Chapter eighteenMichael Aflong turned to the doorway while he heard footsteps approach. His sister marched in without a word and took a seat before him."What a pleasant surprise Elizabeth?" He began, "How do you do?"She hesitated to reply and pulled a thinking face. When she glanced at him again, she was frowning, "Very well. Except I came to clear something that has been bothering me of late."Michael lowered his coffee with a worried glower. Steadily, he turned to face her completely and squatted to meet her eyes. With a hand upon her shoulder, he asked, "And how would I help? Do tell."She returned his gaze with a defiant one and created some suspense with a bit of silence. When Micheal became expectant enough, she decided to sigh and say, "Why is Nax joining the Duke to London?"Michael sighed heavily and broke out a tiny snicker. Well Elizabeth did not find anything she said amusing, still holding her frown.Michael stood straight and turned away from her, laughing just a litt
Chapter nineteenHer safety had not occured to her when she made that jump. But she made it. And it was up to fate now to decide if she was going to live.While she descended the length of the building, her eyes fell on the stack of hay right below her, and she smiled at that.Turned out Elizabeth wanted to save her life afterall. Although she almost missed it, she landed safely on the soft stack of dry grass with a deep compression.Somehow it was impossibly relaxing. But no matter how tempting it was, she was on a tight spot, and without thinking twice, she rushed to her feet and spent just enough time wiping some of the grass off her. She thought she had escaped temporarily from those mad men. But when Monica looked up, she realized she had landed herself into more trouble.At least she could count the number of men back up in the mansion, but now the size was intimidating. And more were still coming from different directions. Was Elizabeth really trying to save her life or end it
Chapter twentyThe silence went on for an uncomfortable moment with Gareham's pose still respectful while Jason thought of what to do. First, he needed to be sure his assumption was right, "And your presence in the Duke's home?"Now it looked like the aura of despair around Jason had transferred to the dark haired butler. Gareham drew back the tiny smile he had managed to plaster and took a very new disturbing vibe. His previously cheerful nature was suddenly coated with a grim while he creased his brows, "We have just lost another Viscount My Lord…"Ahhh! He knew he was right as always.Gareham went on, "And we happen to know the assassin is an acquaintance of the young Duke."The Earl of Vetcom stalked closer to the man, cracking his knuckles in the most threatening of manners. He pulled a similar grim, faking the concern he was sure he did not have, "Oh I am very sorry." Next, a frown rested on his brows, one of curiosity as he rasped his words with an unmistakable English accent,
Chapter twenty oneWith the Duke's cheeks cupped in her small hands, Elizabeth asked with the saddest of tones, "When will you be back?"Philip faked a warm smile, trying to be in the cosiest of moods around her. He held her shoulders reassuringly and replied, "I will not be more than ten days. And as soon as I get back, I'll see to it things get less awkward between us before our marriage." He still doubted that even while he said it.Elizabeth nodded with a smile and glanced at Monica knowingly. The latter laid upon her horse with her elbows braced to support her weight.With a smile, she returned the look shortly before taking them back to the grapes she was feeding on. If she was affected by that, she did not show it. But inside, she smiled.Elizabeth could have all the fun she wanted to have with her betrothed tonight. Because if Monica was sure of something, it was that Philip won't be the same after their trip. His heart would belong to her, that she was bloody sure. The blon
Chapter twenty twoHe had to agree with Timothy that the enemies were a bit pathetic. All he ever did was wait for them to deliver themselves and give a bullet or two in return.The war went on for another while with no man down on their side of the team. Each of the eight was skilled in their own form of fighting anyways. Well just until...Monica felt the tip of a blade slice a deep groove into her back. Here she was thinking Jason was the most painful thing on Earth. She released a groan, obviously not accustomed to being hurt like that. It was like soaking your face into a hot tub of boiling oil, whichever was worse. A spiking sensation soared around the fresh wound, creating a new emotion in her head. Anger of course.Luckily her attacker never struck again until she managed to turn to face him slowly. For some reason, he looked...scared.She reached down to her hip with the little strength she had left and pulled out a pistol. The first bullet had already gone through his chest
Chapter twenty threeMonica wrapped her arms around his neck as he walked her through the doorway. He looked down at the lady in his arms to find her gaze on him as well, those cunning green eyes and mischievous smirk. Only God knew what she was thinking.Some footmen were already busy lifting their luggages into the massive new home, taking a chance to secretly glance at the pair who were just being children.The rest of the males followed Philip behind with their eyes drinking in the look of the mansion. They seemed pleased enough. Even Jason had a frown on, a good of course. One of the most pleasing looks he could give. It was that beautiful.All the corners of the large hall they'd arrived into stretched through a doorway either to open up into another hall or a hallway. The floors were a shade of dark blue terrazzo, matching daringly with the white plaster which was the top.Three massive chandeliers hung with equal spaces between them, accompanied by much smaller ones scattered
