Jewelry Box

Ch. 11 A Fragile Flower

Victoria

Today was my first day as the new duchess at the Graham mansion. The day started with quite work, which meant a lot of my time would be spent there. Flipping through the pages of the documents I held in hand, I follow every detailed word written on them.

The butler showed me the pending paperwork and some other files I would need to sign as the new duchess. It confused me, since I didn’t need to have authority here. All I came for was to fake my marriage to the most notorious duke of the empire, but Alexander told me it was my right, so I could do as I pleased around the duchy.

It made me uncomfortable, but if he insisted, I had no choice but to do as he asked. After all, I’m playing as his fiancé and that implies me playing my role as it should be.

Stretching, I looked at the grandfather clock that was on the corner of the office. It was almost lunchtime, and I would share my meal with Alexander.

Since yesterday’s uncomfortable moment, he has been acting awkwardly. Even at the dinner, which to my surprise was a welcome dinner and not something else, as I had thought at first, he had been feeling quite distant.

I didn’t understand why he acted like that, but it’s best to ignore it and let it go. The least I needed was him attaching himself to me.

“My lady?” the butler called, making me look up in surprise. His eyebrows shot up as I smiled awkwardly. “Lunchtime,” he said, eyeing me carefully.

I stood and followed him to where our lunch would be served. According to his earlier explanation, Alexander would have his food in various places in the duchy, never in the same place. It was supposed to be a routine if something happened around the duchy.

It worried me that someone might come and hurt us. Now, I belong to the duchy.

“Victoria,” Alexander said as I looked to the front where he was.

“Hello,” I greeted him. Alexander was studying my face. Something looked odd. “Is something the matter?”

“No,” Alexander took a seat and evaded my eyes.

Thanking the server for our food, we both turned to eat in silence.

“There’s a ball in a few days,” Alexander muttered. “We will need to buy you a new dress.” I stopped and cleared my throat.

“No need,” I said. “I have a new dress I haven’t worn.” And it was the truth. I had a dress I hadn’t used that was supposed to be used for my engagement with James. Now that everything has changed, this could be the perfect chance to wear it.

“Will you keep denying my offers?” Alexander asked with a stern look.

I frowned.

“Excuse me?” I urged.

“First the bedroom, now the dress?” Alexander muttered with a hint of annoyance.

“Well, yes. I’m a straightforward person, easy to please,” I retorted and continued eating. “I don’t like fancy stuff.”

That seemed to make him think.

I knew why he was acting like that. It was because everyone knew I liked to be pampered with expensive things. Anything, I would get it—a golden spoon girl. But since that, I’m no longer that person. The old me died that day, and a new me was reborn from that nightmare.

***

“This is ready, and this needs to be revised again,” I explained, showing the files. “Let’s revise this tomorrow.”

The butler nodded as he excused himself to leave.

The sun was already setting, and it was time for dinner, but I was in no mood to see Alexander tonight. Letting Bee know I wouldn’t have dinner tonight, I headed to my bedroom, where I could be alone and rest.

There was too much on my head I hadn’t even assessed, especially the idea of coming back to life, to return in time. As I sighed and lay in bed, I fell asleep.

A knock on the door had me opening my eyes lazily. I looked around the darkroom; it seemed it was pretty late.

I laid my head back down and let the knock continue.

“Who?” I called, frustrated. No one answered, so I frowned. Deciding to ignore it, I pulled the quilt over my head when someone knocked again.

I angrily sat up, looking at the double doors.

“Who is it?” I asked once again.

“Sorry, it’s me, Alex,” he said in a soft voice. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

The tapping sound of my feet echoed in the darkroom as I opened the door. It was Alexander with messy hair and no shirt on him.

“Do you need something?” I asked, distracted by his body. Alexander’s blue eyes met mine under the shadows of the room that was barely illuminated by the moon tonight.

I plastered my eyes on his own, which looked beautiful in the moonlight. Maybe because I was half asleep, but he looked pretty handsome. Like someone I would be attracted to.

“May I come in?” Alexander asked, taking me off guard. I squinted in confusion. “Play along.” I quickly nodded at his whispering words.

Shutting the door, I leaned on it. I worriedly looked at him.

“Is something the matter?” I questioned when he picked me up abruptly and started carrying me to bed.

I was going to retort when he suddenly kissed me. My eyes widened in shock. What did he think he was doing?

I tried to push him, but he laid us in bed instead—his body pressing mine down.

“Someone is here,” Alexander said between kisses.

I wanted to argue back, to tell him this was not the way. But I was losing the battle with his tempting kisses. As he kissed my jawline, I saw a shadow on one of the vanity mirrors. My hands gripped Alexander’s shoulder as another shadow passed by.

Were those assassins?

“Alex-“ I moaned to his lips. Why didn’t he do something about the intruders? What if we got attacked so suddenly?

Feeling his hand move down my thighs, I couldn’t help but moan in delight. His calloused hands, which were rough from training, skimmed my skin, turning it warmer by the minute.

“Alex,” I said breathlessly, as his blue eyes met mine.

I inhaled as he crashed his lips again. Then, deciding to give up, I let him have his way with me.

***

I stared at the ceiling, confused and overwhelmed by what had happened a while ago. After a session of making out and being touchy, the intruders left. I thought Alexander would stop afterward, but he continued until we both were out of breath.

Earlier, I could even feel his manhood between my legs, teasing me. I have to say I felt the same way, aroused.

Panting, I move my arm and drape it over my eyes. Alexander excused himself a while ago with the excuse that he needed a bath.

Hearing the bathroom door open, I slowly removed my arm. His blue eyes met mine, and a shudder ran down my back. Too embarrassed, I looked away.

“Care to explain what all that was about?” I questioned him. The silence in the room was making me pissed. “Who were those people?”

“The king’s men,” Alexander answered, and took a seat on the edge. His back to me while he dried his hair. “I’m sorry, but there was no time to let you know.”

I sat up and stared at him, boring a hole in his back. Does he think that would soothe my anger?

“You shouldn’t have taken advantage of me,” I said, pissed.

“I didn’t want to, but I had no choice. They came to verify if we are truly a couple,” Alexander whispered over his shoulder.

“Why say that?” I asked, confused. “You think the king might think this is a lie?”

“Yes,” Alexander sighed finally, then he slowly turned. “We can’t let them know it’s all a lie, and as my fiancé, we will have to do this more often.”

I felt my face heat once again.

“So get used to it,” Alexander mumbled under his breath. Standing, he walked over, making me think he was leaving, but he got onto the bed and grasped my arm.

“W-what!” my flustered voice screeched.

“We are sleeping together tonight,” Alexander said and made me face away from him. “You smell nice.” His little comment made my heart flutter like a teen’s. “Just like flowers.”