CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Mercy! Show mercy!"
Jane sprung from her bed in shock. She recognized that voice.
She jumped out of bed and raced to his room without a second thought. But when she found herself in front of the door, she paused, her heart racing. She knocked, but there was no answer. His cries had quietened down.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she slowly turned the doorknob, the creaking sound echoing through the quiet hall.
Only when she stepped inside and moved closer to where he lay, did she find him sweating and crying in his sleep. Her heart dropped, and she rushed over to him.
She woke him up gently, "Your Grace… It's alright, Your Grace. You are having a nightmare. Wake up, you’re fine. Open your eyes, please."
His eyes were startled as he began coming out of the nightmare at last. "What... where... what happened?" His voice trembled with confusion.
"You were having a bad dream. You're safe now, you're at home."
His eyes darted around the room, clearly still caught in the remnants of the nightmare. "I thought... I thought..." He stuttered, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
Jane placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "It's over now. Just take a deep breath and relax." She rubbed her fingertips on his skin gently.
"It's alright, Colin. You're safe," She whispered, her voice filled with reassurance. Yet, he seemed to struggle to calm down, the remnants of his panic still lingering. She held him close, allowing him to rest his head on her chest.
"Just breathe, Colin. You're alright, it’s all fine," She cooed softly, her words echoing a soothing melody in the night’s quiet.
At last, he seemed to calmed down, the tension in his body easing as he began to recognize his familiar surroundings. "Thank you, Jane…" He whispered gratefully focusing on her presence.
Uttering her name appeared to dump the reality of the situation on him and his eyes fluttered open suddenly, shock stretchedacross his features. His body tensed up again, and with a sudden jolt, he sprang up off her chest, his movements frantic.
He turned from her and cleared his throat as he quickly attempted to compose himself.
“Your Grace…”
"I'm sorry for waking you, duchess. I'm quite alright now, you may take your leave," He uttered, his tone clearly formed to mask any form of vulnerability. As he resumed his seat on the bed, Jane watched as he erected a barrier, his expression stoic, shutting her out.
"You don't have to be alone tonight," She spoke softly, her words filled with warmth and sympathy. Sitting beside him on the bed, she gently added, "Let me keep you company, Your Grace, I-"
"I want to be left alone for the night. Could you please leave now?" His words cut through the air before she could finish. “I appreciate the concern, duchess. But I need my space.”
Despite his cold demeanor, she remained rooted in her place. She did not know what horrors troubled this man, but the way he’d clung to her just a few moments ago made it clear he did not truly wish to be alone.
Instead of retreating, she moved closer to him on the bed.
"I am not leaving, Your Grace. I will be staying here. No matter what you say or do, I will not let you shut me out."
She didn’t break eye contact because she could tell by the look in his eyes that he genuinely needed her.
“Jane, I wouldn't want to be rude, so don't make me,” he said, his threat subtle yet glaring.
“What kind of a wife would I be if I left you at a moment when I knew you needed me?” She drew closer.
“An obedient one,” he replied, whereas in his tone, there was a hint of amusement at her defiance.
“Have I ever been the obedient type?” she teased.
Colin scoffed, shocked with himself.
“I want to be of help to you.”
