Devil's Heart

Devil's Heart

last updateLast Updated : 2023-04-01
By:  DonaaloyCompleted
Language: English
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Synopsis

Two cunning damsels. Five friends who are not helping And a Duke on the verge of a dilemma as he makes the decision that will change everything. Blinded by the desire to get her home back, Monica Maitland decides to play the Duke of Anfield into fulfilling her every desire. But when emotions set in, it takes the highest form of cruelty to ignore them in the quest for happiness. Philip Forland however gives a deaf ear to every warning he's received, switching the identities of heroes and villains as he's blinded by his love for Monica. Meanwhile, she's the devil behind the scenes, striving to destroy everything that once destroyed her. Until she realises, maybe the real villain here wasn't who she thought it was.

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Chapter 1

Chapter one

Chapter one

Liverpool,

England.

1643.

***

Arching his elbows, he tapped the bow lightly. In split of a second, he shot the arrow.

The Marquess smiled at his friend, comparing their shots, "You never miss a chance to show me my place, do you?"

Philip Forland lowered his arms, tossing the bow to the ground, "I'm a born Archer. One of the few things I learnt from my father, The Duke."

The Marquess, Earl Robinson started towards the rest, "Oh how I'd love to crush those hopes totally. Let's go fishing, or horse riding," he smirked wickedly before concluding, "Or even hunting."

Philip shook his head with a smile, ignoring his friend. He looked forward at the other men, Earl of Vetcom and Prince of England, Jason Ferma and Raymond Louis, pulling on the straps of their horses to get on them.

Staring at nothing, the Prince sat upon his beast and gave Earl a befitting remark, "Let me take a wild guess, Philip emerged victorious as always."

Earl grinned charmingly and responded, "Well if you ask me..."

"That was not a question," retorted the Prince.

By then, the potential Duke had joined them on the lawn, "Let him be Raymond. I strongly believe he'll win in hunting."

The Prince laughed hard and turned his beast around, "I'll bet my father's throne he won't."

The Marquess was not offended. He grinned as always, determined however to prove them all wrong.

Turning around, he watched  the last two and shouted at the top of his voice, "Peter!  Timothy! Come along, we're going hunting."

Jason just glared at them, a small smile on his face.

***

Duchess of Anfield, Rebecca Forland entered the diner and sat beside the head seat. Her eyes moved to the shrimp cake at the center of the table, then to the cook who served her, "You have really outdone yourself today. The Duke's favourite." At her husband's name, she frowned and asked, "Where is he anyway?"

Carol Garlesh turned gloomy, her face ashen white, "I do not know my lady. His Grace has not come down since morning."

Rebecca raised a brow, pushing herself up from the chair, "Well why did you not check on him?"

Carol watched the Duchess stride away from the room, a determined look on her face. She followed dutifully down the long hallway, the floor turning cold under her feet.

The mansion was one of a kind. Built back in late fifteenth century with the finest foreign blocks, it was one of the biggest along with the King's palace. Almost  surrounded by water, except for the small lawns and the bridge that led to the gate.

Inside of it was a new story itself, refurnished with dark green marbles almost the whole height of the mansion. All the hallways had a familiar look, narrow, long and dark lined with sculptures and pictures that stole attention.

At that moment however, the duchess was not distracted by them. She turned to her right after the long, straight walk, the Duke's door facing her. That was when she realized the severity of the situation. There was dead silence.

Placing her hand on the knob, she gasped and turned it.

Carol perked her head up and looked through the doorway, a hand over her mouth in shock.

***

The gazelle grazed in peace, relishing the gift life had to offer, with full Oblivion the life was coming to an end.

A bullet pierced through its head so quickly it could not complete its last breath. 

The Marquess walked to it, hovering above its body with a proud pose, "That is one kill for me. Two to go."

Timothy, Raymond's elder brother gave a non-chalant huff at his friend, "I'd have killed half a dozen with that same time."

"Hunting is an art," Earl began those his irrelevant lectures again, "It requires skill, training and..."

A gunshot stopped his speech. Philip had caught a boar.

The potential Duke sent him a sarcastic glare, "I'm sorry I did not quite hear that. Was it something about me being better than you in basically everything?"

