Jewelry Box

Ch.3 The STicky Stick

Alexander

Unexpectedly, that’s the word of the day. Unexpected and eventful. It was supposed to be my usual day. Like any other time, I attend a party. But this one wasn’t what I expected. Instead, I got another surprise and one I will use to my advantage.

“Please follow my lead.” I lowered my eyes to the woman who, a while ago, kissed me.

I have to admit she got me wanting more, and she was beautiful. But I sensed something that completely distracted me from her lips and that was fear. But why so?

“LADY VICTORIA!” I shifted my eyes to the crowd that had surrounded us.

Moving my eyes once again to the woman in my arms, I frowned. So her name was Victoria.

Another familiar voice has me looking back at the crowd. What was the head of Lombardy doing here? This was getting interesting now.

Duke Lombardy is a name known to everyone throughout the empire. A name that has commoners, overjoyed and aristocrats bowing. I’ve known the Lombardy since I was a child. All their achievements and accomplishments are one anyone would desire and envy, like me. But what I didn’t know about was his famous daughter.

“Care to explain Duke Graham? What’s all this about?” the duke asked. I smiled but still looked down at Victoria, whose eyes begged me to help her. She really had me intrigued.

“It’s exactly as Lady Victoria said,” I answered. Although I had the urge to contradict her. “We are lovers.”

I didn’t understand why she was doing this, but I was getting why, as everyone whispered and argued.

I moved my eyes to Duchess Kendrick, who was boiling. I know they are not the best family as they always seek money. Greedy bastards, their only goal is to shame the rest and have treasures for their pleasures. People like them are what I detested the most.

“I have the best intentions with Lady Victoria, Duke Lombardy. I hope you understand this,” I answered honestly.

I looked at Duke Lombardy straight into his eyes. He had no reason to doubt me, since he knew well that I was a man who kept his word. Of course, I said all this with another intent.

Giving me a firm nod, he glanced at his beautiful daughter, Victoria.

I stood still, listening, intervening occasionally until everything was over. Victoria sighed and rested her hand on her chest as I stood gazing at her.

It was the first time I had met the famous daughter of the Lombardy family and now I wanted to know more about her.

I knew her in high society as the jewel. It was all thanks to her magnificent beauty and powers. But I don’t recall ever hearing she was this bold, defiant, and beautiful.

Victoria and I started exchanging some words. I couldn’t understand why she chose me, but I know it will benefit me to have her by my side. After all, I have a goal, and I will need her support for this.

“How about if we make a contract marriage?” I offered, smiling down at her. “I think it would be beneficial for both of us.”

“I have no intention of forming a contract with you!” Hmm, interesting response.

“But I do,” I answered, smiling. There was a small blush spreading down her face and neck, tempting. “Think about it.”

I smiled and kissed her hair. Turning on my heels, I walked back inside, where I knew the duke was waiting.

***

All the eyes around the mansion followed me. It was something I’m used to. It was part of my daily life. Especially if you’re feared by everyone in the empire. As I made my way towards the private area, I noticed Duke Lombardy waiting for me calmly.

“Where is my daughter?” Duke Lombardy asked, looking behind me.

“She wanted some time alone,” I smiled. He looked skeptical. Ah, there it is. He still thinks it’s a lie. “Lady Victoria is with her maids. Don’t worry, she will be here soon.”

“It’s best if she doesn’t,” Duke Lombardy mumbled and walked into the room. I nodded back and followed him.

“Please take a seat,” Duke Lombardy offered. I did as he asked, then waited for him to speak. “I will go straight to the point.”

“If you want to know if your daughter and I are in a relationship, we are,” I said, making this little setup more realistic. “Victoria was afraid of you as her father. What would you think?”

If there’s one thing I know about the famous duke, it is that he cherishes her too much. So making things up wouldn’t be a problem.

“I know it’s sudden and I apologize,” I said, standing, then bow in respect. “But we are serious about this relationship.”

My blue eyes met the duke, who wasn’t a simple man to deal with. Especially since he knows how to distinguish when someone lies right on his face. And I was good at it well.

“Duke Alexander. I think you are missing something,” Duke Lombardy said as his hand rested on his cheek. “I know my daughter. She would never look at someone like you.”

I remained motionless, since I knew the reason he would say something like that.

“Victoria would never fall for someone as cold as you, Duke Alexander.”

