Duke Kensington was enjoying the ride much more than he expected. The girl in front of her was quiet and seemed immersed in her own thoughts. She was different from those other women who always tried any means to get near him, seduce him or get him into their bed. If there's another lady inside this carriage with him, that woman would have thrown herself at him! But this young lady didn't seem to be that much interested in engaging with him. In fact, from the looks of it, she must be trying so hard to ignore his presence at this moment. Not a chance!
"Do you like to paint?" Duke Kensington asked.
Lady Melissa turned to look at Duke Kensington when she heard his question. She tried to remember what the author had written about this male lead in the novel. Didn't the male lead was said to be cold, unfeeling and most importantly, he didn't like to interact with women, even with his wife? The way things were now had completely deviated from the storyline. First, he approached her when she's at the bookstore, he later interfered and refused to let her pay for the materials, then he shamelessly followed her into the carriage and now he's trying to initiate a conversation with her. 'What the hell is going on with this chap? Fine, let's humour him and see what he wants to do!'
"Yes, Your Grace." Melissa decided to give a short answer.
"When did you start to paint?" Duke Kensington probed further. His eyes were staring at her like a hawk waiting to pounce on his prey.
"I learned to draw when I was young. And no, no one taught me if that's what you're going to ask next. I'm self-taught." Melissa said, hoping her explanation would make him stop asking her about this.
"I see, you must be a genius then, being self-taught and all." Duke Kensington said with a mocking smile on his face. 'Self-taught? Who'd believe that? With the amount of arts materials she bought today, it would appear as if she's new at this.'
Melissa didn't expect this from the Duke. 'Is he praising me, or mocking me? But I'm really a self-taught artist!'
Melissa's journey in arts started when she was very young. The principal at the orphanage where she grew up had seen her talent in it and therefore provided her with materials for her to draw and paint as she pleased. When she was 15 years old, the principal had helped set up a fund raising event, showcasing her unique paintings as the main program. Amongst the guests invited to the event was Master Edward Graden, a renowned artist, admired by many. Master Graden had taken a liking to Melissa and her works, citing her as one of the rising talents in the arts community. He had taken her under his wing, and using his influence, Melissa's journey as an artist flourished and she eventually obtained a teaching position as an Assistant Professor of the arts department in one of the best universities in the country. Relishing her accomplishments in the past, Melissa couldn't help but felt so proud of herself. Yes, she's indeed a genius, wasn't she?
"Well, I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm a genius, but I am really good at it." Melissa answered smugly.
Duke Kensington's eyebrows raised when he heard her. His initial intention to mock her was clearly unsuccessful. In fact, looking at her smug look now, she's really feeling proud of herself. Not wanting to indulge this unbecoming behaviour, he shook his head and decided to drop the subject. Whether or not she's truly a 'talented' artist as she claimed, he would have plenty of opportunities to see it after she moved to the Estate.
Duke Kensington decided to broach the important matter which prompted him to hitch this ride in the first place. "My Lady, the Queen has requested your presence at the palace."
"Whaatt??" Melissa's attention was drawn back to reality after hearing what Duke Kensington had said. "The Queen?"
"Yes, Her Majesty would like to meet you before the wedding. So please be ready at 9 in the morning tomorrow. I will come and pick you up." Duke Kensington could see traces of nervousness in her eyes. He suddenly thought about her last visit to the palace two years ago. Although he didn't know the details, he knew something had happened back then which caused this girl to disappear from the public eye. A pang of pity crept into his heart and he couldn't help but added, "William will come with us too."
True enough, at the mention of that young boy, Melissa's eyes brightened and she subconsciously smile. 'She didn't appear too thrill to go with me but look excited when I said William is coming. Do I need to bring that mischievous boy with me everywhere we go then in the future??' Duke Kensington fell silent as he started to feel a hopeless sense of annoyance crept into his heart.
Luckily they had reached the gates of the Kensington's Estates and he promptly got down. Before he could say anything, Melissa quickly bade him farewell and instructed Sir Andrew to leave. It was as if she's running away from a plague, hastily leaving like that! Duke Kensington had never felt so insulted in his life before. To make matters worse, this was the girl he's going to marry in two weeks’ time. Was it too late to change his mind now?
"Phew, that was so intense. How am I supposed to live with this guy when being near to him always make me anxious, as if there're traps waiting for me every time he speaks? Thank God for William." Melissa wondered aloud once she's alone.
In fact, she was much more worried about her impending visit to the palace. In the novel, it was said something happened to Lady Melissa two years ago when she visited the palace, which caused her to become a hermit at home. However, the author didn't explain in detail what exactly had transpired. Melissa couldn't even ask anyone about it since she was the supposed 'victim' here. It was such a mystery! Luckily that cute little boy's coming tomorrow too. She could stay with him then.
