59 The Duke of Navic

"Great work." Gary pats Siv's shoulder as they both walk away from the training hall toward the tree they usually sit under after training. Veda has already brought out some snacks like she has been doing for the past week or so.

"Are we going to speak now?" Siv asks impatiently.

"Speak?"

"Don't play with me, Gary. You said you would answer my questions after training." He is silent for a moment.

"Aright, princess, ask away."

"Why did you hide the fact that you are a duke from me?"

"I did not hide anything, love, I just didn't share it with you."

"What is the difference?"

"If you hadn't noticed, I don't really volunteer information about myself. Had you asked me, I would have answered you." Siv studies his nonchalant attitude.

'He has a point, I guess.'

"Well, would you like to share with me now?"

"You already know the short version." Gary laughs, but not a happy laugh. A laugh that is full of other emotions that Siv can't understand.

"You mean, you being a disgrace to your family and fooling around with the baroness?"

"Yes."

"What about the longer version?"

Siv does not break eye contact with him. Her way to show him that he can trust her and share things about himself, maybe things that have been weighing on him for a while. For some reason, she wants to lighten that load on him. Gary seems like a complicated person, so she is trying not to be pushy as much as she can. There is a long silence before Gary lies on his back and stares at the passing clouds.

"My mother was a maid at the duke's estate. One night, in his quest for a son, he raped her." Gary's expression hardens. "As he had done to many before and probably after her. He was a monster." Gary goes silent again. "I loathe nobility, they all think they are entitled to whatever they want." He turns to Siv. "You are the exception though, princess."

"Am I?" Siv smiles at him.

"Most certainly." He smiles back at her.

"Where is your mother, now?" Siv regrets her question as soon she asks. Gary's expression turns grim again.

'How stupid are you?'

"I-" Siv starts to apologize, but Gary seems to not hear her.

"She hung herself a few days after I was born. The duke took me away as soon as labor was over, and she was to be sent away and never see me again."

'Damn it. Oh for God's sake, you need to control this mouth, woman'

"I think it was for the best." He continues. "She would have been mistreated all her life. I have seen how he treated the duchess, who is from nobility too, and his own daughters. It was for the best." He repeats, more to himself than to Siv.

'This world really needs some strong women. What the hell?'

"He died in a carriage accident, but everyone seems to believe that I killed him for some reason."

"That is crazy."

"To be honest, I wish I had killed him. At least I would have avenged my mother and every woman that monster had ever met."

"So you must have about what... fifty sisters or so?" Gary lets out a loud full-hearted laugh.

"That is quite possible." He says between laughs.

"So, how did you and Brandt come to be friends?" Gary turns to lie on his stomach to look at her.

"The duke is the king's cousin."

"Wait, what? You are cousins?"

"Sure."

"Your grandpa was a prince?"

"I guess."

"Why are you a thug?" Gary chuckles.

"That is a story for another time, princess. We have company." Siv turns to see Lord Benson approaching.

"Your Grace, Lady Holmen." He bows. "My apologies to interrupt but His Highness is asking for you, Your Grace." Gary pushes to his feet.

"Alright, please lead the way, Shelby." Gary bows to Siv. "I will see you tomorrow for training then."

"See you tomorrow, Your Grace." Siv teases.

"Please, don't call me that." Gary says as he starts walking away.

"Of course, Duke."

"Oh you." Siv Giggles and waves goodbye at him.

"So what is it, Shelby? What have I done this time?" Gary asks while following Lord Benson closely.

"I am sure His Highness will tell you, Your Grace."

"Alright, you never let a word slip. I was just trying my luck today."

Gary enters Brandt's study and finds him sitting at his desk reading the newspaper. He walks toward him and takes the chair opposite of him.

"Good morning, Your Highness." Brandt glares at him.

"It was good before I heard your name." Gary raises an eyebrow.

"Why so hostile, my friend?" Brandt throws the newspaper at him.

"Would you like to read about your latest conquest?"

"What are you-"

"Read the bloody paper." The prince roars.

"Shock at the Vying Ball." Gary immediately understands what is going on. "Last night at the palace's ballroom, all the guests were surprised when the Duke of Navic finally decided to grace us with his presence. What is even more captivating is his interest in one of the Rouvas… This is silly."

"Continue."

Gary Sighs.

"Rouva Siv Holmen, the former fiancee of His Highness and primary candidate to the position of Crown Princess. Although, after the duke is done with her, there might not be any position left for her." Gary grins at the crass innuendo.

"Are you smiling, Gary?"

"Nobody reads this shite." Gary throws the paper on the desk.

"Everybody reads this shite." Brandt slams his hand. "You think ruining Siv's reputation is funny?"

"Of course not."

"Then why are you still courting her?"

"Are you confusing courting with training again?"

"Gary."

"Why aren't you the one training her, or courting her for that matter?" Gary pushes to his feet, annoyed. "You are all talk, Brandt. If you care for her, then do something about it." Gary leans on the desk, looking down at his cousin. "Or I will."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means exactly what it means. Maybe I will start courting Siv, using the correct meaning of the word this time." Gary pushes off the desk and strides toward the door.

"Gary." Brandt calls, but the duke does not turn. He walks right out of the study. "Gary!"