---- 343.


    MY PACK KATHERINE I stretchedzily in bed.


    My thighs protested a little, and my still-drowsy mind recalled the reason for the difort.


    Icould still feel the delicious tingling from those vigorous thrusts.


    Of course, my legs achedI had ridden the Duke like a cowgirl ona mechanical bull, and what a bull I had gotten.


    Ismiled a little, staring at the ceiling above me.


    Ireally was shameless.


    Still, [had to make sure I had the opportunity to seduce Elliot properly because he wasnt a fool.


    And if I ended up pregnant "out of thin air," he might think I had cheated on him with someone else.


    When I sat up on the mattress, I suddenly felt a sharp pang in my chest.


    Iced my hand over my heart, which was pounding furiously.


    Something had changed.


    I felt stronger, somehow...


    more powerful...


    I dont know...


    It was the sensation of that magical energy coursing through my veins.


    Was this because I had cast my first spell? That had to be it...


    or maybe it was because I had made love to Elliot? Iwasnt sure, and I didnt dwell on it.


    Thad to be careful with the risks, or Id lose my mind if something went wrong.


    ---- I walked to the bathroom to freshen up, ready to start my dayhoping that every time I looked at the little Duke, I wouldnt remember the adorable face of his cock.


    ook ELLIOT Thad been reviewing some documents in my office since early morning.


    I flipped through the pages, one after another.


    Yet, I couldnt focus ona single word.


    Damn it, I muttered, lowering the document and pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration.


    Tt was just a fuck, for God''s sake.


    Yes, an insanely good one, but you couldnt even move, man.


    What, are you a masochist now? I grumbled in annoyance, about to attempt reading the reports again when a soft knock on the door interrupted me.


    Come in, I called out.


    Talready knew who it was by the scent, and honestly, I was a little surprised.


    Good morning, Father Duke, little Lavinia walked in slowly, hesitantly, offering a formal curtsy before standing in front of my desk.


    Lavinia, what brings you to my office so early? I asked, puzzled.


    To be honest, I had never felt any real attachment to the girlwho, in front of everyone, was considered my legitimate daughter.


    Thad acknowledged her because of her grandfathers ckmail, but I never wanted her.


    ---- My hatred for that family hadpletely tainted our rtionship.


    J...


    [came to give you this, Your Lordship.


    Mrs.


    Prescott left it in my room.


    It needs your approval and signature, she said in a near whisper, avoiding my gaze as her tiny hand extended a sealed letter.


    Inoticed her fingers trembling slightly.


    Iknew she had always been afraid of me, despite the fact that I had never done anything to herneither good nor bad.


    Our rtionship was practically nonexistent.


    Isimply ensured shecked for nothing material, and that was it.


    I tore open the envelope with a letter opener.


    Noticed the seal of the Academy for Young Ladies and read the admission letter.


    It was a highly prestigious academy, located in neutral territory between Duchies.


    Noble girls were trained therebut they had to live there permanently.


    I had heard that they entered as little girls and left as women ready for matriage.


    They only returned home for specific events.


    I studied her intently.


    This was Rosses decision.


    I still wasnt sure who this child really belonged to, but now that I was paying attention...


    her scent resembled Katherines far more than Rosses.


    And judging by the way Katherine treated her, I was beginning to believe Lavinia was actually her real daughter.


    Do you want to go to this academy, Lavinia? I asked, watching as her body tensed.