Fantasies

Teach Me How to Love

An arrogantly loud knock sounded from the large wooden door of the Mendes Estate. Very infrequently did the Duke of Pickering get visitors and he very rarely welcomed guests to his humble abode. Suspicious of who might be knocking at his door, the young Duke made sure his revolver was at his side, close to his hip in order to protect himself at a moments notice. He'd been kind in giving his help the day off to frolic around the city he'd come to love. Pickering, Ontario was his home and with that came a sense of pride. It was known far and wide that the Mendes line greatly treasured their roots. Even after the tragic passing of his dear father and mother, the Duke knew he had to keep his blood line alive to allow future Mendes' to enjoy the peace and prosperity that all of Pickering had to offer.

Another sharp knock on the wooden door startled the young man out of his reminiscence. Cautiously walking to the door, he proceeded to gently place his hand on his hip, fingers gripping the handle of his gun, ready for whatever was on the other side of the door. As he slowly opened the door, he noticed a small man, more so a young boy waiting for him. Removing his hand from the revolver at his hip, he kneeled down to the young boys height and greeted him kindly.

"To what do I owe the pleasure young man?" the Duke asked.

"The Queen requests your presence at her annual "Jewel of Them All" Ball your Grace" the young boy replied while handing the Duke a large red and white envelope, decorated intricately with hints of their native flag.

Nodding in understanding, the Duke rose to his feet and gave the young man a firm hand shake before he watched the young boy run back to the horse drawn carriage he'd come from.

Stepping back inside his home, he closed the door tightly and locked the large brass locks one after the other. Holding the envelope firmly in his hand, he walked with a quick pace to his personal space; or office if you will, and hurried to find something to break the seal. As soon as that task was done, he opened the large envelope to reveal the grand invitation to the Queen's annual ball.

In eloquent fashion, as was true of their dear and respected leader, the script of the precious invitation was handwritten in brilliant cursive.

Shawn Peter Raul Mendes, Duke of Pickering

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Her Royal Highness Queen Swift requests your presence at the annual "Jewel of Them All" ball.

Enclosed you will find a card to send your best regards to attend or your regrets to forgo this grand affair.

In small female handwriting at the bottom of the beautiful invitation was a note handwritten by none other than the Queen herself.

Dearest Shawn,

I do hope you make your presence known at this year's ball. We've missed you dearly and as Joe and I look forward to celebrating this newest chosen Jewel, we'd be delighted if you would make our acquaintance. This fair young lady comes from a wonderful family and I quite think you'll like her. After all, I picked her with a very handsome young Duke from Pickering in mind ;)

Don't delay in your response Mendes, it's been far too long since we've seen you!

Best Regards,

Taylor

It was a well kept secret throughout the land that Shawn and the Queen had been friends for many years. Before she took her rightful place as Queen and married the man of her dreams, Taylor Swift had kept Shawn Mendes in line and in friendship. She was truly devastated to hear of the passing of his parents and for weeks on end, her and Joe would make secret night trips to see their friend, the young Duke to make sure he was alright. Taylor knew him better than anyone, and year after year she'd pick a "Jewel" she thought he'd love. The first few years His Grace found himself enthralled with the grandeur of it all, but never fell madly in love with any of the "Jewel's." The thing about this extravagant affair was once the Queen had chosen her "Jewel," she'd invite all the eligible bachelors from near and far to try and woo the dear young lady she had chosen.

Shawn was never much one to "woo" anyone and when love at first sight wasn't possible, he'd spend the rest of his evening enjoying the pomp and circumstance as well as the most delicious food.

It had been five years since Shawn had attended the ball and for some reason, this handwritten note from his dear friend sparked in him something he thought had gone dormant long ago.

Hope.

Hope that maybe this time, if he believed his dear friend, he might find that he was a suitable mate for the fair lady chosen as this year's "Jewel." He after all, did believe in love and wouldn't mind having a fair Duchess to help him keep the Mendes blood line alive as they ruled over Pickering together. More so, Shawn was looking forward to the chance at companionship and a chance to show off his skills both as a handy man and an eloquent lover.

He'd only ever laid with a woman twice in his life thus far. Both in his teen years, and both leaving extremely satisfied. He knew from everything his parents had taught him, that he'd make a fine husband and a even better lover if given the chance.

Before he changed his mind, the Duke found the enclosed card and hastily marked his reply. Realizing he had no one to run his reply for him; he decided that maybe it would be a nice treat to surprise his dear friends with a hand delivered response.

Quickly gathering what he'd need for short ride to Toronto, he packed his day pack at the side of his trusty stallion Tarzan, and decided a peaceful ride through the country side is just what he needed. Thoroughly double checking that he had everything he'd need for his trek, His Grace mounted his horse and began the journey to see his dear and most trusted friends.

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Going out on a limb and trying something new :). I'm kinda obsessed with Bridgerton which is what inspired this short story. Hope you like it. Please vote and comment. Thank you dear friends!!