"The Mechanism of Time. It's a good book, it really tells you the idea behind time and everything relative to it." I said. It's not just any book, it's a scientific reasearch. I'm sure His Majesty would like it since he already read this book on genetics.
"I didn't realised Duchess would reach such books." He said.
"When you just sit at home all alone these are the books that kept me out of boredom."
"I see... Alone.... Tell me Duchess do you... feel lonely even when you're married?"
"... All the time your majesty."
"I see. I see..... Well then I'll see you later."
His majesty left saying such things. I wasn't curious before but I am now.
When I came back out, the leaderboard was already up. And there my husband's name on top with 850 points. How many did he kill? Everyone was congratulating him. I came closer to him and our eyes met, as expected he left right away as soon as he saw me.
The night came and again i waited for him. As I started to fall asleep I hear the door opened and he came in. I quickly got up wanting to say something but I couldn't. I don't know what to say. He also didn't say anything and just went to change clothes. My eyes still glued to him even when he came out of the washroom. His long silver hair still wet and dropping droplets of water. I could see his chest, smooth, broad and muscular peeking out of the robe. My face started to heat up again as I tried to look away. He sat on the edge of the bed next to me. For a while neither of us spoke, his hair was still wet, it would take some time to dry.
"How was your day?" He asked. It suprised me but hearing his voice i submitted to him yet again. "It was good. I found the library." I said. There was a calm atmosphere among us.
"You didn't join any game?"
"Oh no. Sports aren't my thing plus I'm sure people wouldn't enjoy if I'm there."
"Why not? You're the Duchess Valentine, they are the ones who has to make an effort for you to like them"
I didn't know why suddenly he was by my side. I really thought after that incident he went back to hating me again. Why must you continue to make me confuse? You're making me in confined in a tight spot.
"I... I thought you hated me." I said.
There was silence yet again and then he turned to me. His eyes piercing through me as if he's looking in my deepest darkest soul.
"I did. But I choose to believe you now. That day, i needed time to think. Indeed i apologized but I found someone who told me they saw you turning away from Her Majesty so they said it's impossible for you to push her..."
I was shocked, someone saw me and yet they didn't speak up. Why? Just because they're afraid of the Empress?
"I'm sorry..." I heard him say, "I acted foolishly again. I hope you forgive me for my mistake."
"No no it's okay! I forgive you. It was just a misunderstanding!" I quickly said. Yet again my heart melted. Why do you stir me up so much? I'm the fool here, I get swiped up with a little bit of kindness from you.
"Hm.... Get some sleep. I'll dry my hair."
This was our first night together on the same bed. Although there was some distance between us, it was definitely different than before. I still had a hard time sleeping with my heart beating at lightning speed but I forgot when I fell asleep.
The 2nd day was oddly enjoyable. There were games for couples to play together, doubles badminton was really famous as husbands and wives showoff their teamwork. I stand aside and watch them play from the sidelines, my husband went back to hunting again. This time I saw His Majesty joined in too. I saw the Empress wishing him luck, he looked happy and yet I couldn't figure out why he made that expression that time.
Being bored I pulled myself up and decided to go back to the library when I happen to eavesdrop on two ladies talking, not that I did it purposely I just heard it as I was passing by.
"So who are you going to give your handkerchief to?" One excitedly asked.
"Who else? Marchion Tully is the only available bachelor here for me."
"What?! I thought you liked Viscount Gundy did you change again?"
"That was last year. What about you?"
"I'm giving mine to Count Misha. He's so dreamy."
The ladies laughed, I wanted to listen more but I got caught, "What are you doing?" A voice called out to me. I turned around to see who it was and I think I just saw the most beautiful woman in my life. She's even more beautiful than Jesseline. Her long red hair was tied up in a high pony tail which ch showed off her face clearly. A face that is smooth, white and clear. I'm not lying when I say this but her face was glowing under the sun. Her green eyes greatly paired her red hair. She was dressed in pants and had a gun on her hand. I don't know who she was, this was the first time I've seen her.
"I said what were you doing? My lady?" She asked again. "Oh nothing!... " I panicked, anyone could see I was eavesdropping. I have to worst luck. "Oh? Then what were they saying?" She asked pointing to the two ladies who walked away. " Something about handkerchief.." I said.
"I see. Then I'll you to it." She turned to walk away but it didn't take long before she turned around and came to me again.
"Wait! You're Duchess Valentine right?!" She seemed excited for some reason.
I said yes and she laughed it off, for a lady she's not very lady like, she seemed.... Free.
"Sorry I haven't introduced myself have I? My name is Alicia Veon. Nice to meet you."
Ah I remember now. She's The Princess Alicia who is know to be a great strategist, although she's just a half sister to our current Emperor, she also went to war with him. While they fought on the North, I heard she led the men on the East and kept that side safe. I didn't expect to meet such a person here. I also heard she declined any reward and even a title. For a princess she doesn't seem like a princess at all.