Scandal with the Duke

Chapter 2

|Mirrielle Elizabeth Rivantroz|

“Elizabeth,”

I almost jump in my place when I heard Uncle Alfaro’s voice. I blinked when I came back to my senses. My body shiver in shock when I looked at him, now waiting for me inside his office.

The sun seemed to finally have set from the west. The whole mansion and his office were now illuminating with warm light after the servants had lighted the lamps one by one. The room is now in bright luminance. But I didn’t know why I couldn’t lift a foot to follow uncle inside his office.

“I thought you wanted to talk to me?” Uncle said, a little bit confused. I grimaced as I stared back at him.

I tried to find some words to muster, but before I could even say anything, uncle walked back to where I was. I unconsciously made a step back when he finally arrived in front of me and dodges my hand in his attempt to hold. I saw how shock crossed in his expression but he expertly handled his emotion like it was easy as changing shoes.

The shock was quickly changed with worry in his eyes. And I didn’t know why but I suddenly felt relieved. This is the expression I usually see on his face. And seeing him being like this means uncle’s behavior went back to what I always knew.

“Do you feel unwell?” my uncle asked in worry. I inhaled a deep breath and exhale it terribly before I shook my head in response.

“I’m fine, uncle. I was just, a little bit tired in doing rounds at the winery,” I excused even though I felt the dread earlier.

“Is that so? Why don’t you retire in the meantime, Eli? We have all the time to talk about the decision of the King regarding your proposal,” he said. But after mentioning the reason why I wanted to see him, the doubt and wariness I felt a little while ago instantly faded. I could suddenly tell my eyes shimmered in merry when uncle Alfaro smirked at the sudden change of my reaction.

“I’m ready to hear the news, uncle,” I said with eagerness. He chuckled at my remark and he made a step to the side, giving me space and indirectly telling me that he permits me to enter his office ahead of him.

I swallowed hard when I glance inside his office and quickly erased the forming uncertainty within me. I glance at uncle once again standing at my side and he quickly gave me a warm smile he always wore. I smiled back and walk inside. My heart was pounding against my chest and forced myself to calm down even though I couldn’t.

The silence inside his office was deafening. I could hear my ragged breathing, the sound made by my shoes and his. I almost jolted in my place when I heard the door close behind me. I balled my hand into a fist as I quickly walk straight to the sofa in front of his desk to have my seat.

I was almost as rigid as the sofa when I felt my uncle’s presence behind me until I saw him emerge from my side and had a seat on his office chair. Then he leaned his body closer on the table, pointed his elbow on it, clasped his both hands, and rested his chin on the apex. He gave me his whole attention and he wore his expression whenever he was talking business to his colleagues, solemn and serious.

“So, what do you want to know first?” he inquired. I blinked when our gazes met. I could somehow sense something within those eyes but I couldn’t fathom what it was. It took me a while before I finally blurted out my concern.

“What was...the King’s decision regarding the expansion of the winery in Madrid?”

Uncle Alfaro’s demeanor suddenly became more hefty and ominous. The excitement I felt earlier suddenly popped like a bubble when I realized what must be my uncle’s response. My shoulder sagged and I quickly looked down. I blink my eyes and creased my forehead as I clasped my hands, now in cold and sweat.

Uncle didn’t need to confirm it to me. I could sense in his expression and reaction that...the King might have thought of my proposal as...out of mind.

Three months ago, I asked and pleaded my uncle Alfaro if he could appeal to King about the proposal of expanding our family’s business in Madrid. At first, he found my decision ridiculous. I thought so too and quickly cease the plan. But the next day, my uncle called for my presence once again and told me that he would try to appeal to King about my plans.

Uncle had told me that I must be the one to do it; especially I am the head of the family and the business. But my name was only used in that matter. All the meetings and social and political affairs were done by uncle Alfaro, as a representative of course.

I heard rumors about my persisting lurk in the shadow of my family, how am I unfitting in my title and responsibility, how coward and wimp I am. Of course, I knew those rumors. Gillie has been my ears and eyes. But what could I do? I was used of my having my parents around. I was used in staying inside my room and just around the mansion. I never got the chance of walking outside our premises when my parents were still alive.