Earl Robinson pressed his lips to hide a smile. He was used to this kind of torture from all of them already, "Well Philip. Let's go deeper, just you and I. The first to hunt down a warthog becomes superior to the other for a whole week." Immediately, the potential Duke gave an upside down smile, confirming his acceptance to the deal.

Warthogs were not an easy sight in this part of the country. However, it seemed things were turning out to be on Earl's side. He nuzzled his gun, aiming at the giant beast it took over ten minutes to find. Smiling, he placed a finger slowly on the trigger, ready to pull and be superior to Philip for seven whole days. Somehow though, he forgot that things weren't all that easy in life. 

The Marquess caught sight of his opponent a few feet away, aiming at the exact warthog he had found, trying to STEAL his price.

Philip sent him a daring stare and they immediately crouched again, aiming at the animal intently.

They both were about to pull the trigger, but suddenly, Philip frowned, "Do you hear that Earl?"

"My songs of victory. Oh yes Philip, loud and clear!" The Marquess replied.

But the sound drew nearer, making Philip curiously stand upright to analyze the surrounding, "I am being serious my friend."

The pig galloped away, making Earl reluctantly listen to his friend, "Thank you for nothing. What in the world's name are you hearing?!"

The potential Duke looked around and listened some more, "It sounds like… like an army approaching with angry horses. Do you not hear horse steps?"

Earl Robinson frowned when he realized Philip was right, "I hear it. What do we do?"

The sound got closer and frightening and automatically, both men set themselves in a position to shoot at any threat.

Now it was more than just sounds, Philip could actually see men on horses.

The man who led the others waved a hand frantically at him, as if trying to identify himself.

The potential Duke narrowed his eyes, giving the approaching men a closer look, "Lower your gun Earl! They are my father's men!"

Earl yanked his arms down, shaking his head and spitting his words, "I lost my warthog for absolutely no reason."

Philip almost smiled. But then, he realised his father had never sent soldiers after him before. Meaning something was wrong.

Commander O'Neil,chief of the clan descended his horse, giving both men a light bow, "My Lords. The duchess asks for your presence in the empire immediately."

Philip tried his best to disguise the fear in his voice, choosing his words carefully, "Why? Is anything wrong?"

The older man looked up at him, daring to keep the eye contact as he gasped, "It's the Duke."

Philip sent his friend a worried look and swallowed.

***

Priests filled the large mansion, whispering prayers while the family mourned in the background. 

Rebecca Forland still stared at the Duke's corpse, hoping he would move somehow. But…it just lay there, still and lifeless.

The oldest priest stalked to her side, glancing down at her husband while saying things that were meant to be a consolation.

The Duchess however, wasn't listening. It was just left for Philip to arrive. 

Just then the six lads marched through the double doors in utmost hurry. As they approached the diner, Philip lost patience and broke into a run, through a melee of  mourning relatives. His father being dead was a news so sudden and unbelievable he still doubted till now.

Stopping beside his mother, he asked, "What happened?" 

And there it was, the Duke's body, wrapped in white, something Philip felt was all a dream.

Rebecca replied sternly, "I opened the door and found him like this. It was so sudden and quiet."

Philip felt a hand on his shoulder, turning to meet Raymond who had a frown on, "It's going to be fine. The priest needs to see you."

He obeyed quietly, shock and disbelief evident in his steps.

Father Ramiro faked a smile at the lad, "All we should think of now is your father's achievements my boy. He did well. But with him gone, you'll have to take over as the new Duke."

When he saw the tears in Philip's eyes, he walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder, "You may be too young for this. But when the rest mourn, men stand and think of a way forward. And that's what you'll do. Think of how to be better than His Grace ever was."

Philip gasped and nodded weakly. Unknown to the priest, he wasn't crying because of all this. He was crying because it meant his entire life was going to change. Hunting with Earl, arching with Jason or swimming with Peter. 

He was going to be Duke of Anfield.

