Joshua breathed a sigh of relief as he left the great hall after dinner and headed towards his private study. Now that business was done for the day, he had the rest of the evening to himself, a rarity these days. He had grown up knowing that being an archduke would be a lot of work, but nothing could have prepared him for partnering with the Triunity in brainstorming and implementing new governmental systems for the nations of Storm. While it could be enjoyable to work so closely with his Uncle Byron, his fervor in certain aspects had the tendency to draw meetings out longer than necessary, especially when, more often than not, his opinions differed from those of Eugen Havel or the Duke of Oriflamme, who had also recently partnered with the organization. Even with Master Quinten as a voice of reason, it could be taxing to address even the smallest items on their agendas.

But, Joshua did not have to worry about any of that for the time being; he could spend the next few hours reading for pleasure, or continuing his writing. He was trying to decide when he noticed a small feminine figure at the end of the corridor. The person seemed to startle at noticing him, and began to turn in the other direction.

"Jote," he called out. "Jote, wait." He quickened his pace to catch up with the maiden.

"Was there aught you needed of me, Your Grace?" Jote asked, barely meeting his gaze.

"I was only wondering what you are doing here, where you've been. I have barely seen you since returning to the castle."

"My work with the Undying continues as always, Your Grace. I did not intend for you to see me. If I might beg your pardon…" Jote began to turn once more.

"Jote, please." Joshua stepped in her path. "What is amiss? I've tried several times to speak with you as we used to, but, ever since I agreed to restore the duchy, I have sensed a change in you."

"I only act as any loyal servant to the crown should."

"That never stopped you before."

"Your Grace, I don't think it's appropriate for-"

"Please," Joshua urged. He tentatively took one of her hands in his. "If I have said or done something to offend, I wish you would tell me so I might make amends. I care for you."

"That's the problem!"

"How is that a problem?"

"Because I care for you too," Jote admitted. "At times, too much. It was simpler, back when it was just the two of us, traveling together, when you were Lord Margrace and I your companion. You choosing to become archduke reminded me of just how far I am below your station. And with how much time you began to spend with Lady Warrick, I… It became easier to distance myself. It was foolish of me to think…"

"Jote." Joshua took hold of her other hand, joining both with his own. "When has it ever seemed as if stations were important to me in that way? Jill has been my friend and as close as a sister since we were children, but you were there with me in my darkest days. You were there to help pull me from the rubble of Phoenix Gate. Through everything, it was you by my side all those years, separated from my brother, constantly on the chase of whatever lead I could find on Ultima.

"Yours were the first arms around me when I returned from Origin, despondent as I was," he continued, freeing one hand to brush against Jote's cheek. "You mean far more to me, are more worthy than any noblewoman I could ever meet."

"Truly?" Jote placed her own shaking hand around Joshua's wrist. She looked fully into his eyes, her own beginning to glisten.

"Have I ever lied to you, my lady?"

The two shared a nervous laugh. For a moment, they stood there, taking each other in, Jote burying her face deeper into Joshua's hand.

"What happens now?" she asked, gazing up at him once more.

"How about we start with this?" Joshua gently drew her head closer to his, lips parted. Jote closed her eyes as she closed in to complete the kiss. The touch was so gentle and sweet, yet had a powerful energy to it at the same time. He could drink it in forever.

"I love you, Jote. It is you I would have by my side for the rest of my days." Joshua said when they finally parted.

"And I love you," Jote replied. "I will be with you always, Your Grace."

"I think you can call me Joshua now," he teased lightly.

"Alright. I love you, Joshua."

Joshua wrapped his arms around her, all thoughts of studying quite forgotten.

"My beloved is mine and I am his;" - Song of Songs 2:16a, English Standard Version

*AN: I hope you'll indulge me including a relevant Bible verse or two at the end of each chapter going forward. I know I said I probably wouldn't do Joshua's POV again, but I couldn't resist. Plus, it gives you all something to tide you over while I continue working on a worthy conclusion. I can't thank you all enough for the response I've gotten to this story! Hope to see you next time.*