Chapter twenty fourA warning like that was tempting enough to explore. And he was falling for it. But then, his conscience brought the thought of his position in the Monarchy and Elizabeth back into his mind. Sometimes he wondered why he always listened to it.He grinned and heeded to the warning. Of course he knew better than to dare someone who made the word DARING herself.He went straight to washing the blood of the cut with some fresh water and a towel. Well this one did not seem to excite the Scottish in any way. The pinching pain made her groan for real this time, but she stayed still.However, she had gotten a laugh out of the Duke as she heard him say, "You pervertive little maiden. How did that feel?"She laughed away her worries and sighed genuinely, relishing the warmth she felt because of his presence. This time, it was something innocent, and sad. Because somewhere deep down, she knew they'd flirt all they want but he would still go find some BEFITTING.And that was som
Chapter twenty five"Why exactly are we here," Timothy looked at the massive empire of Lord Edward from the distance.Jason glared at him while nudging his Massidan horse to go forward, "The better question is…why Monica is joining us."Philip stopped his own beast and faced them all. Cautiously, they stopped riding as well and stared back at him in confusion.He then turned specifically to Timothy, "For your question, we need important information from a Baron I know. And as for yours," he faced the Earl of Vetcom, "I would say it's because Monica is unfortunately the most stiff-necked and irresistible woman I have ever met. She feels she could go through the doors of a men's party in a lady's skin. Am I right Monica?"As she smiled, obviously having no answer to that, Earl Robinson helped out, "We trust you on that one darling. Just be careful."Dusk had fallen a long time ago, making the flickering lights from the empire shine in the highest blossom. Nax was still busy analysing mo
Chapter sixtyTons of majordomos had been hired for the job, a dangerous one given the risk of being trampled upon. Continuously, they nudged their bodies against the crowd at either side of the cobbled street.As Elizabeth had put it, it was the grandest event in England; everyone wanted to see!Two carriages made of white oak and gold prints rolled upon the stones just between the hustling and bustling lines of the crowd at their sides. The majordomos were almost having trouble keeping them behind the invisible tape. But when the carriages came to a halt, the uproar just doubled.Uniformly, footmen stalked to the doors and pulled them open, tipping their bodies down in a half bow for whoever was to emerge.Now everywhere quietened except for the murmur streak of anxious waiters.Carriage one released the English blonde, bound in a dress that almost filled the space behind her. As she was helped down the steps, the sun came in contact with the gems on her white garment, shimmering wi
Chapter fifty nineThe Duke found himself in a mix of feelings. Admiration. Wonder. Gratitude. Love.And slowly, he let go of his own sword and widened his arms invitingly, "Then get in here before I change my mind."Damnation to her spine and ego. Monica let tears run down her cheeks as she half ran to the lad.Jason was smiling in admiration.Anna and Rebecca felt a new warmth in their hearts.The Princes were nodding approvingly.Earl Robinson burst out laughing in mirth as he let the scene rage his mind.Speaking of happy endings, Earl suddenly had a frown on before, later on, he started across the snow." Where are you going?" Asked Raymond worriedly.The Marquess faced his friends one last time to say, "Anywhere apart from here. While getting too engrossed in such a beautiful scene. I forgot the vessel for bad luck I left at home who'll soon become Marchioness of my empire.""Good thing I'm married," Jason smiled, "who knows she may have chosen me for such a suicide mission."Ea
Chapter fifty eightIt had been nearly hell for the lass. Now it was useless threatening to kill one of them. As Monica gawked at the angry mob of armed noblemen, she realised unfortunately that no height of her skills could change the fact she was greatly outnumbered.She had started to shiver while they kept closing in on her. Even the victim she had in her clutch finally managed to free himself from her shaky grip.Now she was there, naked to any attack they planned to lay upon her. Now she had no choice but to do that one thing she hated most; surrender.Ever so slowly, she lifted both her hands in the air and glanced through the people. But then;"Move away! His Grace approaches," the loud voice came from somewhere within the crowd, stealing attention and causing a murmur streak.Monica gasped fearful. The last way she wanted to die was by the hands of the one she loved. Now she was trapped, he had come to end this once and for all.Now the crowd parted into two to form a path in
