Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 7:

"Come in"

I braced myself and slowly opened the door. More people were in this study than last night. The Duke was still seated by his desk. Behind him, was the Duchess and two other men. They looked to be a little older than me and vaguely similar characteristics had me guessing that they were the sons of the duke. Greeting the Duke and Duchess with a curtsy, I lowered my head slightly and awaited someone to speak.

"So she really is the daughter of "that" woman?"

It was one of the sons. He stepped out from his father's shadow and started circling me. Thankfully he kept his hands to himself, but I was still feeling uneasy. He acted like a wolf so maybe his brain was the size of a worm.

"Yes, Trivak she is the daughter of "that" woman. Now will you stop circling her like a vulture."

The other son spoke this time and I felt a sense of relief until he finished his statement.

"You might catch a disease. Who know, insanity might be contagious."

Trivak stopped his circling, snickered at his brother comment and sauntered back to his father. I knew I wasn't going to be welcome, but they are very open in their distaste. Let's see how they can handle me talking back.

"I can assure your grace that insanity is not contagious; however, it might be hereditary in your case. I hope you are in good health, but it never hurts to get a checkup."

Keeping my head down, I could only feel the tension grow in the room. I needed to be able to play their games of sugar-coated daggers. I needed to gain information, but that didn't mean I have to roll over.

"Oh my, we've been horrid hosts. We've forgotten to introduce ourselves. This is my eldest son, Rhedin."

The Duchess hurried to clear the air, but I suspect it was not out of the good-ness of her heart. Rhedin, was the son who spoke out, but clearly didn't approve of my being here. He was clever unlike his brother. I'd watch out for him, he might pose problem.

"And my second son, Tirvak."

The stalker wanna-be, tilted his head and was looking very full of himself. Once I had curtsied to both sons, I turned my attention to the Duchess once again.

"Now what is your name? Or did your mother even give you one?"

Letting a small smile slip past my lips, I curtsy and muster the most regal air I could. His family wanted to play royal even though they were nobility.

"My name is Leigh, your grace and my mother gave me this precious name. May I ask what precious name you were given from your parents?"

Gritting her teeth, the Duchess forced out her answer as well as the Duke's. He remained silent during this ordeal.

"I am Cistrene and this is Ordurn, but you may call us your grace."

This wasn't an option, but I had made my sentiments known. I didn't have to wait for long, before the last person opened his mouth.

"Since you are a guest in our home, you are welcome to the gardens and the library. We are close to the royal family and I will not have our name tarnished because of an uncivilized 'noble'."

With that I was dismissed and sent back to my room. I wasn't told of meals, but I assume I would be eating alone. The library is one place I am excited to explore. Reading was always a hobby for me on Earth, and I know that I would gain more information through that, then conversing with the Duke and Duchess.

After asking a passing maid about the location of the library, I made my way over. The double doors sent a wave of excitement down my spine and I opened them up. Books lined the walls, scaling from floor to ceiling. I was in heaven.