Married To The Riveted Duke

<>

Princess Fiona was seated at the dressing table, looking at her reflection in the mirror as she brushed her hair. She could see the maid, whom had often accompanied her everywhere as she stood at the door, through the mirror. There was a knock on the door.

"Do come in!" Fiona said in high spirits. She had a warm smile. She knew that the Duke would be eager to see her and happily waited for him.

"Your Highness!" The butler said with a bow.

Fiona excitedly kept her hairbrush on the table and stood on her feet.

"Tell me you have news about the man whom my heart beats for?" She asked eagerly.

"Certainly, I do. The Duke has just arrived and is waiting for you in the drawing-room. He wishes that you should be in a haste as he is very busy." The butler said plainly.

Fiona smiled and left the room. She climbed down the stairs and went straight to the drawing-room. She had seen him; he had his eyes at the window as he gazed the view of the stable from there. She crept towards him and hugged him from behind.

"I knew you would come." She said happily, resting her head on his back.

Williams felt her embrace and turned his head round. He glanced at her and diverted his gaze back to the window. He instantly broke the hug. Fiona was stunned at his disapproval and perplexed. She stood beside him.

"I understand that you are still angry about my disappearance. I had intended to let you know about it but His Majesty insisted that I must be discreet about my holiday. My brother can be demanding sometimes." She explained, with hopes he would forgive her,

"I had written the letter to explain myself. I wish you let not your anger ruin our relationship, Williams."

Williams sniggered at her and found her words amusing. He turned to his side, facing her. Fiona couldn't still apprehend his cold gestures.

"I didn't come for your apology nor am I angry with you. From the start, there hasn't been an us nor will there be. I had put up this charade long enough because my mother had begged me to." He replied coolly,

"Williams?" She said doubtfully. Her initial expectation was suppressed by his attitude.

"You've obviously bribed my mother with every gift you could think of-expensive jewels, land, maids and others which I have lost count of. I had always disliked your presence in my life from the very beginning. I had made it known to you but your stupid love wouldn't let you see it."

"Your Highness, I didn't come to insult you or make you see your foolishness in your fantasy. I had come to tell that I belong to another and I don't want you to bother me no more. I'm contented with the woman I have chosen, though it might displeased my mother-your best friend. I have no plans of including you in my life, not even as my second choice." He said bluntly, not hiding his marriage with Rebecca.

Fiona's eyes leaked but she quickly wiped off the tears on her face. She scowled at him.

"Who is she?" She asked him, gritting her teeth.

Williams smirked at the sight of her anger. He remained silent.

"Tell me, who is it? An Emperor's daughter? Another princess?" She asked him angrily.

Williams persisted in his silence and walked few metres away.

"Don't tell me it's a commoner?" She assumed, with her nose wrinkled in disgust.

Williams stopped but didn't face her. Fiona nodded to her suspicions and walked towards him. She stood in front of him. He looked plainly at her.

"Wait!" She slung him off,

"You saying you chose some filthy commoner over me? Someone, who clearly smells like worst than a horse dung? Am I right?"

Williams rolled his eyes and shook his head disappointingly.

"I should've known a man like you had no decent taste. You're clearly the type who spits out sugar and goes for lime instead. How pathetic!" She said scornfully.

"Beauty without brains; that's what you are! Arrogant, rude, an egoist; I can't live with someone like you. At least the Duchess has some good qualities in her. You might learn a thing or two from her." He said smugly, satisfied in his mission.

"His Majesty won't spare you." She threatened him.

Williams took a step forward, standing very close to her. He looked at her directly her eyes. Fiona didn't back out from the stare.

"I never asked for any of these." He muttered, in a low voice. His words were firm and unmoved.

Williams left the room. Princess Fiona watched him and slowly returned to her distress-tears had race down her cheeks the minute he left.

<>

Rebecca had come downstairs the moment Zita had told about the Duke's departure. She ate breakfast peacefully, hoping it wouldn't be interrupted by her husband. After she was done, satisfied with what she had, Zita offered to show her round the house as well as the field close to the house.

The Duke had been given hectares land which he built his house in and left the rest as they were. They walked in the slightly overgrown grass.

"This has been peaceful morning." Rebecca said gladly. She had her eyes at the blue sky.

Zita felt otherwise. She knew her words would only cause problems later. She had the urge to tell her mistress about it but forcefully kept it to herself.

"His grace will certainly be furious when he returns." Zita said cowardly, unable to deal with the tension.

Rebecca looked away from the sky and had her eyes on Zita. Zita knew she had become the object of concentration.

"He was angry when he heard of your disobedience. You only escaped his wrath because of his departure. But when he returns, he won't spare you." She continued, without making eye contact.

"I have always respected His grace but after what he said to me, I'm only an object mockery to him. He hates me and only married me to make me suffer." Rebecca said openly, still affected by his description.

"Your grace, your husband doesn't despise you. He had carefully planned your arrival to the house. He had everyone on their feet and made sure the house was befitting for you." Zita explained, in favour of her master.

"Yes, he did all that to prepare me for the worst. He bluntly told me that he despises me. What's there to hope in marriage like mine?" Rebecca said airily. The breeze blew and had some strands of her hair in hair. She wore them behind her ear.

"A woman in love often do stupid things only to regret it later. She had hopes of a happy ending but got laughed at the end."

"Such a woman must have truly be loved in with the man whom she desired." Zita said, keen to the conversation.

Rebecca looked at her stomach and let a sigh. She had her hand on her stomach.

"But he never loved her back. She was left with what she thought would be happiness." Rebecca said wryly.

"Does Her grace refers to herself?" Zita asked curiously.

Rebecca replied in a nod.

"Your grace, would you be glad to share the journey your love with me? I promise to listen without judgement." Zita persuaded her, eager to know more.

"Probably when I've fully let go of the pain and shame I feel within." Rebecca answered calmly.

Zita didn't force herself and hummed. She got bitten by an insect-a little ant-and slapped it off her leg. She looked at her mistress and her eyes widened.

"Your grace!" She exclaimed fearfully.

Rebecca looked at her blankly. She had been lost in thoughts and snapped out when she heard her voice, slightly loud. She looked at the directions Zita's eyes were was surprised. Her water had broken.