The flower of the dukes palace

Page 6

His face was so stiff, I doubt he had ever smiled, not even once!
"A walk is fine," he sighed as he stood, he towered over me, "lead the way, Lady Caroline," he sounded more commanding than most, I merely nodded and quickly walked to the gardens entrance. The outside air was nice. I couldn't enjoy it, though, this scary man had been staring me down the moment we first met. His blue eyes looked more like the angry waters of the ocean threatening to swallow me whole. I tried to continue to smile, despite my worrisome heart, "Tell me, Lady Caroline," he stated, " what makes you think that you are the one I should marry?" He asked,
"I beg your pardon?" I asked, practically sweating despite the nice air,
"Of all the suitors I have, why should I choose you?" He repeated. I thought hard about my answer, was this some sort of test? What should I have said? I had apparently left him unanswered for too long as he stopped walking and awaited my response, "well, Lady Caroline?" he was now taking steps closer. I stepped back upon reflex, "you have heard of my  story, right? I have killed many from a young age. Those on the battlefield, the ones who got in my way," he continued, "are you going to get in my way, Caroline?" He asked, he was merely a couple steps away now. I kept smiling, acting as if I had no idea what he was talking about. I brought my hands together and noticed they were shaking,
"No, of course not!" I said, unexpectedly, "I-I mean, no, Duke Este, I will live like a ghost if that is your wish, I will not pester you, I promise," I stammered. The Duke looked at me with an almost puzzled look on his face for a moment before backing away,
"Alright," he said, calmly, "your family's garden is nice," he continued the walk as if nothing had happened. I attempted to keep up as he spoke, "forgive my rudeness, Lady Caroline, but you are not what I had expected," he mentioned,
"How so, Your Grace?" I asked, stumbling to keep up with his quick pace, still frightened from the moments before,
"I will tell you this, Lady Caroline: should we continue with this marriage, you are to be at my side at every social event and gathering, you are to smile and wave, even if you are not happy. You must put on the act of a content and blissful wife." He stated, "becuase a Duke's family can have no flaws." he added, quieter than before, "and above all else, you must stay loyal to me and you must stay strong as a member of high society, regardless of any rumors that may spread," he finished, "do you agree to these terms," he asked. My parents had already given me no choice from the beginning, there was only one answer I was allowed to give this scary man,
"Yes, Your Grace," I said, once again feeling defeated.