When she reached home, the seamstress was waiting for her. It was an old woman who addressed herself as Madam Leanne. Her tone and demeanour showed off obvious authority. Lily had quietly reminded her that this lady only served the upper class noblewomen and therefore she's clearly a highly respected seamstress. Melissa quickly apologized for her tardiness. Madam Leanne studied the girl in front of her and instantly noticed her attire before she gasped loudly, "My Lady! What is that you're wearing??"
"This? It's my dress." Melissa looked down at her dress while replying tactfully.
"Hmmph! Is the Duke getting poorer by the day that his only precious daughter needs to wear a rag at home? And I take it you also went out in this attire, My Lady?" Madam Leanne squinted her eyes while asking. She was clearly displeased with how this young lady had dressed and clearly blamed Duke Malcom for the girl's misfortune.
Seeing how this older matron had reprimanded her father without any reservation, Melissa felt guilty that Duke Malcom had taken the blame for her own doing.
"Yes, Madam." Melissa said softly, guilt clearly shown in her eyes.
Looking at her guilty expression, Madam Leanne sighed before continuing her admonition, "My Lady, pardon this old lady for interfering but you're a noble born. It's a pity that your mother had passed away when you were young but that's not an excuse not to adhere to rules and customs. You're going to be a Duchess soon, and there're stricter rules for you to follow and obey. You wouldn't want to embarrass your husband and his family, would you? No matter how lenient your father might be towards you, your husband might not be. The Kensington Estate is also not a simple place to live in, so you'd better behave properly so as not to attract any unfavourable gossips."
Melissa could see that this old woman meant well and therefore she smiled and nodded in agreement with what she said. Seeing her obedient behaviour, Madam Leanne's gaze towards Melissa soften and she proceeded to take the girl's measurements.
Before she left, Melissa informed her that she had a design in mind for the wedding dress and politely asked Madam Leanne if she could take a look at it first. Madam Leanne was delighted upon hearing this.
"Of course, My Lady! It's always good to see new designs, especially ones coming from young minds like you. I look forward to seeing it." With that, she bade Melissa farewell, clearly in a better mood than when she first arrived.
Madam Leanne couldn't wait to report to the Queen about this charming girl. Not only was she beautiful, she seemed to be talented in designing clothes as well. If she truly could design well, that itself was a rare talent during this time and age. Judging from the way how that simple dress was tailored, it was clearly modified from an existing piece of dress she owned, Melissa's talent in garment design was obvious.
"Looks like the Duke has gotten himself a good one this time." Madam Leanne smiled at this thought.
At 9 in the morning, the Kensington's carriage arrived at the Knights' mansion. Melissa was waiting at the main gate with her maid-in-waiting. She looked resplendent in a deep green gown, her hair was coiled into a braided bun, secured by a diamond encrusted pin. The only other jewellery she wore was a simple necklace with an emerald pendant. She looked fresh and radiant, and unlike her usually can't-wait-to-run-away-from-him attitude, she was actually smiling when the carriage drew nearer.He was captivated with her smile and was almost smiling back at her when he suddenly heard her shouted while waving her arms excitedly, "William! William!""Mother! Mother! I'm here to fetch you! We're going to see Queen Grandma today!" Lord William's tiny head poked out of the carriage while shouting back at the beautiful girl standing not far away. "William, mind your words, Lady Melissa is not married to me yet. You shouldn't call her that." Annoyed at his misconception earlier, Duke Kensington
A lonely figure with an exquisite looking face stood on one of the balconies overlooking the palace entrance and watched the scene below. No one dared to approach this man who exuded a dangerous aura at the moment. Being born as the eldest prince, he's destined to inherit the throne one day. However, his cold and aloof aura made him unapproachable and those who interacted with him were always cautious in their actions and words towards him. He was ruthless in his approach and seldom offered mercy on those who wronged him. It was said that this prince also didn't have any interest in any of the noble ladies around him, and had remained unattached until today. Many marriage proposals from prominent families were offered to the Queen discreetly but all of them were rejected by the prince, citing they're not worthy of him. After the prince threw a big tantrum about this the last time this subject was broached, the Queen relented and didn't bring it up again. No one knew what the prince wa
