My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 221: Different

Chapter 221: Different

Dinner was soon given to the ducal couple and they sat at a solid oak table that had been pulled towards the fireplace by maids knowing that they were cold from travel and would likely prefer to be warm.

Leonor had taken off her cloak and the outer dress she wore over her chemise. Because of her lack of clothing, being close to the fire was preferable. Desmond certainly preferred to be cold anyway.

With how long the two of them had been together, she had noticed before that he was petrified of getting too close to flames. It was understandable considering all he had been through.

With silent understanding, she tried to pick places to go with him far from fireplaces even if she was naturally a cold person. If it meant she had to cuddle up to her husband for heat rather than a fire, she wasn’t so opposed.

If she could always stand between him and flames, she certainly would.

On the table in front of the couple was a variety of ham, potatoes, carrots, and fish. All were steaming hot and seasoned well with herbs. Leonor was especially thrilled about the fresh bread.

The moment she opened the cloth that kept the bread warm, steam rose into the air and a pleased smile spread across her lips.

"If there’s one thing you will eat, it’s bread and butter," Desmond said with a light laugh. "We’ll never be destitute but I will keep this in mind."

"I’ll keep the bread and you’ll keep the meat," she said, knowing his preferences as well. "If you could have a perfect meal it would be three different meats and nothing else."

Desmond’s laugh was heavier and he shook his head.

"I would be starving otherwise," he said. "It gives me energy."

Leonor had been putting food on a plate for Desmond and she gently pushed it towards her husband who was in a good mood after drinking some of the wine while Leonor got out of her dirty travel clothing.

"I believe you have more than enough energy," she uttered. "You ought to drink the wine to make yourself less energetic."

Desmond did reach for the fork on the table but he paused before he could bring a bite to his lips.

"Which energetic are we talking about?" he asked. "Food brings me one form of energy, while wine brings me an entirely different form of energy."

Leonor gasped at his words and sat down heavily in her chair after giving Desmond his food. She had her own food to worry about as well as a small glass of wine to take the edge off of all the traveling they had been doing. Compared to what they had experienced the past few days, it was welcome to be a bit spoiled that evening.

"Focus on eating and I will as well," she uttered.

"For now," Desmond said, but he didn’t resist and started getting into the meal.

He had been hungry after only eating cured meats and dried vegetables for sustenance. Their bread had gotten hard and it was only good if dipped in broth or hot water. Even though he was least likely to indulge, he was taking full advantage that night.

Leonor could see through one of the windows from where she sat at the table and she became lost in thought as she ate. Despite the sun having gotten closer to the horizon, it was still fairly light outside due to the lights throughout the city. Even if they were on the outskirts of Coeurvalle in the inn, it was still a hugely populated area.

There were a few moments of silence before it was broken.

"Sometimes I forget just how large and luxurious the capital is," she admitted. "It’s not to say that I’m not taken care of in Montclair, but we will certainly have to get adjusted to being spoiled while we stay here."

"Considering we’ll spend most of our time in the palace, it’s reasonable worry to have," Desmond admitted. "Even though Stephano eats as much as a fly, it doesn’t mean they stop feeding him."

Leonor smiled and wiped her lips with a cloth napkin.

"I hope he eats more than he used to despite how thin he still is," she said. "He’s the one who controls everything and there’s no fight for the throne any longer."

"The life of a king is complicated beyond my comprehension," Desmond said. "His paranoia will likely last for as long as he lives. At least I trained him to be far better of a sword wielder than his father so he will be able to protect himself."

Leonor nodded, believing him considering that’s how she met Stephano in the first place. It felt like many lifetimes ago but it was only a few years before.

"That’s a relief," she said. "As long as he can protect himself. He also has a loyal and gifted mage at his side. I don’t believe anything bad will ever befall him."

"I believe the same," Desmond admitted. "Quinn has a good head on his shoulders from what I experienced in Montclair."

"I’m glad you think so," Leonor said. "He was my dearest friend in the Academy. He was there when I found my mana category as well. He went from then Prince Stephano to me as a partner. I should be honored," she joked.

Desmond had nearly finished the food on his plate and he reached for another slice of the ham since Leonor had only finished one and seemed intent on eating nothing else.

"He should be the one who’s honored," Desmond muttered. "He was the one who got to watch you grow up."

He nearly finished that slice of ham before his wife could speak again.

Leonor’s smile became a bit shy as she contemplated his words

"You often emphasize missing out on the years I became an adult," Leonor realized. "Am I really so different from when I was a girl?"

Desmond sipped more dark wine, having a feeling he knew where his wife was going with her question. He placed the chalice down on the wooden table and sat up a bit straighter so he could reach across the table and place his hand over Leonor’s.

"Much the same," he admitted. "Terrifyingly different as well."

Leonor pulled her hand from his and crossed her arms over her bust. Her dark eyebrows lowered slightly.

"Different in which way?" she asked.

A small smirk appeared and Desmond knew he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back.

He wiped his lips and hands off with a cloth napkin and placed it on the table before he dared approach his wife.

When he was in front of her, he grasped her hands and knelt in front of her.