Claimed by the Duke

Chapter 4

Kasper POV

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"Anything, about your family.

How long you served in the army? "

Her questions sound odd to my ears, like I never expected anyone would be interested in such details when I'm here to fill the position of a bodyguard,

At least I have never heard those questions from anyone till date.

No one asked me that, no one even bothered to know my name.

"I have two sisters, the elder one lives in Texas with her husband and son.

My little sister, has a bakery in the countryside.

And speaking of my career, I joined the army when I was eighteen.

Since then, I'm either at the border or in town on special calls like now"

I answer her question, not letting myself imagine why she's interested to know anything about me.

I'm here to protect her, keep her safe from any threat the world could enforce on her.

Because she will be the nation's topic soon, when the Duke will announce their wedding date

"So what are you doing here exactly?" She questions, her voice hard as she gets on her step.

Her eyes scrutinizing me.

For one, she hates my presence and for two, she doesn't want to fit in the glass slipper.

No wonder she said no to the Duke.

I remember his words, about how rebellious she was.

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"In here for your best interest"

I answer, as she starts taking her steps towards me.

Each step very much calculated in her mind.

"Best interest?

How will your Duke know what's best for me?" She scoffs ,with an anger behind those dark eyes staring at me.

"He will.

The Duke will be your husband in future which isn't that far.

So I'm sure he is capable of knowing things which concerns about his soon-to-be bride"

I answer her angered eyes politely.

And for third, she hates my king.

It's clear, as I notice the way her face turns bitter upon the mention of him

It's written all over her face which feels a mirror

"Husband?" She let's out a small chuckle, shaking her head,

"I'm here to protect you ,Princess.

Your national treasure now" I look down at her.

Her eyes hold mine, as she parts her lips, her breathing getting heavy.

For a second I forget, forget what is the conversation we are having.

For one, she isn't like any other royals I have met, who are most times bitchy, attitude, arrogant who treats us like slaves.

They wouldn't have even walked up this close to us or let alone have a word this long.

A proper conversation.

I have accompanied a few royals when they visited Theroux and when their safety was our responsibility.

I'm not a fan of royal ,except Harrison who is not just my king but someone I'll take the bullet for.

But now the princess in front of me is intriguing,

"I can protect myself.

I have taken few self-defense classes growing up.

My dad made me take them, very intact, and I'm more than capable to protect myself" she argues ,in a confident way.

And to prove her wrong I see only one way

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The only way to prove her wrong, I grab her forearm and flip her body around as I bring my hand grabbing both her wrists pinning it behind her as I bring my other hand around her neck, pulling the princess closer as I whisper ….

"Could you?" I ask her, letting the question sit in the air for a few seconds in the air and I pull away, very quick like I never did that.

It was so very inappropriate.

But ….

Taking a step back as I bring my hands behind my back, as I stand tall again.

Her eyes stay wide, as she turns around facing me.

She looks startled, maybe?

I know, it was a wrong move.

I'm not even allowed to touch her, but then I just wanted to make my point.

Not only that, but I have served high-end officials in my career, mainly people who are guests to the royal family.

Like the ministers who come to the kingdom to build foreign affairs, the other celebrities who visit our country for various things.

And when such people pay a visit, I'll be the first one to Lead the force, their security.

It's not because I'm the only best man Theroux has got.

But simply because I'm the only man the Duke has got his trust on.

And I'll do anything to keep that ,because pretty much he is the reason I'm here today.

I owe my life to him, and I'll not do anything that will harm his interest.

He is been there with me and my family when we lost our father.

He was there by my side, when my mother was suffering from her addiction, hitting rehabs and getting out sober but failing again.

Not only that, but he stood by me, at my parents funerals like he is the other son to our family.

Furthermore, he was by my side, when I got a bullet through my rib.

"You will get the job, but only on two conditions " the princess speaks out loud, her voice owning the confidence in the room

And I keep my head straight, as I pay attention

"For one, the only instructions you will be following and reporting back will be me.

And breaking this will be considered as going against the royal code.

It will be considered as the betrayal you do tome, and you will be entitled for any punishment the royal house will seem fit for your actions"

I turn my eyes at her direction, for a second her voice which carries the power feel too old, and she looks like a burning fireball.

She stops, her breathing getting slower.

"You mentioned there will be two conditions"

I remind her ,as I sense her silence

"And the second will be…"

She takes a deep breath as she walks back towards the huge mirror in front of the dress table.

As she stands taking a glance at herself , as she finds me in the mirror reflection.

"You will teach me everything you know.

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To protect myself"

My eyes are dragged down to her lips as they move, and I quickly look away sensing myself missing the beat.

This can't be good?

Can it?

I got to pull my thoughts and my eyes, to myself.

"Your royal highness.

For one, you can expect my loyalty to you but not at the cost of my Duke.

I will follow your words and keep up with your needs at your best interest, but I will not hesitate to betray, if my Duke interest is at stake.

And it will be an honor to teach you.

Anything you wish to learn"

My voice comes out squeaky, angry on myself, so I quickly bow my head down as I turn around and leave

giving her time to decide whether to have me or not.

But either way, I'll be back because nobody will taste the lion's patience.

Harrison is not someone who will have it when things will not go is way.

He is a ruler and his anger, his stubborn attitude is what makes him a leader.

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Walking down my way through the palace corridor, I rip out the collar buttons around my neck, as it starts to suffocate me.

My cell phone buzzes and I know who it is

"Your royal highness" I answer the call in a second.

My heart races as I close my eyes.

How could I look down at her?

What is wrong with me?

I feel guilty, I do.

Because the way her lips moved, those lips stay in my mind.

"Kasper, how did your first day go?" Duke questions, his voice calm and calculated like always

"Good, sir" I answer, not letting my voice give up any of my misconduct.

"Tomorrow, you will be moving to the palace and a room is adjusted to meet your comfort.

You will have your eyes on her, twenty- four hours"