And when I lost them...I locked myself inside my room for a month, afraid of what should I do next and the thought of bearing the title and responsibility. That’s why when uncle Alfaro arrived at the mansion, the baffling relief I felt was beyond me. He was my savior on the sudden burden I wasn’t yet ready for. My parents had been preparing me, but it was one step at a time. I wasn’t ready for anything. I will be never ready for anything. Even if Uncle had suggested that I must study and do rounds whenever I want, I know to myself that I am not yet ready for anything.

The crowd, the stares, and the unfamiliar places were making me shiver in anxiety and fear. I didn’t want to step out of the boundary of my comfort. And as long as I could do it...as long as I have uncle Alfaro with me, I know I am safe.

“Hey, look at me,”

I came back to my senses when uncle’s voice registered in my mind. I quickly lifted my head, but the disappointment in me regarding the news he would tell me stayed. His expression was still the same, menacing and serious.

“I know--“

“The King has approved it,” he interrupted. And the expression he was wearing a few seconds ago instantly changes by happiness and amusement.

“What?” I asked breathlessly.

“The King has approved it,” he informed once again. And it took me about a couple of minutes before my mind finally absorbed his announcement!

“Is that true!?” I stood from my seat, beaming at his news. I moved and stood in front of uncle Alfaro, and only a desk separate us. He withdrew his hands on the table and leaned back on his chair so he could see me better.

“Of course, do you think I would lie to you in this matter?” he asked. I quickly shook my head in response.

I couldn’t remember a day that uncle Alfaro had told me lies. That’s why I trust him so much. I know he’ll handle our business with great care, and of course, me. He promised me he’ll be a father to me after the tragedy.

“Of course no, uncle,” I answered. I didn’t know why I suddenly feel a little uneasy with my response.

Uncle nodded his head; his eyes were studying me for a few seconds before he straighten his back. Then he reached something on his table.

“The King requires some documents to be signed in finalization,” he started and I saw an envelope on his hands. I saw the familiar seal of the king before uncle opened it. “I just can’t give him my signature right away since the business wasn’t named to me. And it took me a while to get back here since I find some fertile land that is good for cultivation and has a good location when the king allows me to search for it. I’ve processed everything needed in Madrid. And the only left is sealing this document,” he informed. He handed me the sheets. And my eyes automatically read what was written above; ‘Business Contract’.

“I finished reading the contents of the contract. It's about the usual business contract handed to those noble families who opened businesses,” he informed.

I stared at the document that was finally proof that the plan I had proposed was acknowledged. I know it sounds ridiculous at first, considering the sudden whole it might cause in finance and thinking about the aftermath of the decision. We weren’t sure if opening another vineyard in different capital was a good choice. But I think...business was all about taking risks. 

“If you wanted to ensure its content, I can let you have the copy and read it the entire night. But I need it back tomorrow? Since I’m planning to hand it to the king if you finally signed---“

I reached for the quill beside me. I dip the tip on the inkstone before finally signing the contract on the bottom of the paper where I saw my name under a line.

“Wait, Eli. You won’t read it?!” he exclaimed. I wasn’t able to answer him right away since I was scanning each page if there were still needed to be signed.

Uncle had been talking endlessly but I know what he was saying. He wanted me to read the document. He had given me enough time to know the contents. I let him handle the management of the business and all the physical and mental work. And I also trust uncle for a reason.

“Eli...” uncle Alfaro whispered when I finally handed the document back to him with my sign. He blinked, still shock by what I did. I smiled at him. I was hesitant about what I did. But I tried to abolish the uncertain thoughts that formed inside my head.

“It’s fine uncle. This was the main reason I trusted everything to you right?” I said, reminding him why I suddenly signed the contract without even giving myself time on reading it.

“I trust you,” I said once again. And somehow, I saw some emotions cross his eyes as he stared at me.

Sinister and avarice.

My heart skipped a beat, and suddenly I became wary of how he looked at me. It was my first time suddenly sensing...evil from uncle Alfaro. I swallowed hard as I tried to calm myself down. I blinked once and looked back at uncle, and the emotions I saw earlier in his eyes disappear without a trace.

Am I seeing things...or not?

I swallowed hard then bid my short goodbye to uncle Alfaro. I went out of his office as quickly as possible. And somehow, I felt relief from unknown suffocation when I finally closed the door behind me. I inhaled a deep breath and made my way toward my bedroom. It was on the third floor of the mansion so it took me a few minutes before I saw myself storming inside. Gillie shuddered and shriek terribly upon my entrance.

