Cute Duke

She pouted, giving Duke Raziel a look. “You’re acting weird, Raziel.”

“I’m fine.” He said, and continued, his cheeks reddening. “I just want you near me.”

That made her pause. Near him? Her cheeks reddened, feeling like she’s turning into a potato. She glanced at his expression to see his face looking stoic and still.

Sometimes, Lady Vienna couldn’t help but think how seeing him saying things like this makes her forget that he’s a villain.

Well, she’s a villain herself. But that’s another point.

She shook her head, clearing away her thoughts. “Haha, you’re flattering me, Raziel.” She replied when she regained exposure.

She did as he requested and sat by the sofa in silence. She watched him sign the papers and can’t help but feel bored.

Now what?

Why did she even agree to stay here?

How stupid of her. Shaking her head, she stayed seated still and felt her muscles getting tensed. She has to escape from this. This feels suffocating.

“Is there something on my face, Lady Vienna?”

She looked up and saw him now standing in front of her. She smiled at him, “Oh, uhm…there is none.”

She bit her lip, he just caught her staring.

Her heartbeat was fast. Why does it feel like they were back to square one? If she had known that agreeing to this marriage would result in this kind of awkwardness and uneasiness, then she would not have agreed.

“I’m bored.” She answered truthfully.

He nodded and offered his hands, “Want to go for a stroll?”

She thought about it for a second and answered him, “Can we duel? I miss using my sword.” Of course, she had brought her sword with her to her room…his brother even put it there in her suitcase for security.

“Duel? As much as I want to say yes, Vienna, but you're now my wife. A duchess at that. Huxley said not to let you use the swords now.”

“You’re listening to your attendant’s advice?” Wasn’t he the bossy Raziel? Wait, why does it feel like this is not the Raziel she married?

He didn't answer and got back to his work.

Lady Vienna sighed. The face of her knight, Titus, came flashing in her mind.

Really, Where are you, Titus? I miss you.

She thought to herself.

She then excused herself and left his office. She looked for her maid and asked, “Have Titus sent a letter?”

Roxy shook her head sadly, “I’m afraid not, your grace. Don’t worry about him, focus on being the duchess for now.”

She just nodded and asked Huxley to get her parchment paper and ink to write to her brother. Maybe she could ask him about Titus and he probably sent a letter to her family.

Going outside and breathing fresh air, she tried to explore the house again.

She could feel a pair of eyes digging behind her and when she turned around, she saw nothing.

She blinked and decided to shrug it off. But when lunch came and the afternoon passed, she saw a shadow of Duke Raziel following her for the whole day.

“Is…anyone there?” She called out. “Your grace? Raziel?”

She sighed. Why is Raziel acting like this? He’s been eyeing her for a while now.

Dinner even passed by with him hiding behind the door. Lady Vienna just pretended to not notice him but she had been itching to mention it.

When she finished eating, she called for Huxley.

“Yes, my lady?”

She grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into an empty room and locked it.

Huxley gulped and sweat started to form on his forehead, “Uhm-your grace-“

“Why does he keep on following me around for the whole day as if he wanted to say something?” She huffed and continued, “Why is he watching my every move? Why is your master acting like he cares for me now that we’re married when he even attempted to slice me during our first meeting?” She asked all the questions that bugged her.

I thought this was a marriage of convenience? Where was the tough and mighty Duke Raziel or Dillon?

Huxley just stared in silence, feeling all nervous. He gave a nervous chuckle and

“Please don’t tell me that I told you this to you, your grace but…my master is… shy.”

Shy? That made Lady Vienna gawk. “What? Why?”

Huxley cleared his throat, “He doesn't know how to act as your husband. He never had a girl, he’s been isolated when he was young and surrounded by men from Rogue guild.

“Then how did he managed to-“

“I taught him how to woo a girl. Please don’t tell him that I told you-eek-“ Huxley’s sentence was cut off as the door opened and Duke Raziel’s angry face appeared. His eyebrows furrowed and he glared at Huxley.

Huxley shrieked and hid behind Lady Vienna in protection but Duke Razie came in and grabbed him.

“Huxley. To my study. Now. ” And with that, Raziel cast a glance at her quietly and left.

But not before catching her flushed cheeks and stiff stature. Lady Vienna giggled at the sight.

So Huxley was telling the truth...what a cute Duke he is...