บท 99: A Lazy Day

"You appear unusually relaxed, Your Grace, and quite refreshed as well. I gather the first night went rather successfully?" Stanis asked, his wide grin directed at Tillian.

The Duke, taken aback by his aide's comment, tightened his grip on the reins of his black horse, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep over him. Stanis's playful demeanor only served to amplify his own discomfort.

In an effort to dispel the lingering awkwardness, Tillian coughed, slowed his horse, and finally responded, 

"I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed it. And Aideen seemed to as well, or at least I hope so. I tried to be considerate and cautious, though perhaps it came off as awkward instead. It wasn't her first time, but it was mine, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect."

Stanis, though supportive and understanding of his young lord, could not shake the cunning smirk from his face as he replied in a playful tone,