The Warrior and The Duke: A Historical Romance

Chapter 1

Kowloon, Hong Kong

June 1856

Staring off into the distance at the top of Lion Rock, the girl takes in the view of the city.

Even in the early morning, the streets are bustling as merchants show off their goods and buyers contemplate what's useful. The girl has seen an upsurge in Western travel to the Qing Empire since the English took control of Hong Kong Island. She had never spoken to these Westerners before, knowing that her English was not as excellent as it previously was. But this was simply what she imagined because she didn't recall her life before Master Bolin and Brother Ye Hua rescued her off the street. After fourteen years in Hong Kong, she was able to write, read, and communicate in Mandarin and some Cantonese.

Master Bolin had pitied her for being five years old and without parents. Thankfully, Master had known English due to his relationship with an English woman named Charlotte Green, who is now her adoptive mother. The night they took her in, Brother Ye Hua and the other older disciples bathed, fed, and nurtured her. Brother Ye Hua was at least fourteen when they met outside the doors of 战士精神学院 Zhànshì Jīngshén xuéyuàn (or, for you, English readers, Warrior Spirit Academy). The girl had always wondered what her life would've been like if Master Bolin, whom she considered a father, hadn't taken her in. Her life surely would have been different and from her memory, she was likely kidnapped and disposed of. If it weren't for her kidnappers who had struck her in the side of her head she would've probably found her way back home and likely remembered her name.

As for her name, Madame Green had given her the name Anle when she recalled no memory of her name and her life prior. Anle in Mandarin meant peace and happiness because, according to Anle, Madame Green had told her, "The moment I saw you, your presence resembled something like peace and your personality always brought a smile to everyone's face. You especially brought a smile to my face. You were my new form of happiness." Madame Green had adopted her into her household as she had no children. As a starving child in her eyes, she knew she wanted to raise this child. Madame Green had somehow known that God had brought her to this country to be a mother to this child.

Anle sighed, staring down at her calloused hands. Her life had been difficult, and she knew that living in Hong Kong was not easy. Since the age of sixteen, she had been working to assist Madame Green in any way she could. She felt beholden to Madame Green, despite the fact that she had never been required to work in her life. Madam Green had always cherished her and considered her a daughter, but Anle wanted to express her gratitude for her care over the years. She felt thankful to have a mother figure in her life, unlike most unfortunate souls.

Madame Green was an English widow who moved to Hong Kong after the death of her late husband. Her husband, Lionel Green, had no noble title and whose only riches were from properties he had owned in London. After his death, having no heir to pass his wealth to and no living extended family, he left all his belongings to his wife, Madame Green. Madame Green and her husband had been married for twelve years until his death. In London's society, women who were married and unable to bear children faced ostracism, humiliation, and punishment, which made their marriage life difficult. Their parents disapproved of their marriage, but Charlotte adored her late husband and wouldn't change it for the world. His death shattered her heart, especially after hearing the news after a disagreement with her sister, with whom she hadn't spoken in a long time.

During his funeral, the only attending members were Charlotte and their loyal servants. Her family had already exiled her from their lives and blamed her for ruining her sister's reputation, who had married up in status. They sent no letter or word, only a stack of cash to aid her in her time of mourning. Having no one to rely on after her husband's death, Madame Green sold the properties that her late husband had left for her. The only property she hadn't sold was her country estates in Norwich, just in case she needed to return. As of now, she found no purpose in returning to England. Having raised her daughter in Hong Kong, life for her was all she could ever ask for.