Duke's POV
The next morning, the pressing need to find a solution to my curse moved me forward. I made my way to their quarters, taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.
"It's the Duke," I called out.
The door creaked open and there Tamara stood. Her eyes held something that might have been worry, but she quickly hid her expression.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Tamara greeted, stepping aside to allow me entrance.
I nodded curtly, meanwhile, Elias was stuffing pastries into his mouth. "Your Grace!" he stammered, crumbs flying from his lips.
"Good morning, Elias," I said with a forced smile. "Please, do continue. The main breakfast will be served shortly."
Elias didn't need to be told twice. He grinned around a mouthful of pastry, his eyes shining with delight. With a chuckle, I turned my attention to Tamara. She stood by the balcony, her back to me.
"Tamara," I began, approaching cautiously. She turned with worry etched on her pleasing face. "You seem… troubled."
"Troubled?" she said, her voice carried confusion. "Why would you think that, Your Grace?"
I hesitated, "There's… a lot going on at the manor," I finally admitted. "It can be overwhelming."
She sighed, a wistful smile on her lips. "Do you know, Your Grace," she began, her voice became soft, "I used to devour books about castles and manors, princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, kings and queens."
Curiosity spread through me at her words. "Indeed?"
"Their lives," she continued, her gaze shifting towards the gardens, "were always so complicated, filled with drama that was both thrilling and terrifying. But what truly wowed me were the edifices – the grand castles, the manors."
Her voice grew softer. "My favorite havens were always the balconies. And this view, is truly breathtaking. It overlooks the entire garden…I stood here last night, actually."
My heart skipped a beat. Had she seen me with Calista? This was not the conversation I'd anticipated.
"Last night…" I began, my voice trailing off. "Was… a rough night."
"I don't want any trouble, Your Grace," she cut in, her voice was firm. "If the girl I saw with you in the gardens…"
"No!" I interjected. "You misunderstand. She… it will be taken care of. You and Elias are safe here, and you will remain my guests."
With doubt still lingering in her eyes, we stood in a comfortable silence for a moment, the morning sun warming our faces. At a go, I blurted out, "Would you care for a ride, Tamara? The stables boast some fine horses."
She blinked at me, her brows furrowing slightly. "A… a ride, Your Grace?" she said, confusion in her voice. "But… isn't my stay here supposed to be discreet?"
"Discretion is paramount," I agreed, "but so is getting to know the woman who might hold the key to my sanity."
Tamara's eyes widened. Something about my words seemed to trigger suspicion in her eyes. "Your Grace," she said, "I am here for one purpose – to create the potion. There isn't time for… fraternizing."
I couldn't help but chuckle. Seeing her bewildered expression, I threw back my head and laughed, a full, genuine laugh that surprised even myself.
Her eyes narrowed even further. "Your Grace?" she said. "What's so funny?"
Wiping a tear from my eye, I finally managed to regain my composure. "Fraternizing," I repeated. "Tamara, I have no desire to fraternize with you. I just want to know who you are."
She seemed to consider this, her initial anger began subsiding. "I know who you are," she pointed out. "The Duke of Bamford, with a complicated lifestyle and a curse."
"And you," I countered, "are a mystery. For all I know, you could be brewing a potion to end me. After all," I added, "the people of Bamford don't exactly hold me in high esteem. They might have sent you to finish the job."
My words struck a nerve. "That's an insult, Your Grace!" she declared, her voice filled with anger.
"Then let's dispel insults, shall we?" I proposed, extending a hand towards her. "A ride, a chance to talk, human to human, not Duke to commoner. What do you say?"
Tamara hesitated, "Fine, then. If knowing me is what gives you comfort, then by all means, let's go for a ride." She threw the last sentence at me.
Elias POV
I was bored and it was persistent. Stuck in a luxurious room with nothing but plush furniture and an overflowing table of food and pastries, I felt like a caged bird. I had explored every corner, read every scrap of parchment I could find, and even managed to sneak a few extra pastries despite Tamara's watchful eyes. Now, I was itching for some action, some company, anything to break the boredom.
The Duke's orders before they left echoed in my head: "Stay indoors, Elias. Don't open the doors for anyone except I, Tamara or Frey." Tamara, bless her soul, had made me swear on every trinket I owned to obey. But boredom was a powerful enemy, and my curiosity was even stronger.
With a silent prayer that I wouldn't get caught, I tiptoed towards the door, my heart beating really fast. Creaking it open the tiniest bit, I peered into the hallway. Empty. Perfect.
Slipping out, I hugged the wall, my senses were on high alert. The Duke had a big manor, and I had a sudden urge to explore its secrets. Down the hallway I crept, the sounds of my own footsteps echoed in the silence.
Where was I going? Honestly, I didn't care. Anywhere was better than that stuffy room.
The sound of hushed voices drew me closer. I peeked around a corner, spying a richly furnished study. Inside, a wiry man stood conversing with a regal-looking woman – the Duchess, I presumed.
"We must send out invitations immediately, Harold," the Duchess declared, her voice was filled with impatience. "Letters to the Calister family, of course, Lord Felix's daughter… And invitations to all our esteemed relatives and friends. We want the whole of Bamford, and beyond, to witness this momentous occasion! The Duke of Bamford is finally getting married!"
Married? My jaw dropped. The Duke, cursed and brooding as he seemed, was getting married?
The Duchess continued, her voice brimming with excitement. "Make all the arrangements, Harold. Let everyone know – the Duke of Bamford is finally settling down. Fetch Calista, would you? I want to discuss the final details with her."
Harold bowed and turned to leave, his path leading right towards me. I began to panic. I froze, holding my breath, hoping to melt into the shadows. Just as I thought I'd pulled it off, a sigh of relief escaped my lips.
A voice right beside me sent shivers down my spine. "Well, well, well," Harold said with a sly smile on his lips. "What do we have here?"
I froze once more, my heart beating frantically. I had been caught, and I knew I was in deep trouble.