Meeting Father
Only the sound of my shoes clicking against the ground can be heard. It was an awful silence as we walked in the hallway. I can feel the tension in the stares of the servants when they gave me a bow as I passed through them.
Am I going to be convicted or anything? Why do they look so scared?
I sighed inwardly as we continued trailing down the hallway. The problem right now is how to deal with my parents. At this time, they would start to torment Yllaria - I mean, me, in the near future since they noticed how different my features were from theirs. Were they insecure of my beauty? Honestly, I really hate the duke and duchess for letting Yllaria suffer when she didn't do any mistake. She never smeared the Sedillon name or embarrass her family. They didn't treat her well ,but she's still kind enough to understand them. She even tried to have outstanding works so that they'll acknowledge her, but that never happened. How should I treat the duke and duchess now?
My head circulated at those thoughts and I was too occupied to notice that we were already in front of the office of the duke and duchess. Ira and Amy looked at me, trying to say that I should open the door. For some reason, I felt my blood boil as I stared at this grand door. It was adorned with shining jewels, as if being boastful of their wealth, but not even giving a tiny gem for me. I sighed and took a step forward before knocking.
"I heard that you requested for my presence. May I come in?" I asked in the most polite tone I could muster. I actually want to knock this door down and just give them a middle finger, but I can't do that and I'd feel bad for the door that didn't do anything to me.
"Enter." I heard a deep voice inside. I guess that's the duke, huh? I counted a second before slowly opening the door. I took a small peek, and what captured my attention were the shiny furniture inside the the office. Noticing that I was taking an ignorant time in scanning the room, I cleared my throat and gracefully entered the office. I looked around and I almost had my jaw drop when I saw a handsome man staring at me.
He was sitting on a chair that and a table with lots of papers were in front of him. He had scarlet-red hair that looked so soft to the touch, but it was really messy. His sharp, green orbs were staring at me like I was a weird specimen, but the emerald shade of his eyes were enchanting. He was wearing glasses and he looked hot af. Another feature that got my attention was his sharp jawline. Damn, I think I'll cut my hand if I touch that. He actually looked like a man in 20s or 30s.
I was too amazed with his features that it took me a while to realize something.
Red hair and green eyes... Those are the characteristics of the Sedillon family.
What the... Don't tell me he's...
"Won't you greet me?" My eyes went as wide as an owl's when I heard his question. I immediately curtsied and lowered my head.
"Greetings, your grace. Pardon my insolence." I said, trying my best not to stutter or sound nervous, but I think I failed. I stood straight but didn't dare to raise my head because I can't meet his serious gaze.
Oh gosh! This is Duke Yves Sedillon! My adoptive father and one of my enemies in the near future!
It took a moment's silence before I heard his voice again.
"Raise your head and answer my question." I immediately followed his order and looked at his attire, still not meeting his eyes. "What did you just call me?" Huh? Why is he asking that? I gulped before answering his question.
I might die or get punished if I'll get this wrong. Don't be dumb, Yllaria!
"I addressed you as how I should, your grace." I answered him politely, slightly proud of myself because I didn't stutter. I studied his expressions but he seem irritated... and confused? I know I should be angry at him because he'll be one of the main cause of my suffering in the near future but...
HOW CAN I HATE SOMEONE THIS HANDSOME -- NO GORGEOUS?
Call me a fool, but I'm really weak against handsome men. As a girl who had no relationships in my past life, I've been drowning myself with handsome and fictional men from novels and comics. Seeing someone this good-looking in person is too much for me. Help!
I snapped back to reality when I saw his gaze getting more serious. Noticing that he has no intention of speaking, I cleared my throat before asking him.
"May I know why you requested for my presence, your grace?" I asked him, slightly smiling, but his expression grew darker. Oh shoot, what did I do?
"Your grace?" I asked again and I flinched when he slammed his hand on the table harshly, sending some of the papers fall to the floor. I don't know why, but I started shivering. He's handsome and one of my enemies, yes, but I felt frightened. I looked at the carpeted floor, trying to stop my body from shivering. I heard the chair screech, like he stood up from his chair, and now I can hear his footsteps walking towards me.
I closed my eyes as I felt his presence in front of me.
What will he do?
I flinched when I felt his hand holding my arm and I started to shiver more. Why?
The fear I'm feeling isn't mine anymore, it's like the real Yllaria's emotions.
"Yllaria." When I heard my name from his own mouth, I can't stop my tears from falling. Why? What's happening? Will he kill me because he's displeased?
"What's happening to you?" I started sobbing hard because he sounded angry. Will I die? He held both of my shoulders tight and I started to struggle.
No! Don't!
I can't sort out my emotions anymore. My mind is in haywire. It's like an automatic response of this body whenever this man touches me or when I hear his voice. I can't stop it!
My struggle continued until I felt a broad figure embraced my shivering and small body. He smelled like books, and the scent was starting to calm me down. I felt his hand caress my hair and tried to hush me. I can finally control myself and I took deep breaths until I managed to calm my heart. I stayed in that position for a while until I realized whose warmth and embrace that calmed me down.
I immediately broke away from the hug and stared at the duke with wide eyes. He also looked surprised with his own actions but I had no chance to talk or explain myself because I felt my energy draining away from my body.
My vision got blurry and my balance tipped off. I was falling to the floor and I could hear someone calling my name before everything turned black.