Tamara's POV
The Duke led me through trimmed hedges and colorful flowerbeds to a quiet open space. A large oak tree, with green leaves, stood in the middle, providing shade from the sun.
"This is it," he announced, "this is my favorite spot," the Duke said, his voice was softer than I'd heard it before. "A place for quiet contemplation."
I nodded, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the spot. It was a place of peace, a huge difference to the uneasiness within the manor walls.
We settled on a nearby bench, and I started the summary of my life at the guild. The ostracization, the frustration, the relentless pursuit of a seemingly impossible goal – I poured it all out, hoping to bridge the gap between us.
The Duke listened attentively. Finally, he spoke. "So, you were an alchemist at the guild, ostracized for your unconventional methods. The head alchemist, jealous of your success…"
"Exactly," I confirmed, feeling so relieved at his understanding.
"And these methods," he continued, his voice carried curiosity, "were they employed in your pursuit of this memory-restoring potion?"
I nodded. "Yes! I was desperate for a breakthrough, and the rigid guild rules were preventing my progress. I had to… improvise."
"And how far along were you in your… research?" he inquired.
"Not close to a finished potion, no. But I was making progress. Every failed experiment brought me a step closer to the answer."
"The potion itself…" he asked. "Is it still available at the guild?"
Disappointment filled my face. "No, Your Grace. They disposed of everything after I left."
"Then let's not waste any time," he declared. "We should get you started on the potion right away."
My curiosity piqued, "Your Grace," I began hesitantly, "may I ask you something personal?"
He met my gaze. "If you wish," he replied.
"At night," I pressed gently, "how does it feel… in your head? The memory, just out of reach?"
His jaw clenched, "I… I don't want to talk about it," he said curtly. "Let's just hope your potion works. That's all that matters."
The afternoon sun started to set. "We should get going," the Duke said.
We walked back towards the horses, there was a comfortable silence between us. Mounting my horse proved to be a slightly comical affair. I fumbled with the reins, my lack of experience was evident.
The Duke, unable to contain a chuckle, stepped forward and offered me a hand. His touch, warm and surprisingly gentle, sent tingles through me as he guided me onto the saddle. His hand lingered on my waist, sending a shiver down my spine.
As he swung himself onto his own horse, our eyes met. He smirked. "You're terrible at riding, Tamara," he teased. "Perhaps we'll have to do this more often."
I couldn't help but return the smile. "Didn't you say you had no desire to fraternize with me, Your Grace?"
His laughter echoed through the clearing. "Still don't," he countered.
I shook my head, a smile forming at the corners of my lips. "You truly have no idea what fraternize means, do you?"
Before he could reply, I urged my horse forward. I felt the Duke's laughter fading. I felt a comforting feeling within me, a feeling that went far beyond the relief of having a workspace and resources. Perhaps, I thought, this unexpected turn of events wouldn't be so bad after all.
Duke's POV
Haldfast Manor,
We arrived at the stables, the sound of snorting horses in the air. Just as I dismounted, Frey rushed towards me, his face was painted with panic.
"Your Grace," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's… there's been a problem."
"Spit it out, Frey!" I barked.
"The Duchess…" he began, his voice trembling. "She has Elias under her… under her custody."
Tamara gasped, her eyes wide with horror. "Elias? But… but he's just a boy!"
"Where are they?" I demanded.
Frey trembled at my tone. "In… in the library, Your Grace."
Tamara clutched my arm, her face was filled with worry. "Please, Your Grace," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "You have to make sure nothing happens to him."
I cupped her face in my hand, my gaze locking with hers. "Nothing will happen to Elias," I promised with a firm voice. "Frey, take Tamara to her chambers. Then meet me in the library."
Without waiting for a response, I headed towards the manor, my steps fueled by anger and concern.
The library door swung open, showing a scene that sent rage coursing through me. There, in the center of the room, stood Elias. He was held tightly and roughly by two burly guards. His face, usually so bright and mischievous, was covered with pain. My mother stood before him, with a cruel device clutched in her hand.
