The meal went relatively quietly. Ramas was an extremely pleasant conversationalist. He did not ask too personal questions and was a good listener. Although she had expected him to be rather quiet, he was also quite capable of telling good and entertaining stories. He was very well-read and Celia suspected that she could still learn a lot from him. Perhaps she would even ask him for a few lessons if the opportunity arose.
She did not see the Grand Duke again for the whole evening and when she was to be shown around the estate the next day after lunch, it was Ramas again who stood at her door and showed her around.
They walked almost through the whole house and he told her something about the history of the Dumains. However, he left out the story of Alek's parents. In between, she also got to know some of the servants and their tasks.
Celia tried to remember as much as possible, but that was easier said than done. The fact that the servants wore different uniforms, depending on which area they were responsible for, made it at least a little bit easier for her. Nevertheless, she would probably have to practise this again later with her maids.
When they had finally visited everything, her feet were hurting and it was already late afternoon.
"Would you rather rest a little, Lady Celia? I can show you around the garden another time," the secretary offered her, slightly concerned.
But at the word "garden" she suddenly seemed to find all her energy again. "No need. I'd still like to look at it."
Ramas did not look particularly convinced, but nodded. "Good, I'll give a quick word to prepare some tea and biscuits in the pavilion. Then we can go for a short walk beforehand."
Celia agreed and after Ramas informed a servant, they headed outside.
She had not seen it when she arrived, as it was behind the house, but the garden was truly a dream. There was a small labyrinth, a rose garden, vegetable beds, fruit trees and even a small greenhouse with various flowers. Celia felt like she was in heaven. She couldn't get enough of the sight and was almost a little disappointed when Ramas insisted on taking tea. But even the pavilion was really lovely and completely surrounded by roses that gave off a lovely scent.
"The Grand Duke is not very interested in the garden. If you want to, you can change whatever you like here," the secretary told her and took his cup of tea to have a sip.
"Really? May I also ... work in the garden myself?" She knew that was not something noble ladies did, that was what gardeners were for. However, she had enjoyed looking after her father's roses. It would be nice to be able to keep an old hobby.
Ramas scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm. Well, normally I would say that such a thing is not befitting a Grand Duchess. But if it makes you happy. Feel free to do so."
Celia was very pleased about this opportunity and already the next few days she spent every free minute in the garden or the greenhouse.
Ramas had also found her a good teacher, none other than Duchess Starag. The duchess already raised two grown-up sons and a daughter successfully. She enjoyed great popularity in society and was therefore the perfect teacher. Although she was quite strict, she was also very understanding when Celia made mistakes even with simple things. So she spent her days studying, gardening and having regular tea dates with Ramas.
Once she even told him that one could think that he was her fiancé and not the Grand Duke. He almost choked on his tea afterwards and looked at her slightly horrified. "You must not say such things, nor even think about them. If that crazy bas... His Grace overhears, I'll be a head shorter."
Celia had laughed in response, but Ramas had not joined in.
Although a month already passed very pleasantly, she often wondered if she would see her fiancé again. She had even painted another picture of him... but this time with clothes. She still feared that he was avoiding her because of the nude picture. At least she couldn't think of any other reason for this sudden change in attention. By now she could only say that she was almost a little annoyed with him for that.
+++
Ramas opened the door to the Grand Duke's office and was almost struck by his murderous aura. He stood behind his desk and looked down at the new gardener who was taking care of the roses. Who was trembling all over.
"May I ask what is going on?" Ramas closed the door and stood next to the gardener.
"I heard that Celia tripped over a stone in the rose garden and hurt her knee," Alek growled, not taking his eyes off the young man.
A stone in the garden? How scandalous. "I see, and of course it's the gardener's fault."
"Who else!" Alek lashed out with one hand and threw a knife through right next to them. While Ramas remained standing, unimpressed, the gardener flinched in shock and was cut on the ear by the knife.
Amateur. The Grand Duke always threw his knives so that they never hit you, as long as you stood still. But just the slightest movement and you had a bleeding ear.
Sighing, he sent the distraught man outside and, shaking his head, took the knife out of the wood. Perhaps a steel door would be better next time. "This is exactly why even your servants fear you," he admonished Alek. But he seemed relatively indifferent. "What can I do about it if he moves? Besides, I wasn't done with him yet, why did you send him away?"
"Because it's normal to have stones in the garden and as far as I know the lady only has a small bruise. So calm down. You'd better have a look at this letter." He handed him the unopened envelope. Provided with the royal seal.
Alek tore it open and read what it said. "Hmmm. His Majesty wants to talk to me about my fiancée. There are accusations against me." He grinned slightly as he said that, almost as if it was a good thing.
"Most people wouldn't be happy about something like that," Ramas remarked and the Grand Duke just shook his head. "Hah! I'm just surprised he's so late with it. After all, I have been waiting for the old fool to make this mistake. He's playing right into my hands."
"Are you speaking of Your Majesty?" he asked him, shocked at this choice of words.
"Of course not. I'm talking about Celia's father. He's going to experience what it's like to mess with me." Alek's ominous grin widened. "And that's just the beginning."