Partners In Crime

Chapter 20

"Have you ever fallen in love?"

A bit of silence afterward made me regret instantly for posing such a question. So what if he had? 

That's none of your concern, Y/n...

 We lived under the conditions of professionalism, for he is the teacher and I am his pupil. That's what the rest of the world pictured us as anyway. 

The idea of allowing myself to sink deeply into my personal fervor was unacceptable. 

"I- I apologize, you don't need to-"

"No. I have not." He swiftly responded to my long-asked question. His eyes stared off into the great distance of the never-ending ocean as his arms rested on the handrail of the ship, supporting his body. 

"I see." I simply replied with my eyes jumping from one spot to another in a matter of milliseconds. The quietude kept reappearing back and forth as both of us didn't know what else to say. 

William gracefully sipped his wine while I anxiously tapped my finger on the wooden rail. 

Quite the awkward situation I have put myself in.

Never would I ever act in such a manner around any other gentleman, yet with him, I have nearly forgotten how to behave.

"My biological mother had been absent from my life since the very beginning, while my adoptive mother was a repellent excuse of a mother. For all that, I'm afraid that I never had a mother figure to teach me how to truly value a good woman." He finally voiced, eyes remaining on their previous position though they portrayed a miserable feeling of shame. 

Unsure of how I could comfort him upon such a sensitive topic, I stood silently. Part of me wanted to embrace him; however, there is only so much that a hug could do. But suddenly, it struck me. I too had a very minimal amount of experience regarding romance. 

"Much to my relief, meaning in the best way possible, it seems as though both of us share many things in common, including our love life," I stated in an attempt to reassure him that it was quite alright to stay in the dark concerning the matter. 

His attention shifted towards me, requesting a further explanation. 

"My father, whom you'd believe to be the one to prepare me for any potential suitors, happened to care only for my education. Not to say that he was a terrible parent; however, I do struggle to keep up with my peers when it comes to dating. Nonetheless, I see no point in dating simply to break it off. It would only hurt both individuals." I took a pause, carefully reviewing the next few words before I saying them, "I wish to date with the outcome of marrying the person."

His eyes hastily widened at my last statement. He turned his body to fully face me, preparing to say something. Yet before he had the chance to, we were interrupted by Grace.

"My apologies, I thought I should let you know that we are leaving for the night." With a weak smile, she stood near the archway, notifying us.

Both William and I nodded our heads as a sign of understanding.

"We should get some rest, tomorrow we'll be departing." He modestly said as he began to walk slowly.

I wanted nothing more during that moment but to stop him in his tracks and hear the unspoken words. Instead. I allowed it to stay the way it was. After all, if he truly wished to voice it, he would've. Regardless of the interruption.

----

We were at the mark of departure. A few more minutes and the captain would declare our arrival. 

The Kingdom of France had awaited our advent, patiently lingering for our first steps on the foreign land.

After confirming that I had all of my possessions, I stood at the deck, equally as beautiful during the day as it was at night, watching the ship progressively come closer to the shore before fully stopping. 

Though the size of the ship was great, the number of passengers on it was surprisingly little, much in our favor, be that as it may. 

As we laid foot on the ground, there was yet another trip on our schedule. The trip towards our residence located in Île de la Cité. 

William and Albert had already ordered our carriages, preparing for the last thirty minutes of traveling.

Passing by the beautiful streets, rich with the most alluring scenery, tiny recollections of nostalgia dashed past my brain. 

It had been quite a generous quantity of time since I was a kid, thus it is of no surprise that many buildings have been demolished and rebuilt, messing up the picture of France from my childhood. 

At last, we arrived at our destination. Luckily, a good chunk of locals there were relatively fluent in English, making it easier for half of us. 

Just as I remember.

My lips formed into a smile, clearly exposing my delight at the sight ahead of me. 

We wasted no time and got straight to the point, walking towards the entrance. 

"Identifiez-vous." The security guards stopped us, demanding our names.

Despite rarely deeming myself as prideful, especially of my position in society, I couldn't help but reveal a smug smirk of dignity on this occasion. 

"Lady Y/N GS, fille de Duc F/N GS et M/N GS," I stated in fluent French, enjoying the change in their expressions from hearing my relationship with the English Royal Duke and Dutchess. 

"Mes excuses." They bowed down, slightly embarrassed at their failed task of recognizing the last heir of my father's business. 

After the enjoyable, on my end, conversation, we walked through the hallways and up the stairs towards the top floor of the establishment. 

"I'm rather uncertain whether I should be surprised or expectant of your fluency," William whispered, an awed expression appearing on his face.

"A lady ought to keep some secrets to herself," I answered, innocently smiling. 

As we stood by a very particular door, my sisters and I were hesitant to knock, debating on who should take one for the team. Fingers aching, feet tapping, loud gulping, we sure came of doubtful. 

However, time flew quickly and we had none of it to spare, thus I decided to push through the anxiety. William and the rest of the guys must've been very confused at the rapid change of the mood.

I knocked once, followed by the second knock. Three times, four times, until I heard a reply of a dear voice which I have not heard for years till this moment. 

"Entrez." The rigor of his voice did not ease my sisters' worry, but I was far too excited to care.

I opened the door at a low pace, covering my sisters from his sight in case of an unanticipated reaction. If anyone is closer to him than the rest, that would be me.

"Salut père." I broke the silence, greeted by his immediate stare which left no doubt. My father had missed us.