"Tell the truth, you wretched boy!" she yelled. "Where did you come from? Who sent you here?"
Despite Elias obvious discomfort, he shook his head. "I don't… I don't know."
My mother's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me!" she spat, and with one order the device in her hand sparked, sending electric shock through Elias's body.
"Enough!" I roared, my voice echoing through the room. The guards flinched, dropping their hold on whimpering Elias.
She turned, her smile fading slightly at the sight of my fury. "Leonard," she acknowledged coolly. "How nice of you to join us."
Elias, his face covered with pain, looked up at me with hope in his eyes. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" I demanded, my voice was filled with fury. "He's just a boy!"
"Don't be naive, Leonard," she countered with a cold voice. "This boy is a spy. He snuck into our manor with the intent to harm you."
"That is a lie!" I retorted, my jaw clenched tight. "Let him go."
"Absolutely not!" she declared. "You wouldn't understand state security."
Just then, the library doors swung open, and there stood Calista. She glanced at the scene before her, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Your Grace," she curtseyed to me, her voice was polite.
My mother quickly ignored me and turned to address Calista with a triumphant smile. "Harold sent out the invitations, Calista! All your family, your esteemed friends… everyone will be here to witness your union with my son!"
My patience, already stretched thin, snapped. Bending low, I whispered in my mother's ear. "This wedding is horseplay, Mother!" I growled. "Call it off, or I swear you will regret the consequences."
She smirked. "Consequences? What consequences, Leonard? You can't stop me and you know that."
As the words left her mouth, Frey entered the room, his eyes shifting between me, my mother, and Elias. An idea, desperate but potentially effective, crossed my mind.
"Frey," I commanded. "Fetch Tamara."
Confusion filled my mother's face. "Tamara? Who in the world is Tamara?" Calista mirrored the surprise in my mother's expression. Only Elias cracked a smirk.
The library door swung open for the third time that afternoon, and Tamara entered. My breath hooked as she stepped into the room, her emerald eyes sparkled with confusion. Her gaze swept across the room, landing on Calista, then on Elias who laid on the floor, his face pale and covered with sweat. Her lips formed a silent gasp as she noticed the red marks on his skin, the testimonial signs of the taser.
Grief and anger bubbled inside me, but I forced myself to remain calm. She walked towards me, her chin held high despite the tremor in her hand. A single tear rolled down her cheek before she curtseyed, her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Your Grace," she greeted.
I reached out a hand, gently guiding her to stand upright. Then I gently wiped away the tear with my thumb. Before she could speak, I took her hand in mine. Together, we approached my mother, my grip on Tamara's hand tightening the more now.
"Mother," I began. "This is Tamara, the woman I want to marry."
I watched as my mother's face drained of color. Her lips moved soundlessly for a moment, then she mumbled with disbelief, "Wife? You… you wouldn't defy me again."
"I have," I declared.
Tamara's eyes widened in shock, mirroring the stunned expressions of everyone else in the room. Even Elias was open-mouthed.
My mother's jaw dropped, disbelief was evident in her face. She shook her head incessantly, her voice became cold. "This is madness, Leonard! You cannot marry her!"
"I can and I will." I countered. "Tamara is the woman I want to marry, and I will not tolerate any mistreatment of her or Elias under my roof."
Calista, however, surprised us all. She approached me and Tamara, a genuine smile on her lips.
"Congratulations, Your Grace," she said, addressing me. "And you, milady."
Tamara, still in shock, curtseyed slightly.
"Thank you," Calista continued, her voice was sincere. "You see, Duke," she turned to me, "I never truly wanted to marry you. In fact, this entire arrangement was all detestable to me."
I nodded curtly. "Calista," I began, "I apologize for any discomfort I may have caused you. However, I assure you, I never intended to…"
"Marry a royal?" Calista finished my sentence with a smirk. "Believe me, Your Grace, the feeling is mutual. I much prefer freedom over court life restrictions." With a final glance at me and Tamara, she curtseyed and left the room.
Now, it was time to face my raging mother.