Jewelry Box

Ch. 8 A Secret

Alexander

I pulled the cloak over m

y head as the cold breeze rustled the surrounding leaves on the trees. Looking around, I noticed the silence that filled the void of the night. It could make anyone afraid of the night, scared. The only thing you could see from afar was the fire from a small firebomb in a nearby shed.

My men and I walked in silence; it was eerie quiet and late. We were in the middle of the forest on the outskirts of the city where no one but thieves would come.

“Welcome,” a familiar voice said from the side. I smiled and kept my hood on. Taking a seat next to the person, I looked up and found my old friend smiling back.

“It’s been a while, Alexander,” my friend acknowledged.

“I know,” I replied. “So why did you call me over?”

He looked around until his eyes found my men standing far from us.

“Don’t worry, he is trustworthy,” I assured him. “Now tell me why you called me here so late.”

“I heard you’re getting married,” my friend said, smiling. “The great duke is marrying no other but the daughter of the Lombardy family. Quite the catch.”

“Yes, I am,” I answered with a smile. “But?”

“I have received word the Lombardy family are searching for some jewels,” my friends muttered. “Not any jewels.”

I raised my eyebrows as I looked into his green eyes that posed questions but also malice.

“What?” he asked with a smile. “It’s true. What made you make that decision?”

“Carlo,” I warned, but I knew better he wouldn’t drop it. I sighed and leaned on my knees. “Circumstances.”

Carlo remained silent, assessing my words. The friend I knew has always been perceptive and quite knowledgeable. Something I valued in him as an individual.

“What are you planning?” Carlo asked, entertained by his voice. “You’re planning to hurt her?”

I remained silent once again. What would make him think I would hurt her?

“Wow,” Carlo whistled and looked away. I watched the flames move against the wind, fighting with it.

“I have a plan. I can’t assure you I won’t hurt her, but I might,” I answered, giving him something to think. “I need more information on the jewels. If you can get something else, I would appreciate it.”

“Yes,” Carlo answered. I stood up and fixed my cloak. As I wave goodbye, I hear Carlo mumble something.

I didn’t stop and continued on my way, but I caught his words. Don’t hurt her, love her.

***

My fingers moved through my wet hair as I stared at the drapes hanging from the chandelier. The cold and silent night has me with insomnia once again.

I sighed and rubbed my face. Then, sitting up, I looked for some water. As I grabbed the jug, I noticed it was empty. It meant I would have to look for something to drink.

The entire house was silent; not a single noise could disturb me as I walked down the dark hallways of my home.

Once I reached the kitchen, I looked for something to drink. Anything that could calm the thirst I had on this restless night. But I gulped and remained silent, just staring at the floor as my body leaned on the table.

“Duke?” I heard someone whisper. I looked up to find the headmaid with wide eyes.

“Hi,” I said and set the glass down. “I’m taking my leave; please proceed.” I walked past her before I heard her call my name. I halted in my tracks and looked over my shoulder.

“Care to join me for some late tea?” the headmaid suggested.

I sighed and shook my head. I know she was doing it with the best of intentions, but I was in no mood to sit and talk to someone else. Not when I feel conflicted with myself.

“It could help you sleep,” she restated. A small smile played on my lips at her invitation.

“Fine,” I said, giving up and making her chuckle. I took a seat as she pulled some water to boil. My fingers drummed on the table as my eyes stayed focused on them.

A lot of things crossed my mind, but what crossed my mind the most was Victoria. It was stupid to think about her that much, but it was inevitable.

“Have some,” the head maid said as she pushed a plate with scones. “Your favorite.” I thanked her as recollections of my childhood passed over my mind.

She still did them the same way I liked them.

“It’s been a while, my duke,” the head maid said and set a cup down. “I know it’s been hard on you this year.” I gave her an awkward smile.

“But don’t forget you have people like us with you,” she continued. I remained silent, listening intently. “And soon we will have a duchess.” I smiled at that.

Pouring some tea into our cups, she takes a seat and eats some scones in front of me.

“How long have you been here, Bee?” I asked.

“Twenty years, my duke,” Bee chuckled. “I’ve been with you since you were five.”

I nodded and drank the cinnamon tea. The soothing smell relaxed my tensed muscles. All this was making me feel the warmth that I lacked.

“Well, it seems you have finally got your dream of serving someone else that’s not me,” I whispered. Bee chuckled.

“Oh yes, can’t wait to meet her,” Bee exclaimed. I nodded and ate another scone. “Is she nice?”

I looked at Bee’s face. She seemed hopeful for a second.

“Yes, more than you could imagine,” I said, not wishing to ruin her excitement. Gulping the rest of the tea down, I cleared my throat. “She will be here in two days.”

“Very well,” Bee said and grabbed my empty cup. “We will have everything ready for her.”

I thanked her again and returned to my room. I let my body sink into the mattress while my mind deviates to no other but Victoria.

I felt excited to have her here. Wishing to see her smile and blush once again. Even if it wasn’t something usual I would do, for the first time in a while I felt excited about something.