the cold duke : derrick eckhart

nine

When the both of you had arrived back at the house Reynold was leaning against the staircase. He looked you up and down and proceeded to scoff, "you say you are to keep Penelope tame but you didn't stop her from pulling the stunt earlier," you were in shock. You took a few steps towards him when Derrick pulled you back.

Of course Derrick understood that you couldn't be next to Penelope at all times. "Penelope isn't a child she doesn't need her" he sternly tells his stubborn brother. Reynold scoffs and walks away from the two of you. "Did Penelope do something?" You began to question him. Derrick sighed and proceeded to walk up the stairs just as Penelope was passing by, she gave you and smile, "Lady Elianna do not worry, I handled the matter with my father" she softly says. You were curious as to what she did but seeing Derrick's reaction you didn't ask.

From the corner of your eyes you had noticed a few cuts in his hand. When he was no longer in sight you had gone into the kitchen and grabbed the first aid kit. With a bandaid and some ointment you snuck into Derrick's room. He wasn't in his room, you looked around waiting for him to come in.

Suddenly you felt a heavy pair of arms surround you and engulf your body. Shiver ran down your spine as you turned around to face him. His eyes were dark as he stared into your orbs, "D-Derrick I-I wanted to patch up your hand" you say stuttering shocked by this psychical contact. "Sorry I should have knocked" you say almost whispering. He was still holding you tightly as you slowly take his hand and patch it up.

When you had finished the two of you stayed in each others arms, you continued to look into his eyes searching for answers to his sudden behavior. He began to lean closer one hand cupping your cheek. Your mind went into a frenzy with excitement with what he was about to do. He inched closer you felt his breath on you as your lips were on the verge of touching. You closed your eye's waiting for the moment to come.

*BAM*

The door bursts open as you quickly pulled away from Derrick in utter embarrassment. Your face was red as you tried to fan yourself. At the door there was a red faced Reynold who only cleared his throat. You stole a glance at Derrick who also had a small hint of red on his face. "The duke wants to see you, it's about the hunting festival" he says in a low tone trying to maintain his composure.

He pulls away from you, his eyes refused to meet yours. He was clearly embarrassed that someone had walked in on such an intimate moment. Reynold stood by the doorway eyeing you, "was it just me or was my brother about to kiss you?" Your cheeks were burning as you shut the door in his face. You remained sitting on his bed, you wanted to leave but your mind was telling you that he might come back and kiss you. Pretty childish you thought to yourself.

When a few minutes had passed you opened the door to see Reynold still standing there. This man was going to be the death of you. "Elianna do you like my brother?" He whispered. You glared at him and shut the door again. "You know I'm not gonna leave until you answer me!" You hear him from the other side of the door. Feeling more confident you open the door, "DERRICK MAKES MY HEART DO THINGS! Reynold so leave me alone!" Instead of Reynolds's voice mocking you, you were met with Derrick.

Reynold had a smirk written on his face as he walked away from the two of you. You tried to make your exit but Derrick didn't budge no matter how hard you tried. "What type of things?" He asked in a low voice. It sent shivers down your spine as he took closer steps, his blue gaze lingered on you. Derrick wasn't going to move unless you answered him, that was the type of person he was. "I only said that because Reynold was being annoying" you tried to explain it to him. For the first time he gave you a smirk, he then placed his hand over your heart. "Really? Because your heart says otherwise" it was true your heart was beating uncontrollably.

His strong arms pull you into his chest, his heart was also beating uncontrollably. He was nervous too. Mentally you scoffed, you couldn't believe that he managed to keep his calm in this situation. Penelope soon came from behind, she didn't seemed fazed that you were in her brothers arm enjoying this sudden intimacy. She cleared her throat to announce her arrival to Derrick but he didn't let go of you. She then proceeded to roll her eyes at him and gave you a smile, "Eli I'm sorry to interrupt," she begins as she takes out a small bag from behind.

Using your strength you tried to pull away from him but he wouldn't budge. "I bought you a gift," she says taking out a beautiful amulet from the bag. It was light purple with golden flowers engraved on it. Derrick finally let go of you as Penelope put the amulet on you. You smiled at the girl who had a smile on her face as she saw you wearing her gift. "It's a thank you gift, even though you barely knew me, you stood by my side" she says. You grab the girl and give her a tight hug which she happily returns.

"Now I must leave the young master look like he want to murder me"

A few days later

You were hanging out with Penelope, it was a few days before everyone had to leave and head to the hunting festival. The Duke was a man of his words and allowed her to have a crossbow. He even offered you one but you declined saying you didn't even know how to use one.

Pennel soon came in with something that looked like a letter. "Lady Penelope I have a letter from the royal palace for you" he announces handing her the letter. Her face grew pale, only you knew the real reason why she was injured in the palace a couple months ago. It was no surprise why she was nervous about this.

"This crazy bastard" she annoying muttered out handing you the letter to read. Pennel seemed surprised that she trusted you with something that was meant for her eyes only. As you read the letter you couldn't believe what was in it. The crowned prince really was a crazy person, "have you thought about what you were going to tell him?" Penelope winces at the thought. When she suddenly gets up, "I need to go to the training grounds" she says pacing back and forth. Was she going to shoot him?

You followed her to the door as she hurriedly left.

*****

You sat in the library by yourself, the sun was setting. In front of you there was a list of things that made the prince somewhat decent. Of course you were going to give Penelope this list so she wouldn't shoot him. But the only thing you had was the golden hair but according to her that wasn't a good option.

Your mind went back to Derrick, if it was him you'd have an entire list by now. Peeking out of the window Penelope was now having a conversation with her other brother, it seemed like he was going to be one to train her. The door slowly opened as you hid the list in a book you were reading. It was Pennel, "my lady I have a letter for you" he handed you the letter.

Dear Ellie,
How are you? Did you steal his heart yet?
Nevermind that there's rumors spreading around that she might come to the hunting festival. I just wanted to let you know so there wouldn't be any surprises or heartbreaks. My dad is catering the event so I'll be there too in case you need a shoulder to cry on.
Don't get your hopes up, she might reject you or even act like she never knew you.

Miss you! See you soon!
- Iris

Thank you for reading!