Love Amidst Wars

six

"You're interesting," Jake flashed a mocking smirk at Juliette. She clenched both of her fists out of anger before slapping his hand away. He was taken aback by her reaction and it amused him more.

"I am not an object you can do as you please," she said with gritted teeth before leaving the tent. A few of the soldiers wanted to salute her, knowing that she was the Major General's daughter. Before they could even greet her, she walked past them and left them behind.

She went to the washroom and washed her face with the cold water. She held the sink and took a deep breath. She hated how the Duke made her feel so worthless, like an object.

She then left the washroom, slowly walking and wandering to God knows where. She looked at the clear blue sky and sighed, "I wish to never see him again. Please just don't let me encounter him," she muttered under her breath desperately.

"Juliette!" A male voice called her from behind. She turned to see the source and saw Jay scurrying towards her with a cheerful smile.

"How have you been?" He asked again in a friendly manner. She hesitantly took a step back before bowing, "Your Highness."

"Enough with the formalities. You can call me Jay. Just like my friends do."

She nodded, "I've been doing fine, thank you for asking. Forgive me for leaving the ball early, Your Highness."

"I thought I told you just to call me–"

"I'm uncomfortable, Your Highness. I wish to not get close to you so please allow me to just address you by your title," she interrupted and looked at him with stern eyes.

She didn't want to get close to any of Jake's friends. She knew it was a bad idea, considering how they treated her at the small party.

The prince scoffed before crossing his arms, "What to do? I still want to be friends with you. Even if you push me away, I will find a way to be close to you."

He then took a step closer before putting out his hand, "Now, shall we take a stroll around? Just think of it as a polite man showing a noblewoman around the site."

Juliette slowly reached for his hand before giving in, feeling his warm skin touching hers. As he showed her around, he introduced her to some of the soldiers and even told his embarrassing stories about his comrades.

Although he and Jake were best friends, they both were two completely different people. He was polite, thoughtful and fun to be with unlike Jake, whose presence always gave her a bad feeling. He made her feel like the most useless person on Earth. And she hated how he loved to bully her just for the sake of his satisfaction.

"Do you want to learn how to shoot? We can start by shooting the birds first."

Her eyes widened at the sudden offer. She frowned, "You do that? As a practice?"

"Yes. It helps me to get a better aim."

"But that will kill the birds," she argued some more. Her frown deepened once more when she saw him holding his gun.

She held his hand before pushing it down, turning the weapon away, "You shouldn't kill an animal just for sport."

He flashed her a soft smile before nodding, "Alright, whatever you wish for, Juliette. I won't kill animals anymore."

She finally let her guard down and smiled in relief before continuing with their stroll, listening to the prince's random conversations.

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"Lady Clara! Welcome," Jake's mother greeted the marchioness happily before turning her attention to the young lady behind, "Welcome, Clarissa."

Clarissa grinned back and hugged the Duchess, "Thank you for having me, Mrs Shim."

"Let's just get straight into the topic while the maids prepare us some tea," the Duchess suggested as she left them to the living room. She sat across from the mother and daughter before beginning to speak, "I want to arrange a marriage for Jake and Clarissa."

Clarissa wasn't surprised. She was amused with the sudden request and looked at her mother for a reaction.

"May I ask why?" Lady Clara asked but she was not at all against it.

"Clarissa and Jake have been friends for a long time already. And this is good to expand our family. Especially with a nice family of yours. And it is time to have a new Duchess to take over the Shim family."

The doors to the entrance suddenly opened, revealing Jake who just arrived home tiredly. He looked baffled at the sight of his friend and her mother sitting in the living room with Duchess.

"What a great timing! Why don't you take a seat, dear," Lady Eleanor said as she patted a spot next to her. Her beloved son obeyed and greeted the marchioness. He glanced at Clarissa before smirking, "May I ask what brings you here, Mrs Ellis?"

"We are planning to marry you to Clarissa. I think it's about time the Shim family has a new duchess. Don't you think, dearest?" The Duchess held her son's hand.

He nodded, "Whatever you wish for, mom. Whatever decisions you make for me is always the best for me."

"So, I guess it is confirmed then!" Lady Clara exclaimed excitedly.