The idiotic phrase "it's not what you think" would be very appropriate right now. I held my breath while Duke Dickens stared at the child with shocked eyes.
There was probably no point in making excuses.
In this country, there were only two people I couldn't fool: the emperor himself and Duke Dickens. The latter had served the imperial family for many years and couldn't fail to recognize his master's only daughter. Angela Stone looked very much like her father.
When the man regained his ability to move, he slowly walked to the back of the room. His gaze remained fixed on Angela. The girl was still sleeping peacefully, her breathing steady.
— ....
A silence fell between us. I was afraid to speak first.
Dickens Sr. cleared his throat.
"Explain," he began hoarsely, "What does this mean?"
At first, I decided to play dumb.
"I don't understand what you mean," I said sincerely.