“Yet she did, and I did as well. We are taking everything in steps. So believe in us,” I said, pressing harder. Duke Lombardy grimaced at this.

“Duke Alexander. I don’t mean to offend, but since when did the cold-hearted and obnoxious duke of the empire ever look at a woman?” Duke Lombardy spat. “You’re the last person a woman would even dare to approach.”

I remained silent as his words carried the truth.

“I need the truth. Did Victoria ask you to help her?” Duke Lombardy asked, intrigued.

I chuckled, making him look at me. A crease on his old face.

“No,” I said, standing. “I am planning to court Lady Victoria appropriately. So I hope I get your permission to make things official before everyone.” I started leaving when the double doors suddenly opened.

Halting in my tracks, I looked at the person before me.

“Father?” Victoria called as she looked between me and her father. I winked her way, making her blink and blush.

“Lady Victoria,” I smiled curtly.

“Are you here for the duke?” Duke Lombardy asked. Victoria’s hands tightened on the door knobs as I stood watching her face twitch.

“Yes,” Victoria responded, gritting her teeth. I laughed in my mind. “May I take him?”

“Of course,” Duke Lombardy muttered. His eyes were looking at me and his daughter. This man is quite perceptive.

“Shall we?” Victoria said, smiling. I smiled at her and offered my arm, which she took.

Once we were out of curious eyes and ears. I pulled her into one of the guest rooms. Locking the door, I cage her, leaving no chance for her to run away from me.

“What are you doing?” Victoria squealed, all flustered.

“I should ask you that. Why did you come?” I questioned. Victoria’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. “So?”

“I-I-“

“You what?” I asked, giving her a dashing smile.

She was looking nervous and beautifully breathtaking. Her cheeks flushed as I kept gazing at her.

“Alright,” I finally conceded. “You came for a reason, right?”

“Yes!” Victoria answered as she looked away. Her ears and neck were the same shade of red as her face, and I felt so tempted to lean and kiss that area.

“And?” I continued.

“I have an answer,” Victoria whispered breathlessly. Her teeth bit down on her lowered lips. She was seriously making things hard for me.

“Hmm, that’s fast,” I hummed and grasped some of her hair between my fingers. “By the looks of it, do you agree?”

“Yes,” Victoria mumbled, then tried to move. “But I have my conditions.”

“Very well,” I said, taking a step back. “What are those conditions?”

Victoria lowered her eyes while her forehead creased. Was it something serious?

A woman has not intrigued me this much as she has. And she was getting all my attention for it.

“Speak,” I inquired, and took a seat on the bed. I needed to keep my distance to clear my mind from all those indecent thoughts I had about her. Clearing her throat, Victoria crossed her arms and started pacing the room.

It seemed like her condition was one to consider well.

“If I agree, it means I’m your fiancé, right?” Victoria started saying.

“Yes,” I nodded.

“Then it means I will have to go with you?” Victoria suddenly said. My eyebrows shot up. That was unexpected.

I hadn’t thought that far with all this contractual plan, but her words tempted me to say yes right that instant. Now all I needed was for her more before agreeing.

I rubbed my chin as I thought of her words. Victoria was half right. As a newly engaged couple, she would need to move with me, only if the duke agrees, which in this case I doubt he will.

“You,” I frowned as I realized the meaning behind that question. “You want us to get married without an engagement?”

“Yes,” Victoria nodded. “Let’s do a small ceremony and get married.”

“May I know why the urgency?” I asked. It bothered me she was rushing all this. Why was her reason?

“That’s… I just need to be away from my father and do my stuff,” Victoria stuttered. I raised an eyebrow, doubting her words. “I’m serious, so please agree with that condition.”

I calmly stood up and walked closer to her. My hand finding her lower back, I pulled her until I felt every inch of her body against mine.

“Victoria,” I whispered near her ear. “If we get married like this, you know what it implies, right?”

Victoria blushed hard as I moved my face a bit.

“The wife’s duties,” I said. Victoria pushed me hard as I burst into laughter. “You know your duties. As the fiancé of the Graham dukedom, your duties as my wife will run the mansion, managing the budget, and being my partner during the wintry nights.”

Victoria looked away as I smirked at her. Chuckling, I walked closer and kissed her forehead.

“I will prepare everything for the ceremony. Tomorrow a carriage will be here to pick you up,” I said, turning to leave. “Hope you’re ready, my wife.” With a wave of my hand and a victory smile, I walked out of the room.