Chapter fifty seven"Earl!" She grinned and almost went to embrace him. Rather than what the Marquess should have done, he frowned and stepped back from the window through which he'd thrown it. After a wave of dismissal, he snarled, "I knew Jason was up to no good. Now get out of here before we both get caught."The lady obeyed instantly, jumping to her feet and pacing towards the stables. That was when the real war began.The crowd rushed to her sadistically, almost surrounding her. She joined her lips to a line. As much as she was desperate to flee, she vowed not to kill any, as innocent as each as. But a little bone breaking won't hurt wouldn't it?Even with the impossibility, Monica stopped and began throwing fists and avoiding attacks coming her way. With her actions, the number was increasing and closing in on her. New plan…She suddenly remembered how the bonds existing between members of a clan and how sentimental they could be about each other. At the thought, she reached fo
Chapter fifty sixThe men stopped and faced her, fear almost shielding their beautiful features. A pistol was aimed at them, but better scrutiny made them realise the attack was posed to Philip.Monica stalked deeper with the aim of her gun straight at the brown haired lad. But as much as his friends were tensed, the Duke hadn't batted an eyelid. Instead, he glared straight at her, into those sad, green eyes, daring her to shoot."Don't be insane Monica!" Peter said with a voice forced into a low growl. "Drop the weapon!"The lady never flinched a muscle. And while she thought her move was fearfully and threatening, Philip Forland just smiled at her, "Save your breaths, she won't shoot." He tilted his head, turning it into a grin just before he sighed, "She can't."Monica's stare hardened narrowly. And of course, she knew he was right. He knew her, her strengths, her weaknesses, capabilities, inside…through and out.And the familiar feeling of vulnerability before him dawned. The grip
Chapter fifty fiveMonica knew she was running out of time; her restlessness had just increased now that her movement was restricted to within the borders of the estate.And then the new marriage date was approaching.For the first time since her imprisonment, she looked at the doors with obvious intentions. After taking deep, necessary breaths, she strode to them and shoved them open.Her strides doubled, then tripled...until she began running upon the marbles. Dark hallways, galleries, stairs, foyers and even more stairs before the Duchess's drawing room faced her.That was the point she realized she was insane. Well she was that a long time ago, wasn't she. Monica had smiled at the thought and finally gone through the doors.Seems mother and daughter were deep in a serious conversation...Rebecca rushed to her feet in what looked like fright.Anna however, frowned disapprovingly at the lady before them.But the frown turned to something lighter and slightly confused when Monica fel
Chapter fifty four"I wish things returned to the way they were," the Marquess confessed with his gaze on Philip. The latter was arching again some distance away from the rest. He was unusually fast and aggressive, harbouring a frown that had never left his face since dawn.Raymond sighed and replied, "Why did she have to run away? I want to forgive her completely. But then, it seems far more difficult than it should be."Nobody wanted to reply to that, but it did change the aura to something dark. For more moments than they knew, they studied the young Duke far away vent his frustration on the arrow board.After pretending long enough, he flung his weapons aside and sucked in long, needed breaths.Earl of Vetcom frowned at that and finally heaved a sigh, "I need to correct this." He turned to leave.Before he could walk away, Earl Robinson declared sternly, "I may not be in the know of what nonsense you plan to do. But for things go back to how they were , Monica needs to return to o
Chapter fifty-threePhilip leaned back in his chair and swivelled with both legs upon his desk, goofing around with a gun in his hands and a wicked smirk on. His five friends took simpler seats around him with their gazes in one direction; before them.With her hands still tied to her back, Monica was shoved down her knees right before their very eyes, red hair falling over her face to shield half the grim she had on. They were smirking down at her like a prize they'd finally won!Monica almost spat at the majordomo who had ruthlessly handled her through the crowd of guests, into a carriage, right through the empire's gates and up the stairs.But now, she faced the Monarchs with her teeth gritted and jaws clenched, her eyes travelling round them in the angriest of stares. Sweat dripped down her bowed face and trickled down to the floor.It was the Duke's next words that brought her attention up to them again, "How do you want it lads, an arrow through her skull or her head under a gui
Chapter fifty-twoThe last few days flowed routinely and looked like an attempt to fix everything that was once ruined. The days of revival.The Duke's empire had been filled with hustling and bustling movements for the forthcoming wedding. If the Dowager Duchess had never been serious with anything in her life, she took this phase of trials easily and tried to restore the estate, even if it was the last thing she did. At least to give Philip time to get back on his feet…although it seemed to be taking forever.As confident and eager as Elizabeth had been of Philip's return, it has taken literally no amount of his apology for her to pull him back into her embrace. And with a smirk on her face, she had patted his hair and agreed to marry him again. All thanks to Monica.Now the days were crawling by quite slowly and the wedding was hearing, one that the Duke was somehow not looking forward to. Lately, he'd been searching for a darker place to hide, to be away from all the chatters conc