As they approached the dining table, the maids all curtsied before the Queen. Melissa looked across the table and saw a handsome young man and a beautiful woman were already seated. As they saw the Queen, they went over and greeted the Queen affectionately. 'This must be the Queen's children'.Queen Serina introduced the young prince and princess to Melissa. The friendly young man was the Queen's younger son, Prince Xander while the arrogant looking girl was Princess Katherine. Melissa extended her curtsies to both the royals when Princess Katherine suddenly said loudly, "So, you're the famous Lady Melissa? The one that went into hiding for years without seeing other people?" Princess Katherine was in fact boiling in anger when she saw how affectionate Duke Kensington was with Lady Melissa moments ago. 'Zachary never smiled at me like that before! How dare this bitch try to seduce him!'Melissa was in the middle of curtsying when Princess Katherine said that. She almost lost her compo
After the meal, Duke Kensington sent Lord William to the guest chamber to take a nap. Although the young boy protested at first, he eventually succumb to his father's instruction. In order to fulfil her expanding curiosity as to how big the palace was, Lady Melissa seek permission from the Queen to take a stroll in the royal garden. Queen Serina readily obliged her request and asked Duke Kensington to escort her. As much as she wanted to wander alone, she couldn't possibly drive Duke Kensington away. Therefore, she walked with her hand looped around the Duke's arm, proceeding to the royal garden. In one hand, she held the white rose which was placed on her plate earlier.This was the first time he held her so close to him and he could smell a faint flowery fragrance coming from her. His body instinctively grew rigid and he found it hard to concentrate. He kept stealing glances at her from time to time, sensing her obvious curiosity on her surroundings. Duke Kensington was slightly puz
When Lady Melissa stepped into the main banquet hall, almost everyone was captivated by her beauty. The young ladies eyed her with envy and jealousy, some even sneered at her appearance. Prince Xavier who was standing with a few close acquaintances of his, all of them young men from the aristocratic families, couldn't help but smirked at the sight of his beloved. As expected of the woman of his choice, she could stunned everyone just by standing there doing nothing. Prince Xavier was further pleased when he realized that the troublesome Lord Melvin Knight wasn't present tonight. It was only Lady Melissa and her mother, Duchess Rose Knight. "Isn't that Lady Melissa? The one who fought with the Princess a few years ago?" Lord Benjamin Blackwell said, while keeping his gaze on the lovely girl."Yes, I see that time has done her great service. She has blossomed well indeed." This suggestive remark from Lord Davis caused the rest of the noblemen around him to look appreciatively at Lady M
Prince Xavier waited, and waited for days but no news came from Lady Melissa after that. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. After waiting for such a long time but still didn't hear from her, he was worried that something had happened to her. After the last palace banquet, Lady Melissa seemed to have vanished and she never appear in any social events anymore. No one knew what happened to her. Prince Xavier had tried to get information but everyone from the Knights' Estates was tight lipped and no news were leaked on their Lady's wellbeing. Prince Xavier nearly went crazy trying to find out the truth. She had clearly promised to give him an answer, and he knew she wasn't the type to forget about it easily.Unpleasant rumours started to spread about Lady Melissa after that. Some said she was disfigured and became so ugly that she didn't dare to show herself in public. Some said she was embarrassed as she had no friends so staying home was the best option. Some even went as far
For the next few days, Prince Xavier waited for the Queen to approach him with great anticipation in his heart. His mood was much better as well, thinking of the impending marriage between him and Lady Melissa. However, after much wait, there was no sign of the Queen nor was there any summon for him to see her. After much thought, Prince Xavier decided to meet the Queen himself. His marriage was much more important than his pride anyway. When he reached his mother's chambers, he knocked and was summoned in."Xavier, my son! What brings you here today? Is something wrong?" Queen Serina was surprised to see her normally aloof son appeared before her today. "How do you do Mother?" Prince Xavier went to hug his mother. "I'm very well, thank you. Is everything alright, Son?" Queen Serina probed again. "Well, yes I'm doing well. Mother, I heard you've been busy choosing brides these past few days. How's that going?" Prince Xavier asked casually."That's a surprise! I thought you didn't
After few days of being in what could be described as hell, when he was calmed enough, Prince Xavier began to organize his thoughts and found it hard to believe that Lady Melissa would forget about him easily. Something must've made her accepted this ridiculous arrangement. Yes that's right, someone or something forced her into this marriage. He needed to speak with her, but how? He couldn't just barge into the Knights mansion, could he?Prince Xavier spent the whole day thinking about his predicament. He harboured resentment towards his cousin, Duke Kensington. The Queen had always favoured Duke Kensington since they were young. Growing up, whatever he had, his mother would make sure Duke Kensington was given the same as well. The only difference between them was that he's of royal blood, destined to inherit the throne, while Duke Kensington would forever be his subject. That's the only consolation he had for this 'sibling rivalry' between them.However, he would never imagine that h