From Thief to Dutchess?

1

Isabelle's POV

I take a deep breath as I approach the towering gates of the Duke's estate. The last few days have been a blur of hunger and desperation, and I can't bear to go another night without food or a place to sleep. As much as I hate to resort to stealing, it's my only option.

With my lockpicks in hand, I manage to slip past the guards and make my way to the main house. The door is surprisingly easy to pick, and I slip inside, silently making my way through the halls.

My heart is pounding in my chest as I enter the Duke's study. I've heard rumors of his vast wealth and priceless treasures, and I'm determined to find something valuable to steal.

But before I can even begin my search, I hear a noise behind me. I spin around, my hand going for my dagger, but I freeze when I see him.

The Duke stands in the doorway, his arms crossed and a look of amusement on his face. My heart sinks as I realize that I've been caught.

"Who are you?" he asks, his voice calm and controlled.

I try to speak, but my throat is dry, and my tongue feels heavy in my mouth. I know that I'm in trouble, but I can't bring myself to flee.

Instead, I stand there, frozen, as the Duke approaches me. He's taller than I imagined, and I can see the muscles of his arms and chest straining against his shirt.

For a moment, I consider trying to fight him off, but I know that it's useless. He's far stronger than I am, and I'm no match for him.

Instead, I lower my head in shame, my eyes fixed on the floor.

"I'm sorry," I whisper. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was just looking for something to eat."

The Duke studies me for a moment, his eyes flickering over my disheveled appearance and ragged clothes.

"Come with me," he says finally. "I'll see that you get something to eat and a warm bed for the night."

I'm surprised by his offer, but I know that I have little choice. I follow him out of the study and into the main hall, my heart still racing with fear and uncertainty.

As we walk, I can't help but feel a sense of shame and humiliation. I'm used to fending for myself, and the idea of relying on someone else for help makes me feel weak and vulnerable.

But as the Duke leads me to the kitchen and offers me a hot meal, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude. For the first time in days, I feel safe and cared for, and I can't help but wonder what the future holds.

I eat my meal in silence, my mind racing with thoughts of the Duke and his offer of help. I know that I should be grateful, but I can't shake the feeling that there's something off about him.

As I finish my meal, the Duke sits across from me, studying me with his piercing green eyes.

"What's your name?" he asks, his voice gentle but insistent.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure if I should trust him with the truth. But something about his manner makes me want to open up, to share my story with him.

"My name is Isabelle," I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

"And what brings you here, Isabelle?" he asks, his tone curious.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. But as I look into his eyes, I see a glimmer of kindness and understanding, and I can't help but speak the truth.

"I'm a thief," I say, my voice barely audible. "But only to survive. I have no home and no family. I've been on the streets for as long as I can remember."

The Duke listens to my story in silence, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I wonder if I've made a mistake, if I've revealed too much.

But then he speaks, his voice soft and reassuring.

"You don't have to steal to survive," he says. "I can offer you a place to stay, food to eat, and a chance at a better life."

I want to believe him, to trust that he has my best interests at heart. But something about his words makes me uneasy, and I can't help but feel like there's more to his offer than meets the eye.

"I appreciate your offer," I say, my voice measured. "But I've learned to rely on myself. I don't need anyone else to take care of me."

The Duke studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable.

"You don't have to be alone," he says finally. "I can offer you a chance at something more, something better than what you have now."

I want to believe him, to trust that he's telling the truth. But something about his words makes me feel like I'm being lured into a trap, like there's something he's not telling me.

For a moment, I consider taking him up on his offer, of trusting him to help me find a better life. But then I remember all the times I've been let down before, all the people who promised to help but never followed through.

"I appreciate your offer," I say, my voice firm. "But I think I'll be better off on my own."

The Duke looks at me with a mixture of disappointment and concern, as if he's worried about what might happen to me if I leave. But I'm used to disappointment, used to people promising to help and then abandoning me when things get tough.

"I understand," he says finally, his voice resigned. "But please know that my offer still stands. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

For a moment, I consider taking him up on his offer, of staying and giving him a chance to prove that he can be trusted. But then I remember all the times I've been let down before, all the people who promised to help but never followed through.

I grab my bag and head for the door, determined to leave before he can change my mind. But as I'm about to open the door, there's a knock from the other side.

Startled, I freeze, unsure of what to do. The Duke doesn't seem to be expecting anyone, and I don't want to be caught here when whoever is on the other side of the door comes in.

The Duke looks at me, as if he's unsure of what to do. For a moment, I consider running, of making a break for it before anyone can catch me. But then I remember all the times I've been caught before, all the times I've been punished for crimes I didn't commit.

"I have to go," I say, my voice urgent. "Please don't follow me."

And with that, I turn and run, leaving the Duke's house behind and disappearing into the night.