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Comments

user avatar
Akomolafe Faith
I love this
2023-04-09 00:14:09
2
user avatar
Donaaloy
This is an amazing book. I highly recommend
2023-04-03 15:53:04
2
60 Chapters
Chapter one
Chapter oneLiverpool,England.1643.***Arching his elbows, he tapped the bow lightly. In split of a second, he shot the arrow.The Marquess smiled at his friend, comparing their shots, "You never miss a chance to show me my place, do you?"Philip Forland lowered his arms, tossing the bow to the ground, "I'm a born Archer. One of the few things I learnt from my father, The Duke."The Marquess, Earl Robinson started towards the rest, "Oh how I'd love to crush those hopes totally. Let's go fishing, or horse riding," he smirked wickedly before concluding, "Or even hunting."Philip shook his head with a smile, ignoring his friend. He looked forward at the other men, Earl of Vetcom and Prince of England, Jason Ferma and Raymond Louis, pulling on the straps of their horses to get on them.Staring at nothing, the Prince sat upon his beast and gave Earl a befitting remark, "Let me take a wild guess, Philip emerged victorious as always."Earl grinned charmingly and responded, "Well if you as
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-05
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Chapter two
Chapter twoThe bartender pushed her out and yelled, anger impinged in his voice, "Next time, do not come to my store if you can't pay for what you drink!"Monica staggered and leaned against a wall, eyeing the man ruefully, "Curses! I have money…all of it. You pesky little..."Before she completed her sentence, the man slammed the door, disgusted by her drunken state. As far as he knew, the women of England did not go around dressed in trousers and boots, not to talk of being drunk.Monica frowned and swallowed, returning her gaze to her path. The lane seemed to dance erratically and divide into three, "Foolish English. You all think you are so smart. When I get my duchy back, you'll see."She stopped walking and stared into darkness, her eyes shutting slowly and tiredly, just before she surrendered to the arms of unconsciousness.***"I know he will be as good as father," Anna Forland said to the duchess as they stared down at Philip through the window.Her mother grinned, "I believ
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-05
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Chapter three
Chapter threeKicking stones aimlessly, she walked home in the dark. The last few days had been useless, with series of thefts and daydreaming about being a Savage duchess just to help her family survive once more. Horse steps made her look left, sighting Messengers on strong, black horses throwing scrolls around.From what she knew, they looked like invitations when she picked them up. But the event was what worsened the rest of her night. FROM THE FORLAND EMPIRE…The rest of the letter made her tear the scroll in pieces, rushing home before she snapped angrily in public.When she slammed the door and faced her family, they all had faces of mockery on.Nathan seemed angry, but forced a grin on, "Ah! There you are sister. We are so sorry. Seems your only plan of getting our home back failed. He's already found a duchess, soon to be wed.""I saw the invitation," she snarled at them, "And besides, they aren't married yet, are they?"Then she left for her room, ignoring the errat
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-05
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Chapter four
Chapter fourPeople chatted and glasses clinked, typical English style. Philip watched the people downstairs and held his hand out for Elizabeth. She looked at him, in a dark blue velvet suit embroidered with gold patterns, just before she placed her hand in his, "You look splendid."He smiled slightly and stared at her, "You're perfect."With one last breath, they both descended the spiral staircase, all eyes turning to them.All the chatter and clinking of glasses stopped just as a footman announced the procession of the Duke and his betrothed.The couple faced the people, the male with a slight bow and the lady with a curtsy. What excited everybody most was the youth of the two. Fresh and beautiful. The smiles on their faces confirmed their approval already.Moments later, a slow dance began. With Elizabeth in his arms, Philip still had his thoughts straying, looking around for the Scottish damsel, although he did not know what to expect.***A foot stepped through the double door
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-05
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Chapter five
Chapter five"I will not go mad because of a woman," Philip commanded himself, frowning at Earl who was still smiling amusingly, "besides, it might all be a joke.""A secret admirer sending you love letters is not a prank your Grace. She loves you," Earl teased again.Philip opened his mouth in shock, "Are you mad? I am going to get married to Elizabeth soon."The mood of the room seemed to change, Philip noticed.Peter watched his friend in pity and confessed, "To be honest, none of us wants you to marry that girl. You are lifeless already. She is just going to add to your boredom."Philip sighed, that was true. "She's the only one on the list Peter," he noticed Earl open his mouth to speak, but interrupted sternly, "And no Scottish damsel."The Marquess grinned knowingly.Suddenly...the mansion became noisy as they heard people shouting fiercely. Well that startled Jason, "You are a Duke Philip. You sit here and people barge into your home like this behaving like animals."Philip n
