks, Olivia was gently pulled back by Leonard who settled her onto his lap.
Aware of Olivia's discomfort with public displays of affection, Leonard shot Darius a warning glare, signifying his desire for privacy. Misinterpreting the silent cue, Leonard finally said, "Darius, perhaps you could take a break outside after working so diligently."
"Don't worry, my lord, I'm not tired."
Occasionally frustrated by Darius's obtuseness, Leonard had to be straightforward.
"I wish to spend time my wife, so leave us and don't come back until call for you."
Shocked by his directness, the stern and cold duke prioritizing his wife over work was unheard of. Darius responded, "As you command."
Once alone, Leonard swept Olivia onto the couch and kissed her passionately, their tongues intertwining and eliciting a moan from the intensity of their embrace. Darius, startled by the passionate sound heard through the door, hastily retreated.
Embarrassed by their intimacy in the office, Olivia placed her hands on Leonard's face, gently pushing him away as she said, "Leonard, I brought cake."
Leonard, kissing one of her hands and tenderly nibbling at her fingers, replied enticingly, "I desire you more than dessert."
...
Leonard continued to kiss Olivia's arm, making his way up to her neck, where he began to unbutton her shirt, then kissed her lips. His hands playfully roamed, caressing her breasts. To Olivia, each touch, each kiss felt like a burning fire that scorched her, yet she was not comfortable engaging in such acts outside her home. She tried to push him away, but he wouldn't budge. When Olivia heard the voices of some soldiers passing by the office, she tried to rise desperately, ending up biting Leonard.
Feeling the taste of blood in his mouth, he pulled away from her. He couldn't believe Olivia had bitten him. She fumbled with the buttons of her shirt, muttering in upset agitation.
"These sorts of things should only happen at home."
Leonard laughed at Olivia's naivety, gave her a kiss on the forehead, and said, "Alright, I'II wait until we get back home, but I guess if I can't have you, I'II have to make do with that cake you brought me."
Olivia quickly stood up and took the cake out of the basket, served some tea from a pot on a small table into two cups, one for him and one for herself.
As they ate, she said, "I've named the puppy."
"Oh? And what have you called him?"
"Vandal-nice, isn't it?"
Hearing the name she had given the puppy, Leonard thought he'd never let her name their children. But seeing her so pleased with her choice, he said, "It's lovely."
Olivia's eyes sparkled as she spoke of her puppy. Leonard hadn't been keen on her keeping it, but she seemed so happy, he chose not to mention that the puppy she was so delighted with was actually a wolf.
Olivia spent a good while in Leonard's office, recounting all she had done the day before, but knowing he was busy, she decided to end her visit and said, "I've been interrupting you quite a bit, haven't I? I better head home."
"I've told you, you're not a bother."
"But you have a lot of work."
"Yes, but now I'm on a break."
"Even so, I should go. We'll see each other tonight at home anyway."
Leonard wanted to ask her to stay, but he indeed had much work, and it was likely he wouldn't make it home that day either, so he said.
"That's fine. I might not get back tonight either, but I'm certain I'll manage it tomorrow."
Olivia felt a tinge of sadness at the thought of another night without him. Seeing her look dis heartened, Leonard said, "Tomorrow, I have to go into the city on business. Would you like to come?"
Her mood brightened instantly, and she responded, "Can I really come with you?"
"Yes, I won't be as busy tomorrow. We can finish up quickly and then walk through the city."
"I'd love to! I've never been to the city before."
Leonard walked Olivia to where Amelia waited with the coachman, and before she climbed into the carriage, he kissed her on the lips, saying, "See you tomorrow."
Blushing, as they had an audience, yet knowing she wouldn't see him until the next day, Olivia stood on tiptoes, gave him a barely-there kiss, and hurried into the carriage. Leonard adored it when Olivia initiated kisses; each time she did, his heart strangely raced, even though her kisses were innocently sweet. He liked it.
Amelia, who had hung back a few steps, approached him and said, "My lord, you plan to go out with the duchess tomorrow?"
"Yes, I intend to take her to the city with me."
"Since you are going to the city, you might think of buying the duchess a gift. Some jewelry would be a nice gesture from you, as she has none, and you have yet to give her anything."
Leonard bristled as if Amelia was chiding him for not having gifted Olivia since their marriage. With a trip to the city in mind, he thought it a good idea to buy her something, as Amelia suggested. Smiling at Leonard, Amelia said, "Until tomorrow, my lord. Have a good day, and remember to be generous with your wife."
Amelia boarded the carriage, and the coachman set off. Leonard watched the duchess leave, reflecting on how remarkable Amelia was; aside from Olivia, she was the only one who dared scold him in the mansion. Darius, returning from his compulsory walk, approached the duke and said, "My lord, papers requiring today's signature must be delivered to the Palace."
"Bring them to my office."
When Olivia arrived back at the mansion, Vandal ran up to her side. She picked him up and played with him in the garden for a while, as his growls and howls seemed to be driving everyone in the mansion mad.
After dinner, Olivia retired to her room, indulged in a soothing rose bath, and had the maids attend to her nails and apply a mask so she would look her best for the next days' trip to the city. She went to bed elated about accompanying the duke.