On the balcony of the mansion of Astoria, the cold night breeze and the moon shine down its light. While Vanessa was admiring the night breeze and looking at the stars shining through her eyes. Duke Henry saw her on the balcony and approached her from behind,
"The night view is pretty peacefully, isn't it lady Vanessa?"
Vanessa was suddenly startled by Duke Henry's soft deep voice behind her, she turned around gazing at his blue ocean eyes.
"Good evening, Your Grace..."
She quickly greeted him.
"There is no need for such formalities, Vanessa. We are, after all, friends."
Duke Henry said softly looking at her with a soft expression.
"Understood, Your Grace. However, I find comfort in the informality of friendship, even amidst our titles."
She nodded, with a soft tone in her voice. Duke Henry looks down at her with sudden a desire.
"Lady Vanessa, I implore you to join the festivities. This, after all, is your family's celebration."
He steps closer to her, closing the big gap in front of them. While his gaze lingered on her still.
"I understand, Your Grace. However, if it pleases you to rejoin the company, I shall not object."
She nodded, knowing that she couldn't resist his request even if she used to resist his request. She started to walk towards the door and was about to leave the balcony. As she held the door numb suddenly Duke Henry stopped her. She looked at his slim and veiny hand against hers, it was smooth and soft feeling it. She was feeling confused about why Duke Henry stopped her after requesting her to join the crowd, she thought maybe he changed his mind but she decided to shake her thoughts off in her head. She suddenly felt Henry's breath against her neck as he leaned closer to her,
"Vanessa, I must commend you. For the first time, you have acquiesced to my request, after previous displays of... resolve."
He whispered against her ear, she could feel his breath against her ear. She could feel his body from behind against hers, a spark between them. She wasn't able to take her plumb lips open, but she finally got her plumb lips open to speak up.
"Is something amiss, Your Grace?"
She said with a heavy low tone in her voice. Henry stared at her from behind, his eyes full of desire feeling unaware of his feelings against Vanessa. Henry lets go of her hand from the door numb, he can't understand what is happening inside his fragile heart. Henry steps back giving Vanessa space, as she turns around at him.
"Vanessa, I am curious. What has prompted this newfound compliance with my wishes?"
He said, Henry's voice became heavy with a hint of desire. Vanessa's lips turn into a smirk.
"Your Grace, there is no particular reason for my obedience; it was simply my inclination to comply."
She responded with a smirk playing on her lips. Henry was a bit amused by her presence but he's not used to seeing her following his request or rather commands, she's often stubborn against him.