the cold duke : derrick eckhart

thirteen

When you woke up Derrick was no longer there. You smiled to yourself touching your lips. Last night Derrick had finally given you the kiss you wanted, his kiss was full of passion and love.

Derrick came into the room and pecked your lips. Even though you both hadn't properly confessed your love for each other you didn't care as long as you were happy. "We need to join the rest of the family for breakfast" he says as you begin to change into your fresh dress once he had left.

You sat down in your seat when the Duke announced that the festival would still continue. Given the events from yesterday everyone believed it was going to end up being cancelled. Penelope didn't seem happy about the event still going on. 

Awhile later you and Penelope were walking along the grass, the duke had suggested that you both attend a tea party to show the nobles that Eckhart was still a prominent member of high nobility. "You know Penelope we might be able to ditch this thing" you tell her. She gives you a chuckle, "yeah but I kinda was get even with them" she says as a dark gaze looks over her face.

You and Penelope weren't thinking of even going to the tea party, but the countess insisted. Deep down you wanted to believe that the countess had good intentions but given her history it was hard. "Maybe we might be king of the festival" you said trying to sound hopeful. "Perhaps you might be, I've seen the way all the men admire you" Penelope says. "My hunt is going to be given to you so you can win" she replies.

The two of you finally reached the boys, "gosh why are you wearing that!" He says pointing at her outfit that clearly wasn't a dress.

While the duke pulled her aside, Derrick came up to you. "Elianna if Penelope wants to hunt you don't have to go" he says reassuring you. It seemed as he was able to perfectly read you, hunting wasn't really up your alley but she was so excited about it. Perhaps it was her was of dodging the countess or even the crowned prince. "I'd say you don't need to attend the tea party either but father says it a requirement" he says giving you a pat on the back.

****

Just before the festival started you and Penelope were walking along the grass while she explained her plan to hunt all the small creatures she could find. When she comes to a sudden stop looking ahead, it was Vinter.

"Did you give him a gift, I heard all the ladies were all over him" you give her a nudge. She snaps out of her thoughts looking startled. But she didn't reply her eyes were glued onto his. His blue eyes suddenly looked in your direction straight into hers. You couldn't help but smile seeing Penelope so entranced by a man.

Commotion of young ladies could soon be heard just as Derrick and Reynold passed by. "You might wanna fight everyone here for Derrick" Penelope whispers to you. You giggled pointing at her pocket, " what about you? I saw you put the amulet in your pocket" she takes out the box and shows it to you. "Vinter seems like he'd be happy to receive it" you give her a suggestion followed by a grimace. "Derrick doesn't deserve it, I might give it to Rey-" the two of you were interrupted by a familiar voice followed by a light but hard push to the side. "Is this for me" kallisto says looking at the gift. Both of you were shocked by his sudden arrival.

The both of them began bickering as he refused to give her back the amulet. It felt as if you were intruding. Vinter? Or Kallisto that's the real concern. The way he smirked at her made you think that he truly was interested in her. "Don't you have somewhere to be?" He rudely tells you. He proceeds to ignore you and turns his attention back to Penelope. "So if it's not for me, then who is the bastard" he says with a sadistic smile on his face. "My brother Reynold" with that being said you turn towards Reynold's direction who is surrounded by a group of girls. "He probably doesn't want your little gift" he says taking the amulet and putting it on his coat. He actually seemed to be pleased with it, but you could tell he was getting irritated by your looming presence. "I'll take this as a sign that you were in love with me" you and Penelope exchange glances. She clears her throat, "it's for my brother" she coldly says.