I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS FATE.....OR RATHER THE CURSE

Part 6

As I narrated the situation to him, I found myself sobbing, driven by the fear of loneliness. Witnessing my tears, he appeared deeply affected. Fidgeting, he questioned whether I would return, even if it meant facing confinement in the dungeon with restraints. Unwaveringly, I replied with a resolute "yes."

Once again, I found myself confined in the oppressively heavy restraints, and to my surprise, they were even doubled. Despite the increased constraints, I refrained from complaining, grateful for the company. The fear of solitude always haunted me, making me prefer almost anything over being alone in this world.

After a few days of casual chatter with my nanny, she noticed the wound I had inflicted earlier. As she began to bandage it, she shared funny jokes, and amidst our laughter, the Duke abruptly barged into the room, wearing a furious expression. However, upon seeing me laugh, a whirlpool of emotions seemed to overtake him. He grabbed my hand and forcefully pulled me towards the door, but the restraints prevented me from complying. In the struggle, the restraints left scars on my neck, compelling me to break free. With a snap of my fingers, they unlocked and fell within seconds, leaving the nanny in utter disbelief.

Duke's Perspective:

As I pleaded with his majesty to allow her to return to my residence, he warned me against sending her back in tears and reluctantly agreed. Inquiring about her whereabouts, he informed me that she was in the dungeon. Questions about her life and the reasons for her confinement raced through my mind. What had she done wrong? What had I done so incorrectly that she would choose forced confinement over a free environment where she could avoid arguments?

Entering the dungeon with a furious demeanor, ready to demand answers, I was surprised to find her laughing. A thump echoed in my chest; her laughter was incredibly pleasing to hear. It felt as though her smile could illuminate my entire world. Trying to conceal my blush, I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her out of the cell. Unaware of the restraints on her neck, I unintentionally caused a scar. Feeling remorseful, I knew it was the only way she would break free from the shackles or insist on staying there.

With a snap of her fingers, the restraints unlocked and fell apart. I continued to drag her back home, demanding answers upon our return. In response, she cutely pouted and questioned why. Despite blushing intensely at her adorable expression, the seriousness of the matter forced me to halt any further distractions. I needed to understand why she chose to live in the dungeon and preferred it over a free environment.

As she fidgeted, I took a moment to retrieve the medkit from beside my bed. Upon my return, I urged her to break the collar. She responded that she couldn't. Surprised by her reply, I instructed her to at least lift it. As I gently dabbed the wet cotton on her wound, she suddenly claimed to see the future. This revelation left me in shock.

Laura's POV:

As I contemplated how to respond, he reached for a box beside his bed and directed me to break my collar. Despite being able to break other restraints, I found myself unable to break this particular one. When I conveyed my inability, he urged me to at least lift it. As he gently applied something to my wound, causing a stinging sensation, the words "I could see the future" unexpectedly escaped my lips, visibly shocking him.

There was no longer any need to conceal it; if his love was genuine, he would comprehend. I laid out everything for him, and his reaction seemed a mix of anger and sadness! Once he finished tending to my neck, an expression of profound shock on his face, I excused myself to my room. As I rose and began to walk away, he enveloped me from behind, causing me initial surprise. It wasn't until I heard him whisper, "Sorry for not understanding," that a sense of relief washed over me. Gratefully, I grasped his fist and held it, assuring him it was not his fault, accompanied by a gentle smile.

Duke's Perspective:

She took hold of my fist, assuring me it wasn't my fault, and bestowed a gentle smile upon me. That tender smile illuminated my entire being. As she departed, a sense of emptiness and sadness enveloped me. The reason eluded me; perhaps it was because she stood by me even in the darkest moments...? The answer remained unclear. Desiring her company for a longer time, I asked, and she playfully tousled my hair, agreeing to stay longer

Inquisitive about her hobbies, I proposed the idea of creating a painting together, and she gladly accepted. While making our way to the gallery, she paused to observe the garden, giving the impression she anticipated something there, yet I chose to overlook it. Initiating the painting, I was aware she lacked experience, but I allowed her to attempt the first stroke. The outcome proved unique, leading us to a simpler, elegant flowerpot. Taking her hand, I directed it to sketch the vase, teaching her the art of using the paintbrush with confidence and grace. Engaged in conversation and the artistic process, hours swiftly passed by; being with her felt like a heavenly experience for me.

As the night drew near, we retired to our respective rooms to refresh ourselves. While I was taking a bath, I heard her knocking. Granting her permission to enter, she informed me that I had left my towel on the couch. Puzzled, I requested her to pass it to me once I finished. 😊 

Laura's POV:

As night fell, we both retreated to our separate rooms for a refreshing break. I indulged in a hot bath and adorned myself in a comfortable nightgown. While heading towards the duke's room, a maid approached me, informing me that he had left his towel on the living room couch. She suggested I lend it to him, considering they couldn't enter his room while he was bathing. After receiving a response to my knock, I entered his room and shared the information about the towel. Lost in my thoughts, I was taken aback when he emerged from the shower, donning his pants. I noticed a familiar mark on his shoulder, and upon questioning, he seized my hands, pinning me to the wall, and surprised me with a kiss on the cheek. Blushing intensely, he whispered, "That's a secret for another time," holding me in place. Despite my attempts to push him away, he didn't let me goooo! 😣, teasing me for a good ten minutes in the same position. When he finally released me, we ventured out for a stroll in the garden. While walking, I caught some whispers. "Did you hear that?" I inquired, but he claimed not to. Feeling uneasy, I clutched his fist like a child seeking reassurance from her mother. Suddenly, we were both pulled into the bushes.