Evening Promises

Hansel had heard a lot of shocking things in his life. Like the time he was chosen from the orphanage to train as a servant in the Imperial Palace. Or the time he was assigned as the Duke's personal servant. Or the time the Duke suddenly got a fiancée - a willing one! Very shocking.

But this one was the most shocking of all and he could only stare at the beautiful red-headed lady in front of him.

"I just mean you can stay here. You can sleep here in my room and leave in the morning," Rubiella said.

Oh. So that's what she meant. But still . . .

"I'm afraid that would not be proper of me to do, My Lady," Hansel said.

Rubiella looked irritated. "Always a proper gentleman."

Hansel was not sure what to make of Rubiella Summers. She was an enigma. Why was she making it hard for him to leave? Why did she treat him so nicely?

"My Lady, do you not want me to be a proper gentleman to you?" Hansel asked.

"I just . . . Tsk! You're being so difficult!" Rubiella fumed at him.