The Duke's Wife

Chapter 7: Just One Day

Lilith's POV

The next day, I glared at the Duke, who was watching Jubelian as she met with Edmund, the count's son, who had arrived to reply to her letter.

We were in the next room to her's, separated by a glass wall, and Legis sighed, glancing at me. "What happened?" he asked, his tone neutral.

"What happened?!" I snapped, shutting my fan with a sharp motion. "Who asked you to leave so many goddamn marks?!" I exclaimed in exasperation.

"You seemed to enjoy it," he replied, looking away with a slight smirk.

I huffed, fanning myself vigorously. The summer had just started, and I had to wear a high-collared dress to hide the hickies Legis had made last night.

It did feel good, but it was unbearably hot. "It's sweltering," I muttered under my breath, adjusting the collar of my dress.

"I apologize," Legis's expression softened for a moment. "I didn't mean to cause you discomfort." He said genuinely and I shot him a withering look.

"Would you prefer if I didn't leave any marks at all?" Legie asked, his voice lowering as he stepped closer. I felt a shiver despite the heat. 

"Maybe just... fewer," I admitted shyly, my cheeks flushing. "Understood," Legis nodded, his fingers lightly brushing my arm in a brief, almost hesitant gesture.

'Fuck, I caved.'

As we glanced through the glass, we saw Edmund kneeling on the floor before Jubelian. "Forgive me, my lady," he said regretfully.

Jubelian looked surprised and quickly got up to help him stand. "Why?" she asked confused and concerned.

"Sorry, lady," Edmund began, his eyes downcast. "From the rumors, I thought you were dating someone, so I agreed to partner up with another lady." He bowed deeply, and Jubelian scowled.

"Rumors?" she repeated irritated.

Edmund nodded, looking genuinely remorseful. "Yes, there are some rumors in the high society that you are already involved with someone."

Legis's expression hardened, his protective instincts flaring as he watched the interaction. 

Edmund, clearly unnerved by the Duke's icy glare, pulled out a rose. "If you wouldn't mind, shall we have luncheon together?" 

I couldn't help but chuckle, shaking my head at the scene. Edmund, sensing the palpable tension, quickly retracted his offer. 

"Ma--maybe another time," he stammered before fleeing the scene, clearly intimidated by Legis's presence.

Jubelian stood there, stunned and a bit flustered by the abrupt departure. I turned to Legis, raising an eyebrow. "You scared him off," I said, trying to stifle my amusement.

Legis's expression softened as he looked at Jubelian. "Good riddance, I didn't like him anyway." he muttered.

Jubelian came into our room and sat next to me. "He's such a weird man..." she sighed as my maid poured us some tea.

"So did he accept it?" Legis asked, sitting opposite us as if he didn't go a warn edmund last night not to date his daughter.

"No," Jubelian replied, shaking her head. "He said he already had a partner and only sent an invite for formalities." She paused, then added, "Someone has been spreading rumors about me having a lover."

Legis's reaction was immediate and intense. He slammed his teacup down on the table, causing tea to spill over the sides. "Who dared to do that?!" he demanded angrily.