Jewelry Box

Ch. 14 The Gift

Victoria

I returned to Graham Duchy with the jewelry box. My father had requested me to take them with me if I needed them. But to be honest, I didn’t need them, not right now.

I hugged the box and stared at the sunset. It was already late. Thankfully, Alexander left. Now all I had to do was hide this from him. He didn’t need to know about this. Not until it’s time for him to know what strength I hold.

In my previous life, I knew about the jewels, but as a naïve person, I left the duchy, only caring for James and nothing else. I regret never taking them, doing as my father asked. I blindly followed my heart.

Now that I had returned, I could put them to use. But not because of destruction. I have something important I need and they will help me secure it.

***

“Welcome back, duchess,” the butler greeted. I smiled and walked up to my room. Bee observes silently.

I could see her curious eyes lingering on the box.

“I wish to be alone,” I ordered, making her stop and peer up. “Just let me know when dinner is ready.”

Bee hesitated for a second before nodding and walking away.

Once I knew I was alone, I shut the bedroom door and headed straight to the safe box Alexander got me.

When I arrived at the duchy, I asked him if he could get me a big safe box. He asked nothing and the following day I had it. Now I use it to put my stuff in, especially my secrets and now the jewels.

Closing the safe box, I let out a sigh. Now I needed to continue investigating James. I have a feeling he isn’t the only one planning an act of revenge.

Changing into a comfy dress, someone knocks on the door. I looked over my shoulder.

“Who is it?” I inquired.

“It’s me, the butler, lady Victoria,” he answered. I frowned and fixed my clothes so I could open the door. “Sorry to disturb you, but dinner is ready.”

I looked behind him and nodded. Closing the door, I followed him.

I furrowed my eyebrows as I noticed I was taken to an unusual place. It was the opposite side of the mansion I hadn’t visited.

Opening the door for me, I excused myself just to find Alexander standing right in front of the window. He seemed overworked, even sleepy. The bags under his eyes were vicious in turning bigger.

My eyes quickly darted around the room that looked like an office but more a library.

“Hi,” Alexander said, making me look at him.

“Hi, we are having dinner here?” I asked with curiosity. He just smiled.

This man was learning to smile more than I would have ever expected.

“Yes, take a seat.”

I walked towards a small table for two, arranged romantically near the open balcony doors. I took a seat and glanced outside. The view was amazing.

“I hope you like the dinner tonight. I requested something different,” Alexander explained, but I continued silent. “What did your father want?”

I raised an eyebrow but quickly composed myself. I was expecting him to ask, but not that soon.

“Nothing, just show me the jewels I ordered,” I briefed him, which wasn’t a lie.

“I see. Will you wear it tomorrow?” Alexander asked. For a second, I forgot about the dance ball.

“No,” I said, clearing my throat.

“Good then, I have something for you,” Alexander replied, standing. Then, grabbing a black box that was on a desk, he pushed it towards me.

“What’s this?” I asked, eyeing the box. What was the meaning of this now?

“This is my engagement gift for you,” Alexander muttered. “It’s not much.”

I nodded slowly, curious to see what he had gifted me. Flipping the lock, I opened it. My eyes widened as I stared at the gorgeous necklace. It was a pink teardrop pendant.

“Do you like it?” Alexander asked as I blinked, then cleared my throat.

“Why a necklace?” I suddenly asked. I know it was a foolish question, but was curious why he chose this, of all things.

Alexander stared at the necklace and then up. He frowned. Did my question sound strange?

“I think it would suit you,” Alexander shrugged. “You don’t like necklaces?”

“It’s not that,” I mumbled, picking up the delicate jewel. They finely made the polish almost perfect. “I thought you were the type to give something else. Like a piece of land or money. I don’t know.”

Alexander burst into laughter. I lowered the necklace, stunned by his laugh.

I felt a tug on my chest and warmth on my cheeks.

“Sorry,” Alexander replied, smiling. A genuine smile. “No, I would never give you that.”

“Huh, why?” I questioned him. What was wrong with that?

“Well, you have all that, so why give you something when your father is leaving you an enormous inheritance?” Alexander explained. “And I prefer something delicate like that.”

He grabbed the necklace and stood up. I looked over my shoulder when he paused behind me.

“May I?” Alexander pressed. It felt awkward, but I had no choice. Pulling my hair to the side, I allowed him to put the necklace on.

Letting my hair back down, I looked down at my chest where the necklace was. Its weight tugged on my neck.

“Beautiful,” Alexander whispered, breathing near my neck.

“Thank you,” I breathlessly whispered as a response.

Touching the jewel softly with my fingers, I frowned. Was it me or is there something odd here?

“Alexander?” I called, tilting my head.

“Yes?” Alexander answered. I thought about my question.

“Nothing, I wanted to talk about something important,” I lied, making him take a seat again.

Alexander was busy with the butler and servants, for him to notice my expression.

I thanked the servants, and once again, we were alone.

“What’s the matter?” Alexander asked. His blue eyes were studying me.

“I wished to do some training,” I mumbled, embarrassed. Alexander glared. Confusion was all over his chiseled face. “I mean, become strong, learn to fight and all that you do with your men.”

“You want to become a knight?” Alexander asked. I chewed on a piece of bread and nodded. It was hard enough to say it with my mouth. It was harder to look into those eyes that looked like crystals, clear and shiny. As if they could read your mind.

“Yes, it’s for my safety,” I explained, shrugging innocently. If only he knew the truth.

Alexander seemed hesitant. He was thinking hard about what to say.

“I can help you, but it won’t be easy,” Alexander pointed out suddenly.

“It’s alright, I know the basics, so you can assign me someone from the knights,” I forced a smile, then continued eating.

“No,” Alexander grumbled.

“What?” I raised my eyes.

“I’m not letting you train with anyone. If you want to do some practice, it will be under my guidance,” Alexander said. His lips were in a firm line.

“Fine,” I exhaled, giving up. Alexander nodded, and we continued eating in silence.

“We are starting tomorrow at dawn,” he snapped. “I hope you are a skilled student.”

My hands halted on the fruit. Now I don’t like how his words sounded. I had this hunch that things wouldn’t be easy, and this idea of becoming stronger was a mistake.