"I don't want children this early…" she said after the crazy Duke let her rest for a few minutes in their bed.
"Why?"
He knew she was concerned about the Rosaline Fragrance and his affection, but even though, he wanted for her to want to stay with him. Even he was not sure about his true feelings, but there was no way he will let her go.
"We should wait…" Emma said again, but she didn't turn around to face him. She knew that he was well aware of the reason.
He kissed her back and nodded, "I will wait for you."
He knew that he was not being fair to her, but he had already made up his mind. Even if it was only an illusion, he would never turn his back to her.
Emma didn't say a word after that and stayed inside the Duke's embrace.
The next morning she woke up again in the tall tower in his private quarters. She was alone and dressed in her silky nightdress.
'At least he had some conscience and let me off,' she sighed
"When are you going to comply with our deal, Miss Gia?"Gia was still residing in her mansion in the Capital when unexpectedly, a figure of a man entered her sight. His long hair and beautiful features were always a beautiful sight to see. However, for Gia, he didn't bring anything but bad news."Miss Gia?"She closed the door without letting her maids come inside."I want to be alone," she said to the two girls, and they looked at each other and waited for her a few steps from the door.Uriel was elegantly sipping his tea as if he were the owner of the place. She knew that he was beautiful, much more than any woman in Avalor and maybe the whole world, but Gia didn't like him. Not an inch.Even if the refined features of his face coupled with his exquisite manners could drive crazy any woman. However, Gia knew that this man would never look at anyone less outstanding as his own image.So narcissistic and at the same
"The gardens are beautiful around here," Emma was enjoying her time exploring the Dukedom's land. After a good bath and a satisfying breakfast, she was in the mood to entertain herself with a walk around the gardens.It felt so refreshing and pure that she could sleep under the shade of a tree for a few minutes. However, at the same time, she felt out of place. She didn't know why, but whenever she reached the walls surrounding the quarters, she felt trapped, almost without air.Her eyes instinctively looked around, to the maids and guards, 'They are watching me.'The servants looked at her from time to time, their inquisitive and curious looks came out without them noticing.Even with all the colorful flowers, trees full of life, beautiful stone bridges, and ponds with little fishes, Emma could still feel that her peace and calm were disturbed by the soft murmurs. Maybe they thought they were being discreet and careful, but they were not.She coul
"Who else knows about this?" Liam's voice didn't show any sign of anxiousness, but the coldness and anger were present in his gaze. His eyes had transformed into a raging red, an ominous red that could bring disaster to whoever dared to cross his path. "Speak!" Ilian gulped a bit and shook his head. "I don't know how many more received the notice, Your Highness. However, I heard the rumors about it being a joke to make Her Highness look bad in the eyes of the public. There is a saying that many nobles are opposing your marriage to her and are trying to dirty her image. However, I don't know who posted the reward note, but it originated in the south…" "Where?" "Three families in the South, from the faction of Duke Feiras." Liam narrowed his eyes, he knew that man very well, and nothing concerning him or his allies was good news. That man had been against Liam's brother Crowning from the first day of his mandate. His little group of nobles belie
"Did he send a message, Ina?""Yes, Your Highness, he had been meeting with the Generals until late and to have your dinner first.""I understand," Liam had been working non-stop from that time we separated. Emma hadn't seen him for a few days now. Not in the morning, not at night.'I don't feel him sleep beside me anymore, and I don't feel him waking up and kissing my cheek. His warmth is not anymore around me and I miss it.'"When is he coming back?" Emma said to herself, but Ina hesitated and lowered her face.She was worried too. The servants had begun to start whispering. There were rumors about the Duke getting distanced from his wife because of an imminent war with the luriems.The many generals that had been entering his study every day were the first sign. However, somebody heard that the armies at the frontier were starting to move. Even the fairy Kingdoms, allies of Avalor had given some reinforces."Is he eating well? Is h
The shout of the Duke echoed in the hall. The floor trembled, some books fell down. It was so strong and loud that the servants and guards outside heard it too.The two Generals on the front frowned and looked at the beautiful woman for a brief moment. They didn't say a word and waited for her to go out.Emma was shocked. She couldn't move, not only because of fear but from a painful punch in her heart. It was taking her breath and courage away.She wanted to see him, she wanted to make her see her. She knew he will be angry but, in the end, he will go to her and tenderly ask her why she went to find him. He will helplessly sigh, but he will show a gentle smile at her.However, he didn't do any of that. The eyes were tired and frowning. His aura was dangerous and filled with rage.Emma hesitated for a brief second, as she couldn't believe it still. However, she regained her thoughts and turned around to leave. Then the voice of the man stopped her
After saying his part, he left. She was still in the same position for a few minutes more, not moving, not waiting nor hoping anymore. She just looked at the window where his figure was vanishing from the view.It was then that she felt her heartbreaking little by little.Then she laughed, however, there was no joy hidden in her small chuckles, but sadness. A cruel and lonely sadness that came with tears in her beautiful eyes.She knew that it was time to wake up from the beautiful dream. The cruel reality was calling her back from that sweet illusion she had for the past months. It never crossed her mind that it would be that painful, though."Is this all?" she whispered and looked at her hands. The Duchess ring was still on her finger. "Is this over?"For the rest of the night, she moved to the side couch. With only a warm quilt to cover her body.She couldn't go to the bed as they had been sleeping there so many times together. If she wan
"What is the meaning of this?"Liam knew that those traveling words written in the book were not simple wishes. They were detailed plans. The woman was thinking of leaving."Plans for the future," Emma said without fear. She knew that it was useless to deny it. "My future, I don't want to be tied up to a loveless marriage. If you don't desire to let me be here, I said it to you once, I will leave."Her words were crude and cold. She tried to hide the pain in her eyes and the sadness of her heart to not start crying right then. The only option was to sound emotionless and indifferent, the same as he.Liam looked at her indifferent face and felt funny. For the first time in many years, he felt that a pang had hit his lungs and impeded for him to breathe with ease.He was not controlled by the damn Rosaline Fragrance. He knew it, but that didn't mean it was love.'Maybe it was some residual effect,' he thought and dismissed the feeling"
The next few days, Liam went to the Capital accompanied by his major Generals. He made a secret appointment with his brother, the King, to inform about his findings.The King was aware of the recent movements of the armies. Not only he but the other Ministers and nobles knew that something was happening. They had raised their complaints and questions in the assembly, but they never received clear answers."How are you going to manage it, Liam?"The King was in his study with the Duke, but he was distracted with a strange sphere in the middle of the desk. His eyes were focused, and they had a special golden glint that didn't look natural nor ordinary."I will have to eliminate the traitors.""You will need a reason to do that," the King knew that they can't reveal anything about the pearl or more enemies will stand in their way. "You won't like to harm her, do you?""…" Liam thought of the beautiful woman that accompanied her that nigh