My Lady - Abel Heilon

9

In the evening, everyone hurried for the Duke's departure to the north. Accompanied by me and Aida..

If Aida was energetic looking left and right, I was rather discreet and silent.
The servants were putting the luggage in the carriage while Aida found interest in the interior.

With the help of a guard, she got into the carriage while I watched the scene in my corner.
The turn of things took me by surprise and that was without saying the Duke's attitude.

I would have thought him wilder and less inclined to participate in this charade that he must have suspected. But he had dove in head first.
Was he amused by the situation? Did he already have a plan to stop me? Was he going to use Aida?

I had no idea.

I sighed as the air grew colder around me causing me to shiver.

-You had better dress warmer, My Lady.

I jumped and turned to see the Duke.

-V..Your grace.. I said, smiling. Thank you for worrying, I have a coat in the carriage..
-Good, I would like to prevent you from catching a cold, My Lady.

I shivered

-Please stop with that nickname... I whispered. You're embarrassing me Duke.

He tilted his head, still with a laughing smile on his face.

-It's you who should stop with your Duke and Your Grace. I am your future husband. You should get used to not only addressing me informally but also calling me by my first name.

He brought his face closer to mine

-If you want me to stop with My Lady, call me by my first name and I will do the same.

I turned away the face he grabbed with his fingertips to hold it once again in front of his.

-They're looking at us... please...! I said embarrassed
-Then say it. A.. Bel.

He encouraged me to pronounce his name like a child. He was never going to leave me alone.

-Abel..

He listened to me

-Can you repeat ? I did not hear .
-Abel.. I said Abel.. so please stop now.

He chuckled and finally let go of me. He took my hand instead and accompanied me to the carriage under everyone's gaze.

Their eyes were on us since he started his ride and it didn't stop.
It was easier to resign yourself in reality. I think I prefer that to bullying.

His wild side, known to all, would frighten me, I think. Though..

He helped me up before getting in and closing the door.
We stayed like that for a while before finally starting the path to Heilon.

Aida was excited as hell and I had to admit that it was beautiful to see. My little Aida.

I couldn't stop a smile from taking over my face as I looked at her.

-And so from now on we will live in Heilon in the duchy? Asked Aida
-Exact . Abel replied. Once you reach adulthood, you can do whatever you want.
-I already know what I want to do, Aida told him.

I looked at her curious. Did she want to do something?

-What is this, Aida?

She smiles at me

-I want to become strong enough to protect you in turn.

My eyes widen at these words. She continued.

-You have done a lot for me. And just yesterday is proof of that. In a house where I could only count on you, you never let me down and on the contrary you did everything for me.

She looked down.

-You could very well have chosen to leave with the Duke, leaving me behind... but you took me with you.

She looked at me with those beautiful, innocent childish eyes.

-I didn't know my mother. But I know what it feels like to have one. And it's normal that when I can, I will protect you like you did for me.

She smiled at me as I felt tears threatening to fall. But I held back with difficulty before smiling at her, moved by these words.

They made me suffer horribly, because I knew what awaited me in the future.

In 6 months, Serena Credence will no longer exist. And I realize that I would prevent my little girl from accomplishing what she wants.

I wiped away a tear that was threatening to fall before raising my eyes to meet those of the Duke.

Sitting opposite me, arms crossed, these eyes scrutinized me with an indecipherable look.