“Milady!” she exclaimed while clutching her chest. Her eyes were in circle like she had seen a ghost in my presence.

“Gillie?” I said with my brows almost meeting together. “Are you fine?”

“Y-Yes! Of course, milady!” she answered hastily. Then she directed her attention back to what she was doing. She was arranging the bed, smoothing the quilt with her hands. But it didn’t escape my gaze on how her hands trembled.

My eyes looked at her for a few seconds, examining her actions and movements. And I know she became aware of my gaze especially when she suddenly acted stiff and timid.

“You’re quite jumpy this past few days, Gillie,” I pointed out as I discreetly walk toward the couch a few feet away from my bed. It faces the glass casement window of my room with a view of our hectare-wide vineyard. There is an ornate rosewood marble top table in front. This is my favorite spot inside my bedroom and where I usually had my tea and meals whenever I locked myself inside, reading my favorite novels.

“I-Is t-that so, milady? I didn’t notice,” she denied. I looked back at Gillie. She’s still busy preparing my bed. I remained silent. My eyes were practically glued to her for a few seconds before I let out another sigh and didn’t pry further to her situation.

“Shall I prepare your dinner, milady?” Gillie asked after a few minutes of silence. I quickly nodded my head in response without looking at her.

“Then I shall take my leave,” she bowed her head before finally leaving my room without further question.

Gillie has always known that whenever uncle Alfaro and his family are in the mansion, I would rather locked myself inside my bedroom than associating with any of them. But of course, uncle Alfaro is an exemption to all.

I breathe deeply as reached the book on the table and leaned my back on the couch. I opened where I left a bookmark. To be honest, I have read this novel multiple times yet I can’t seem to get enough with how the story started and ended.

I continued reading the novel until the sky turns dark. It was only then that I realized that Gillie had taken a while on preparing and getting my dinner. I shrugged it off, thinking that maybe, she might have arguing the cook once again. Gillie had been meticulous about my food. So I understand that those arguments made her stay a bit longer in the kitchen. I continued reading the book for another hour, and another hour, until I felt famished. I was already on the last three chapters of the book she hasn’t come back yet. 

What took her so long?

I swallowed hard and closed the book I was holding. I shifted my body facing the direction of the door. I was still in doubt if I should wait for Gillie for another hour or notify the wardens outside my room about my dinner when I heard a knock. I suddenly felt relieve, thinking that finally, Gillie had arrived.

I decided to halt on reading and put back the book on the shelf, clearing the table for my dinner.

I heard the door creaks slowly and anticipated that Gillie would finally walk inside my room with a tray in her hand. And I suddenly thought of reprimanding her in her tardiness in a playful way but it wasn’t Gillie whom I saw when I turned around.

“What took you--“ I quickly shut my lips. My body went rigid on my seat, gripped the edge of the table as I tried to calm the erratic beat of my heart.

Four soldiers entered my room. I immediately recognized their uniform. These soldiers were uncle Alfaro’s men. Each of them has a rifle on their hands, and they quickly lifted and aimed the muzzle in my direction. I automatically stood from the couch and raised my both hands into the air.

“W-What’s happening?” I was able to voice out with their silence. I tried to swallow the sudden fear surging into my system but I couldn’t seem to get a hold of it. It continued to drip in my expression. I even saw one of the soldiers smirked when he saw the dread in my face.

“No questions. Move,” one of the soldiers said. His voice was a trigger to me that my lips quivered and I immediately do what they said. My body was shaking with fear and terror as they guided me out of my room.

I tried to find some reason why they are suddenly doing this. Why am I suddenly being held as a hostage? Do uncle need something from me? Wait, am I sure that these people were uncle’s men? What if...someone portrayed as uncle’s people and the mansion is now being a hostage?

And my hunch was quite right when I finally went out of my room. The silent corridor is telling me that something is happening. No guards are on their post.

That can’t be!

Each corner of the hallway has wardens to guard the mansion. It has been implemented ever since I was born. My forefather became wary of their safety after one incident. It was my mother who told me that story. But I don’t have time to reminisce those memories!

As much as I wanted to voice out my queries, I was a coward to do so. What if they suddenly clicked the trigger and shot me to death? Even I am already an orphan, I still love my life!

