Azriel stood nervously in the garden, below her window. At any other time, she would have loved the scent of the wild roses, and the gentle wind caressing her hair. Right now she stood nervously, terrified and waiting for the Duke.
The man surely had a long life as he stepped up to her right now. He looked like he had not slept at all for days. There were shadows under his eyes, and he had a slightly scraggly beard as well.
He watched her eyeing him and became suddenly self-conscious, touching his beard.
"I guess, I'm not dressed at my best to woo a young lady like yourself, Azriel," he said with a wry smile.
She smiled back at him, not knowing what to say. She had always been intimidated by the Duke and somewhere Ashmeer had made her feel, that the Duke was someone to be feared, someone with an agenda.
He offered her his arm and said, "Walk with me a while. Let's speak."
She silently took his arm and they began walking across the small path that fringed the garden. They walked in companionable silence for a bit and the Duke said, "So, Azriel, as things have come to pass, it seems that this whole Blight in the mines was a trap. Ashmeer was keen to lay his hands on you, the Cup, and the Book. Why he did this, I know. But how he knew about you, is something that I don't, so now you need to tell me more things. I sense much, and I have pieced most of it together, but
Azriel coughed. She was terrified. How was she going to tell the Duke her secret. She decided to keep her mouth shut. After all, she had trusted one brother and it had ended very badly. She wanted some answers now.
"Duke...I have no idea about this. I...don't know why he would do this."
The Duke cocked his head to one side and looked at her, "I think you do Azriel, but I understand if you do not wish to trust me. My brother has done you much harm. I would be wary as well if I were you."
"Waryy...the maid is wary...the man likes her more than he says." The Book hissed into ther mind.
"Oh...shut up....," Azriel muttered to the Book.
"What?" asked the Duke.
"Oh...what are we to do now? I mean you have already asked for my hand and Galvin has agreed. he probably wants to get rid of me. Please tell me what is to become of me now Duke?"
"Well, for one, perhaps, you could, at least in private, call me Ashdeer. Secondly, Azriel, you are not safe here in Andora. Now the whole dark world knows of your powerful magic, of your blood, of the Book. Many assassination attempts will happen. I'm afraid, Ashmeer was just the first of such an attempt."
Azriel's blood ran cold. Was it to be like this then? Always to be on the run. A destiny she had inherited from her mother. A life to be spent in hiding, running away from people who would want her magic, her blood, her life.
The Duke sighed, looking out into the distance, "Azriel, people have married for worse reasons. I assure you the utmost protection in Irismus. I also assure you that we will only begin our married life once you have to come to terms with this arrangement. Layla, my wife, I loved very much, but a deathly sickness consumes her and I do need to ensure enough heirs for Irismus. My son is very young and his health is also not the best. I know it's a lot to ask from a young girl. but if you are not upto it, I will look elsewhere for heirs. It would be enough to keep you and the Book safe."
Azriel felt a pang in her heart, realizing that perhaps she was also not what the Duke had hoped for. They were both just doing their duty and the Duke was bound to her now, after everything that had happened. She had hoped for a life of love and happiness with Ashmeer, but then if this was in her destiny, perhaps it was better than living like a fugitive.
She nodded and said softly, "I accept Du....Ashdeer...I would be glad to be your betrothed once the grace period ends."
"Yes, at least you will get to see the court...., " he smiled suddenly. "Let me drop you back to your room, before your sister thinks I have ravished you.
The last sentence made Azriel feel very warm all over and she wondered why!