Jewelry Box

Ch. 13 An Exquisite Gift

Victoria

I watched the water droplets slide down my face. The bags under my eyes made me realize I must be under some stress.

After yesterday’s incident, I’ve been trying to stay in my room. But it wasn’t because I was feeling afraid, it was the opposite. I’m building a plan.

I knew Alexander had also been investigating my attack, but there was no need to go around when I already knew who sent them.

An abrupt knock makes me snap my head in surprise. The knock came louder this time. Whoever it was, was eager to see me.

“Lady Victoria, it’s Bee, may I come in?” she spoke from the other side.

“I’m taking a bath, please wait,” I answered and shifted my eyes back to my reflection.

The attack by that b***h caused me a minor injury to my arm and back. I asked the doctor not to mention the one on my back, since it was an enormous gash. And because I didn’t need Alexander freaking out over something so trivial. Though it didn’t look that bad, it was still a considerable wound that would need time to heal.

Wrapping a towel around my body, I opened the door for Bee. She eyed me from head to toe.

I have to admit, this woman was lovely but also cunning. I was well aware she briefed Alexander of my movements around the duchy.

“Is something the matter?” I asked while grabbing another towel, then draped it over my shoulders.

“Duke Lombardy has requested you to go back home,” Bee explained. I halted and raised an eyebrow. “Duke Alexander said he would accompany you.”

“I don’t need Alexander with me,” I answered coldly. “Please tell him; I say I will go alone. There’s no need for him to accompany me.”

Bee looked surprised, but she didn’t utter a single word.

Once she left, I changed into a simple plain dress and called my maids to finish helping me.

Grabbing my small clutch, I made my way down to the mansion. To my surprise, Alexander was waiting for me down the stairs.

“Victoria?” Alexander turned to greet me.

“I said there was no need for you to come,” I mumbled sternly.

Alexander might have trouble adjusting to my mood swings. But I can’t afford to be the weak woman I once was. This was a risk I was taking. One I would deal with. Not the naïve one, nor the stupid one.

I had enough of that.

Alexander followed me with his gaze as I walked toward the waiting carriage.

“Victoria,” Alexander called, while grasping my arm. “At least let me take you.”

I bit down on my answer, pulling my arm away from his desperate touch. I get in.

We rode in silence the entire time. Though I was acting cold, it didn’t feel strange. It felt like something I needed for myself.

“Will you be staying over?” Alexander uttered while his eyes were out the window.

“No, it won’t take long,” I answered. Matter of fact, it would be a good idea to stay over and think some things through.

Alexander’s eyes shifted to my side. I know he wanted to talk about the incident, but I couldn’t tell him what I had learned.

I needed to do it my way.

As we finally reached the duchy, Alexander gets down and offers his hand like the gentleman he was. Reluctantly I took it.

“I will go back in one of the duchy carriages,” I said, leaving, but Alexander’s hold tightened on me.

“I’m sorry, Victoria,” Alexander whispered in my ear. “It’s my fault.”

So he thinks I was mad because of that when, in reality, the cause of my anger was no other but James?

Not able to utter a word, I pulled away, leaving him all flustered.

***

“It’s been a while, my daughter,” my father smiled warmly as I walked into the familiar office.

“Yes, have you been good?” I asked, kissing his cheeks. My father wrapped his arms and hugged me hard. I forced a chuckle at his tender love. I couldn’t give myself away with the wound.

“Yes, very well. Though I’ve been worried about you, my daughter,” my father eyed me, walking us over to some armchairs.

My eyes quickly darted to a box on the table. The family insignia on it made me smile.

“Oh, it seems you have noticed?” my father said, laughing.

“When did it arrive?” I asked curiously. My fingers itched to get hold of the box.

“Yesterday. It arrived just on time,” my father smiled. I hummed in delight and opened the box to reveal the jewel in the shape of a heart.

“This is the last one?” I asked, picking the jewel up. The unique rock glowed under the sunrays.

“Yes,” my father said and snapped his fingers. Then, the butler walked in with another big box.

I frowned as he presented me with the wooden box.

“What’s this?” I asked, confused. My father rubbed his long beard. What was he so quiet about?

“I know this will be sudden, but it’s also the reason I called you over,” my father acknowledged. “Do you remember the old story I used to tell you when your mother was alive?”

“Yes,” I said, as the conversation piqued my interest. “The family jewels, the jewelry box?”

A knowing smile plays on his lips.

“Wait, you’re telling me you’re handing me the jewelry box right now?” I asked excitedly.

“This is my most important inheritance. Not only my money, my love, and the duchy will be yours, but also this, which has kept the Lombardy family name on the highest peak,” my father explained. “This is the real Lombardy.”

He opened the box, revealing five different jewels, all in the shape of a heart.

“These jewels,” I said, frowning. “They’re the ones you asked me about?”

“Exactly, every Lombardy sees the next powerful jewels to appear around our lands.” My father chuckled. “That is why I asked you every time you dreamed of them, what they looked like. What color, or what made you feel?”

I blinked while staring at the glowing jewels.

“This is yours now that we have completed the set.” My father grabbed the pink one and put it with the rest. “Now, this belongs to you.”

“Father-“

“This will keep you and the Lombardy duchy forever safe, Victoria. This is what will make you powerful,” my father continued. “You will understand with time.”