I need help! Someone must save me! Where is everybody?

The only sound I could only hear was my erratic heartbeat and the sound of our steps as we walked in the hallway. We turned right and my eyes drifted to every corner of the mansion but I couldn’t see even one shadow roaming around.

The soldiers continued to walk with me with a rifle pointed at me until we arrived in the kitchen. The familiar scent of smoke, spices, and stench odor coming from butchered meat on the kitchen table lingered in my system. I was hoping that I could finally seek for help but no one was around. It was like the mansion was suddenly left deserted without me knowing.

I swallowed hard as we finally headed to the exit. Every fiber of my being screams horror of what might happen next. I wanted to shout, seek help, scream Gillie’s name so that she could save me. But what change could even my personal handmaiden do? She didn’t come back to my room and instead, these soldiers popped up from nowhere. I bit my lower lip that I could almost taste my own blood in it, just to stop myself from screaming in fear. Any resistance I do now is futile, especially when we finally went out of the mansion from the rear and saw a carriage waiting in the shadows.

I didn’t resist getting inside. I should have started thinking of ways on how I could escape from being their captive. But I am hundred percent sure that if I dare to revolt even once, the bullets of the rifle might pass through in my head before I could even escape.  

The moment I was inside, three soldiers went in and pointed the muzzle of the rifle back to my head.

“Turn around,” the soldier beside me ordered. I saw the white fabrics in his hand. I heed without resisting. And the hunch about the use of the textile the soldier suddenly acquired became right when everything went black and I felt how it was tied in the back of my head. The soldier’s sweaty and cold hand wrapped both around my wrists next and he tied it tightly. And the fear I was feeling was too much that I couldn’t put myself into silence.

“W-Where are you bringing me?” it didn’t escape how my voice trembled as those words leave my lips.

“Silence or I’ll kill you,” the soldier behind me threatened and my lips automatically formed a thin line.

I adhere to what the soldiers wanted. I kept my mouth shut. The cold droplets of sweat were forming on my forehead, trickling down every second passes. My lips became parched, and my breathing became arduous. And the ride didn’t last that long until the carriage stopped. I heard how the horse neighed before I was dragged out of the garage.

Since I couldn’t see even a ray of light, it was inevitable when I stumbled on my steps as I get down. I groaned in pain when I fell on my knees. But I was scolded by the soldiers and dragged up like it was my fault that I stumbled.

Tears escaped my eyes when the pain on my knees started to sting. I didn’t need to see because I already knew that my knees were chapped with wounds. I should not be crying over the small wound. But it seems that the fear and apprehension had finally dawned on me, I wasn’t able to stop the tears escaping my eyes even I was blindfolded.

The soldiers continued to drag me as even I was limping. I heard a door creak in front of us after a few seconds. I could finally sense light coming from the place we entered. But it didn’t ease what I was feeling at that moment.

My body continued to shiver as they pushed me down to sit on a chair. My back hit the edge of the chair. I bit my lower lip to endure the pain it caused me. Not long after, the soldiers untied my blindfold with heavy hands. I grimaced when my sight adjusted at the surroundings.

I was heaving deeply as my eyes drifted around to see where I am. Aside from a wooden table with a candelabrum atop, the room was small and the walls have holes and almost deteriorating.  There were no shelves or means of storage. There was a pile of hays on one corner. It took me a while before I heard the familiar sound of running water beneath me. My eyes automatically shot down on the floor and saw on the gaps the proof of what I heard.

“Tie her hands on the chair. The Viscount is coming,” one of the soldiers announced. One of his comrades who were beside me swiftly followed his command. He took a step behind me, and in a snap of fingers, my hands were secured to the wooden chair.

I was left with no choice but to stay silent. The dread that I was feeling was unexplainable. It seems my mind couldn’t still process what was happening to me. I suddenly want to pinch myself to know if everything is real.

But I went back to reverie when I heard the soldiers announce that the viscount finally arrived. My eyes automatically landed at the entrance of the small room I was in. I would finally see the face of the person who ordered to abduct me from my home. Outside was pitched black. But I saw torches nearing our direction, until whom we were waiting for entered the shed one by one.

I know that the first man who emerged inside was not my captor. He was dressed same to the soldiers who surround me. But the next man who entered the deteriorating shed wasn’t the person I was expecting to see next.

“Uncle Alfaro,”