I sigh as I lean on the chair. My attention is on Maya who sleeping soundly there.
I asked the butler to move my desk to my chambers after her crying scene yesterday. I don't even know why she crying out of sudden.
Even when I asked her, she wouldn't answer it. I know that.
What makes her behave like that? Behave like she someone's slave?
I know her life with her parent is not good but the way she behaves is too...
Ughh
"This is torturing me. I wish I could just kill those scumbags." I mumble.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Come in."
The door opens. Blaze standing there, "Duke, everyone is ready at the training ground."
"I will be right there," I said without looking at him.
"Okay, Duke." he shut the door close.
I stand up and grab my sword. I walk toward Maya and caress her cheek.
I promise I will bring the smile that she lost. I will make her smile like she never did before.
Just wait, my wife.
I kiss her forehead.
I shut the door close. "If she awakes, help her do her routine. If she asks for me, bring her to the training ground."
"Yea, My Lord." they bowed.
I trusted them. I wouldn't ask anyone to take care of my wife other than them.
"Ahh!!!" a guy fell on the ground.
"Practice your skill. Next!!" I yell.
This is my routine. Training my guard. I have to make sure they are well-trained.
"Didn't you think you are going too hard on them, Duke?" Sean asks, leaning on the wall.
I kick the guy's leg making him fall. "If I don't do this, they won't learn."
"Right." he shrugs his shoulder. "But...look at them."
I turn my head to see them lying on the ground, grunting in pain.
"Stand up. You guys are weak. Don't make me train you until you don't even feel your legs." I demand.
They quickly stand up.
"B--But, Duke. We already couldn't feel our legs." one guy speaks.
"That's what I want," I smirk. "Push up!!!"
All of them groaning.
"Stop when I said stop. Now." I firmly said.
They get on the ground and start their push up.
"All of you are too spoiled. Usually, your stamina fighting with me is good but this time, it is not. So I want to bring back that stamina."
The dark aura coming from makes them tremble in fear. I could hear them mumbling some words.
"Stop complaining. Don't let me make you guys run around this kingdom 100 laps."
"P--Please, don't, Duke!!" they pleaded.
I cross my arms, watching them.
"Duke." Blaze came running toward me with Gerald.
"What?" I ask as I keep my eyes on my guard.
"Oh. They got punished?" Gerald asks.
"Seems like it." Blaze shrugs his shoulder.
"What makes you come here in a rush, Gerald?" I ask.
"Oh yeah. Here. A message from your parent." Gerald handed me over a letter.
I grab it and open it.
Ian my son,
We will come to your palace sooner. Don't hold any banquets first. Let me handle it. I want to be with my daughter-in-law!!!
Ahh, great.
I don't think it is the right time for mother and father to come. I can see Maya is easy to get overwhelmed.
But it's not like Mother will hear me though.
"So, you want to reply?" Gerald asks.
"No need. It not like Mother will hear me." I give the letter back.
"On it."
"My Lord!!" someone calls me causing me to turn around.
There I saw Maya with Claire. She wearing a blue dress and her hair is tied in two. She looks more beautiful than before. She looks more lively and fresh.
Rather than when I just fetch her from her palace. When I saw her at her old palace, she looked dull and dusty.
"Maya, what's wrong?" I ask.
"My Lord, she's asking for you. So, I remember your order to bring her straight to you if she asks for you, My Lord." Claire explains.
Oh right.
I forgot about that.
"It's okay, Claire. You are dismissed."
Claire bowed and walked away.
I look at Maya who attention to something else. She looked behind me which I confirm on my guards.
They struggle to keep their push up. I look at Maya who is displeased with the scene.
"Don't worry. They are just being a baby." I confront her.
"B--But...they look...h--hurt..." she fiddles with her finger. One of her habits that I have noticed since I met her.
"Nah, they just pretend to be it. So that they got some pity from you." I fix my gloves as I speak.
Maya pouts.
Gosh. Seeing her pouting already made me weak. Remind me not to bring her to the training ground anymore.
I don't want my men to be spoiled by her.
"Enough!! Take a break!!" I yell.
All of them fall to the ground with relief groans. As if they had never done this before. Just wait, I will give you guys a real pain after this.
"Aww, you are their lifesaver, My Lady." Blaze chuckles.
"W--What?"
"They are supposed to finish their training but Duke probably stops them for you," he explains.
She hangs her head low. Somehow I could see the guilt in her eyes. What did Blaze say that made her guilty though? Nothing wrong with it.
"Maya?"
"Y--Yes!?" she flinches.
Ugh, I hate it when she flinch. Because it is a sign that she does feel not safe with me.
"Do you mind joining me walk in the garden? I haven't shown you this palace." I offer her my hand.
She stares at it, seems like she debate with herself whether to have physical touch with me or not.
I don't blame her though. I touch her without permission before this. So, it must be uncomfortable for her.
"S--Sure." she slowly accept my hand. But just grabbing my pointing finger.
"AHH!!!! SO CUTE!!!" Blaze screams making my wife jolt.
"How can your wife be so cute, Duke!?" Gerald beams.
"Both of you stop. Let's go continue our training." Sean pulls both of them. Thank goodness one of my men is aware.