5 CHAPTER 5 - The Meeting

She is sitting across the Duke Geanos and in the middle of the sofa sat King Kale. While Elin is standing behind her Lady and Paul behind the Duke. An awkward silence fills the room.

Kale was waiting on what is going to happen next and curious why are they having this meeting and he was the third wheel.

'Hmm...should I start the conversation?' Kale thought.

Kale: So... Lady -

Aerysha: Elin...

Aerysha cuts him off as soon as Kale opened his mouth to speak. Kale smiled and rest his back comfortably on the sofa. 'Haha interesting she dared to cut a King off before he speaks, truly fun'

Aerysha: Hand me the document.

Elin took something out of Aerysha's purse and hand it to her. Geanos is patiently watching Aerysha with a serious face. The Lady pushed the document in front of the Duke. Geanos did not move to reach the document he asked instead.

Geanos: What is this now? I had too many surprises in a day already so better tell me now. The only thing I want to know is why my fiancee having a secret meeting with this ...

He threw an irritated glance to Kale before continuing. Kale just gave him a sweet smile. That made him more irritated.

Geanos: This rogue King at this time of night and to make the matter worst ki--

Aerysha: Stop!

She managed to stop Geanos from what he is about to say. She clasped her hands tightly to cover her trembling hands. She was beet red.

Aerysha: Your excellency.

Aerysha cleared her throat. She looked straight into Geanos eyes.

Aerysha: This document is the same document you sent to the Valencia household this morning.

Geanos brows met in the middle. Aerysha continued with a blank stare.

Aerysha: As a matter of fact I have made a copy of this, had it notarized to make it original for my record as well. And this will be yours, Duke. I would also like to correct you. I am not your fiancee anymore.

Kale turned in her direction with a surprised look. The crease in Geanos brows got deeper. Paul's face became pale when he heard what the Lady said. He definitely knew what the document she is referring to. His excellency could have forgotten about it due to the events of the day but he knew. Geanos reached out on the table and took the piece of paper. He opened it and saw that it was the letter his father presented to him this morning and the document he ordered to be delivered to Marquis Valencia. He saw Aerysha's signature beside his name.

Geanos expression dimmed. He then handed the letter to his aide.

Geanos: Paul...

Paul: Your excellency!

Geanos raised his hand to stop Paul from saying anything.

Geanos: I see Lady Aerysha. You signed this document just as quickly as you received it. You took a quick chance to find another prospect after. I see I see...

Geanos was gritting his teeth but he looks calm on the outside.

Geanos: Do you not know decency? Or no one has taught you...

Aerysha felt a cold wind run on her back. He was really angry. If his looks could kill she may be dead already. She knew how he doesn't want to be involved in any scandal. However, she doesn't like the sound of what he said just now. He is clearly humiliating her.

Aerysha: I do not comprehend why are you so angry right now your Excellency. When you are doing something with Countess Lassena outside the back door of this very Inn awhile ago. And have you not send the document annulling our engagement this morning? Means you want out of this engagement. And even without my signature, you met another woman. Let me throw the question back, have you not have any decency, my Duke?

Aerysha looked straight into Geanos eyes. Geanos sent icy stares towards Aerysha.

Paul: My Lady let me explain! -

Geanos raised his hand to stop Paul the second time.

Paul shut his mouth and step back. He can see the tension between the two rising.

Aerysha: Yes, there is no need for an explanation. It is clear. The moment I signed the document I am a free woman. Is it not?

Geanos remained silent. He is furious but what the lady is saying makes sense to him. He sent the engagement annulment after all.

*Sigh*

Geanos: Right.

Geanos stand up and crossed the small distance between him and Aerysha. He bent forward and whispered in Aerysha's ear. Aerysha flinched at the sudden action of the Duke.

Geanos: And so... Aerysha... you need to be discreet about your affairs. You may have signed the damn letter agreeing to the annulment but this news is still not out in the open. I hate cleaning up after someone else's mess.

Geanos stood up and stared down at her.

Geanos: We will talk about this on another day. Be sure to make time, Lady Valencia.

I do not think the Marquis will like it if he knew that his only daughter is hanging around this area at this time of night. You should be well on your way, my Lady.

Aerysha couldn't help to be a bit scared, she knows he is infuriated right now. His tone is calm but it is heavy. She knew more than anyone what Geanos is like. He is a very calm and collected person. A noble amongst noble.

She stood up and look at him with wary eyes and turned right after. She did not even give her curtsy.

Kale watched everything that transpired between the Duke and the Lady. He was astounded by the information that was presented to him due to this unexpected situation. If he knew that this is quite complicated he wouldn't have done what he did and never will he become involved. However, he believes that there is a reason for everything. He won't be able to go back now. After all, she is a talent that he would want to be by his side.

'That is how interesting she is. Hmmm, I guess you will never know?...'

Kale thought and glanced sideways at the Duke.

Kale: My Lady, I will walk you back...-

Geanos turned right away and went in front of the King of Amaris blocking him to walk any further near Lady Aerysha.

Geanos: I do not think that is wise my dear King. I do not want any rumors to start now. I guess we can continue our own meeting some other time, your Majesty.

He turned his back and walk to the door where Aerysha just exited. Geanos stopped and look over his shoulders with a murderous aura.

Geanos: I hope that you will not advance any further from associating with the Lady of Valencia, your Majesty. She is not just some noble lady you can toy with. Now that you know she is associated with me I hope you back off.

Kale: Hmm... are you threatening me now Duke?

Geanos: If you understand that much then I will be on my way.

*Slam*

Kale: Otto.

Otto appeared behind him and bowed.

Otto: Majesty.

Kale: Did Duke Clavren slammed the door on me?

Otto: Uhm... I think? Given what you did to her Lady your Majesty.

Kale: If you put it like that... Anyway, you don't need to search for the woman knight I told you about. I already found her.

Otto: How? Do you mean?... The Lady of House Valencia?

Kale: Yes, Otto. She is full of surprises. She had me wanting to know more...

Otto: Your Majesty but we do not want to be enemy with the Duke.

Kale: The Duke signed the annulment of their engagement I think he doesn't care at all. He must be worried only about the rumors. He didn't know what he is missing and I can't afford for him to be aware.

Kale gave an amused smile and touched his lips. (Auth: Oh Majesty! Why are you a perv? haha)

Kale: Anyway, continue searching the trail Otto, that is what we came here for.

Otto: Understood your Majesty.

***