(Virenzia POV)
I had visited the Winterson residence several times, but the Duke was always absent. The waiter said he was on duty out of territory and didn't know when he would return. Unlucky. It seems my efforts are in vain.
A few days ago I wrote a stray letter on purpose, but Duke Winterson doesn't seem to care at all. I want him to be angry and refuse his engagement to me.
Duke Winterson was a very indifferent man, even after marrying him I never saw his bare face. Around his eyes were always covered by a silver or dark mask. So mysterious and seems evil.
"Miss, we arrive." I was startled by Zoe, the coachman of the carriage. He was my father's favorite coachman and the most loyal employee in our family.
I then smiled and got out of the carriage with steady steps. Finally I went to Barrack. I've always wanted to practice here. Barrack were a place for royal troops to train and hold certain events, such as the annual hunting contest.
The Crown Prince himself managed it, with the help of Duke Winterson. All this time I only practiced archery and horseback riding in my own residence. It's very boring, of course, but it's a must in the Dalcom family. My ancestor was one of the leaders of the royal army, just like Duke Winterson.
It wasn't easy, of course, to persuade my father to let me train in this place. Of course, there didn't seem to be any noblewomen visiting Barrack. Rarely. Except for my family. Dad is one of the indirect managers of this place and the reason why he let me in today is because I raved about it.
"I'll be on good terms with Duke Winterson, as long as I'm allowed to train at Barracks."
Yeah, I said that stupid thing and my dad just believed it.
A smile spreads when my eyes wander, to find a stretch of grass that is trimmed short and neatly, along with the trees that surround this place. The wooden building rises on one side. There was the armory, the resting place for those who stood guard here, and the Master's study.
This place was like a Barbarian stronghold though not as solid as a palace. Yes, all the war equipment is available here, including the soldiers. Not only that, the forest that surrounds this place is a massive hunting ground.
"Oh, Lady Dalcom, Marquess Dalcom is not here today." I had just walked a few steps, two men in light brown uniforms approached.
I nodded slowly with a faint smile, "I know. I'm here to train, Sir, not to look for my father."
***
(Duke Winterson POV)
"Lady Dalcom starts training here today."
I was forced to look up, looking at Hawk, one of my trusted subordinates. I then frowned. What is Lady Dalcom doing here? Seeking attention? I immediately left the room to see the situation.
Just as I'm not commenting on this engagement, Marquess Dalcom arbitrarily gave her daughter the freedom to go in and out of Barrack.
"Lady's archery ability is unquestionable."
Then a distant voice caught my attention. I saw the field from the second floor of the building made of sturdy wood. Down below there was a woman pulling a bow with three men wearing warrior uniforms.
The jet black hair that radiated from the sun at this time made it hard for me to see her face, but I was sure it was Lady Dalcom. His posture is fairly slender. Even though I've never spoken formally, but I often see her at royal parties. She was high among the Barbarian noblewomen.
The woman's long hair was tied up in a ponytail, tossed by the dry wind. The clothes are a bit tight bother me a bit. A sleeveless dark green trousers and a thick fur brown vest that still showed the woman's smooth arms.
Is she that pretty?
I subconsciously thought. Maybe I'm crazy. Is it because I haven't had sex with women in a long time, so just looking at it makes me enchanted.
"Hawk, keep an eye on her. I don't want that woman to get into trouble," i said with deep voice.
"Okay, Your Grace."
Hawk rushed down the stairs, while I was still enjoying the view below.
***
(Virenzia POV)
Very nice day for me. Training in the Barracks, met with trained soldiers and now I found a lake near here. Unexpectedly, around this training ground there is a large lake whose water is so clear. Precisely in the middle of the hunting forest. While smiling, I then tied the brown horse that was carrying me to a nearby tree.
Is this where they bathe?
Very fresh if i can take a shower here. After looking around and making sure there was no one else, I slowly stepped in. To get to this lake I had to go through a not too dense forest to the east, not far from Barrack. It was already late afternoon, the sun was getting dimmer, I started to take off the brown boots I was wearing and dipped my feet in the lake.
"Amazing!"
The view from here looks so beautiful. Cloudy skies stretched out above. I began to close my eyes and unconsciously almost my entire body has been submerged in water. Half of my clothes got wet, I started to take off my outer vest, then unbuttoned the shirts one by one before dipping myself into the middle of the lake again.
Just a moment, my plan. Taking a shower after a workout is fun. The cold lake water shed all my sweat and tiredness.
Every now and then I swim and lean my head to the edge of the lake with my face looking up. However, suddenly these eyes opened wide when I heard the sound of the hooves of a horse. The voice got closer, I immediately got up and ran towards my clothes.
Before I finished wearing my clothes, I was surprised by the figure of a well-built and manly man who was familiar to me. His short black hair was slightly brushed by the wind, including a kelan robe slung over one shoulder. The silver mask covered half of the man's face.
Duke Winterson?
Unfortunately, I haven't buttoned my shirt properly. What a situation is this? So reckless. Most importantly, why was he there all of a sudden?
Really, this was an unexpected encounter. I don't remember ever meeting him here. Yes, there should be no such encounter.
"What are you doing here?" The baritone voice that came from that figure managed to make me even more shocked.
Those sharp eyes, there's no mistaking it, I've seen it. Frightened, I moved backwards as he walked towards me.
"Aaah...."
I forgot that I was on the edge of the lake and almost fell. Luckily the man's hand caught my waist swiftly, preventing my body from falling into the water. Reflexively I touched his sturdy shoulder. As soon as I looked forward, the man's face was already an inch from mine.
Oh, gosh!
I was so embarrassed. My hands automatically pushed against Duke's body, trying to break free. However, his big hand just pulled back until this time I actually fell into the water. With that man.
Damn it.
***