To Be Your Perfect Duchess

Chapter 2: The Flower of House Alveria

“May I know where you've been, Your Grace?“

Her eyes looked directly at his cold gaze. She is neither irritated nor something intimidated by the way he looks at her. Nonetheless, she remained calm and poised.

“Why are you still awake?”, he finally spoke.

“I just got up, so I was wondering if you've returned, though I didn't see you in your chambers. I was worried, so I couldn't go back to sleep" she reasoned to herself. However, it only made him colder than ever.

Does she already have suspicions of him? He had deliberately informed the butler not to await him after he went off to see Ophelia. And specifically, to give some valid excuses in case Freya asks where he's's gone off to. He had expected her to be asleep at the time of his return. Ironically, she'd even got to enter into his bedroom.

Though it is not illegal for her to enter there because of his personal reasons, She is his wife, after all.

He put his hands in his pocket and coldly replied to her, “I just have an important business to attend to. You have no need to worry.“

“I see.“ She nodded in affirmation.

“Lord Ezrel had been seeking your presence earlier, so I just told him the same reason because he deliberately insisted on seeing you at the end of the party. I'm glad I'm correct.“

So she didn't have much of a thought, then? Being able to hear her last statement made him a little relieved. However, he needed to be wary of his actions until then.

“I'll meet him tomorrow,” he meekly answered, and she nodded in agreement. “It's already late. Go back to sleep.“

“Yes, Your Grace.“

Their walk felt in some way more awkward than usual. Although Freya would have a have a small conversation regarding the night's event, Things like:

“Did you enjoy the party?“

“Were you able to get acquainted with the guests?“

“Did you also enjoy the banquet?“

He just nodded it all in affirmation. Though he never listened much to what she was saying. All he wanted now was to lay in bed and leave at the earliest hour. He has no other business to stay here any longer.

His duty here is done, and the next thing he needs to do is return to his work.

They reached the door of his chambers. He hesitated on asking her why she's still following him at the very end. Surely they are a couple, but they did not have much of an intimate relationship in the first place. At the end, they'd just prefer to keep a distance out of ‘respect’ to each other. But despite that, they're still fulfilling their duties together in the minimal.

In spite of asking, he just opened the door and bid her goodnight.

But before he can finally close the door, She abruptly calls at the last moment.

“Duke,"  she called.

“What is it?“, he tilted his head and faces her.

She gave off a small yet sweet, serene smile. This time her words felt genuine, which contrasts with her usual demeanor. She looked at him with those silvery eyes and said, “Happy birthday.“

She then bid him goodnight as well. She turned her back on him and returned to her chambers as well.

Leidan paused. He had already heard everyone in the party greeting him, although he can't remember her saying it back then.