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-05
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Chapter six
Chapter six"Shut up you foolish girl," cried her mother, "That was the last thing I had of him!"Monica watched her mother in disbelief, "What else do you have to do with the man who did not just betray you and along with his allies, took your home away from you?"Miriam Maitland frowned at her first daughter, shock overcoming all her emotions, "You think love ends that easily Monica? Are you that inconsiderate that you had to give the necklace back to his son?"The younger lady laughed angrily, "I have a reason. With that piece of jewelry, I can get your dignity and property back," then she glowered, "and maybe teach that Viscount's daughter a big lesson!""Is that all you think of? Revenge," her mother snarled, "Monica I loved that man and you have no right to hurt his family."Monica smiled at her, eyeing her mother with hatred clearly in her eyes, "So you never loved father?"Miriam shook her head blatantly, "He was a very bad person."Her daughter immediately made a threatening
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-12
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Chapter seven
Chapter sevenThe air was bright and peaceful, filled with the exotic scent of water and trees.To Raymond, it was a beautiful day.To Earl however, it was the worst he had ever had. Moments before, he pictured knocking Monica off her feet in the first strike, claiming victory and rubbing her ignorance in her face.Now however, he was perspiring more than he expected, flinging his sword continuously to avoid the lady's strikes.The Scottish had a smile on the whole time though she became just as tired. With one final strike, she leaned her sword on Earl's, keeping it there and pressing her weight on it. The Marquess shivered , unable to move his blade away."If you ask me My Lord, you are quite an amateur in this," Monica teased boldly.Earl returned the grin with his usual charm and wit. Almost immediately though, he frowned and snarl his retort, "Well I did not ask you, did I?"Raymond Louis still felt the day was beautiful. Along with the others, he lay on the grass, watching the
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-12
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Chapter eight
Chapter eightAnna Forland watched Elizabeth helplessly.The aura of the room was tense and confusing. Her shock kept her still, not even able to console Elizabeth who was crying an ocean before her.How could the Viscount of Mareda die so suddenly?Carol Garlesh however had the blonde wrapped in her arms, consoling her slowly with pity in her eyes and voice, "It's alright my love. Stop crying."The lady in her arms looked up at her, her eyes sore from tears. Her voice came out as a faint whisper, "He was my father," she stated, as though nobody knew that.The Duchess just stood there as well. Mother and daughter seemed confused, unaware of something befitting to do. Somehow they wanted to cry too but the news was as good as unbelievable.Elizabeth had barged into the empire like a runaway bride, with her ankle length dress hovering above her feet, tears pouring from her eyes.Her Coachman followed afterwards when he noticed the lady was too broken to say a word to the Forlands.He ha
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-12
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Chapter nine
Chapter nine"How could you be so relaxed after my brother's death?" Miriam asked rather demandingly.Monica clenched her jaw, her eyes up to the ceiling in thought. Slowly, she faced her mother, "Oh I'm not relaxed. I'll make sure Elizabeth suffers for this.""And you are so sure she killed her father because?""Ahhhh! She helped kill mine when she was still about six years old. Why don't you think she could kill hers now?"Without waiting for an answer, the younger lady walked away, cooking up new plans in her head. She knew she could make Elizabeth lose her mind without even touching her, and Philip was that way.To her, it was going to be a memorable one, as long as Philip was in the picture. Philip! She groaned greedily, loosening her red hair so it fell down her back. What a different type of elegance he had. Automatically, her mind drifted to the dance.She remembered how she trailed off when she saw him for the first time. His eyes were a magnificent shade of amber, with dar
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-12
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Chapter ten
Chapter tenNormally, the rich were independent of the poor, and sometimes even turned them to part of their wealth.But when that unfortunate moment came that the cream would need help from the less affluent, it normally stirred confusion.But to Monica, it was amusing instead. She tilted her head with a grin while she watched the men, "Oh my…"Absent mindedly, she threw the bag of money back to Braxton and curtsied for the millionth time, "Well I am at your service.""You will have to join us to the empire," Peter informed her.And that was when she realized she had no horse. And what a pleasant idea she thought of then, "Can I ride with you my Lord," she asked while facing the Earl of Vetcom.Instantly, Jason huffed and pulled the straps of his animal, riding away from all of them. Well that made the lady smile in satisfaction.But then her stare travelled to a footman riding behind the Monarchs. How dare he be on a horse while she was looking for one!"Get down," she commanded.Th
last updateLast Updated : 2023-01-12
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