The Hidden Duchess

CHAPTER 8

The Hidden Duchess | Royalty Series 1

Krizzybabes

"You said it was a woman's organization; how come Abuelo became part of it?" I asked curiously and was a bit confused.

"It is a feminine organization by name because it was founded by a female, Princess Arabelle Victoria of England; as the years passed by, we opened our organization for men who also aim for betterment." She explained, and I nodded, getting what she meant.

"But, what if I don't want to be part of that organization even though I'll inherit Abuelo's title and position?" I asked again and she stared at me, straight into my eyes while maintaining her poise and seriousness.

She heaved a sigh upon responding to my question, " Your family has been one of the original members of the Royal Grace Union for the past 4 generations. From your great-grandmother, grandmother, abuelo, and your father before he died. It has been a legacy of your family to be part of it and protect innocent lives for 134 years, but of course, it's your choice, dear. It's up to you if want to be part of it or not." She said and gave me a weak smile before she stood up.

"I'll take my leave now hermanita; think thoroughly about your decision on this. Abbi cura di te." Abbi cura di te means to take care of yourself in her native Italian. "Just give me a call whenever you make up your mind." She added, giving me a reassuring smile before she left.

This conversation with the duchess kept on swirling in my mind long after she left. I'm torn between continuing my family's legacy and avoiding the huge responsibility of that organization. Becoming a duchess is already a significant duty for the country-how much more would the added burden of an organization weigh on me?

Yet, I don't have the heart to relinquish our family's legacy. Just the thought that my ancestry served that organization for 134 years must mean something important to them, so I'm unsure of what to do.

"Stop spacing out during your working time. You must do your work properly, not stare blankly while thinking about something else." I was pulled back from my reverie and looked up to see Sir Vienson watching me as I worked while sipping his coffee.

Maybe I was too preoccupied to notice his presence at all. I cleared my throat but didn't say a word as I continued my tasks, completely ignoring him.

"Can you please stop ignoring me, Mikyla?" he asked, but it sounded more like a demand because, of course, he's a spoiled brat who expects to be obeyed. So, I had no choice but to face him, show him my most beautiful smile, and greet him with forced cheerfulness.

"Good morning, Sir Vienson; glad to see you again," I said pretentiously before turning back to continue sweeping.

He heaved a sigh. "Look, I'm not here to mess with you or ruin your day." I turned back to him, raising an eyebrow in curiosity as he met my gaze. "I'm here to thank you for saving us the last time. This is a bit late since I've been busy with the case, but thank you for that night, Mikyla." He seemed sincere, so I shrugged.

"You're welcome," I replied, returning to my sweeping of dry leaves and grasses.

"I'm curious, though-how did you manage to fight off those attackers, Mikyla? How did you learn to fight?" he asked again. His voice sounded inquisitive, prompting me to take a deep breath and glance at him sideways before answering.

"It's none of your business, Sir Vienson, so I'd appreciate it if we could leave that topic aside," I said, smiling disingenuously while he stared at me as if I were a suspect he was interrogating.

"Come on, Kyla, it's not that big of a deal to ask about that information. It wouldn't hurt if I asked," he replied. He had a point; it wasn't a big deal. It's not like it's a secret, but I had my reasons to keep quiet. I just needed to watch my mouth.

"My grandfather taught me martial arts and some hand-to-hand combat for self-protection," I answered, finally giving in.

"But you seemed skilled. The way you fought those attackers makes it look like you've been doing this for a long time. The way you move isn't just simple self-defense."

"So what are you trying to say? That I'm skilled because I'm doing terrible things?" I grinned sarcastically, looking at him with cold eyes as I spoke. "I'm a woman, and this world is cruel to those who are weak-especially to us. I was raised to fight for myself. I was raised to be strong and not depend on others so that if danger comes, I won't need anyone to save me because I can do it myself. No one will ever take advantage of my weakness because my grandfather raised me with no damsel in distress." I said this in a cold voice, making him gulp as I stared deep into his eyes.

"I-I'm s-sorry. I just can't help but wonder about your fighting knowledge. You fight like a professional, and I can't help but feel suspicious about it. I mean, yeah, I became suspicious about who you truly are, but I didn't mean anything by it, Kyla. I'm sorry," he stammered, sounding guilty.

"Sure, sir, it doesn't matter. You're the boss after all." I responded, giving him a deadpan look before walking out to water the plants and continue my work.

He didn't bother me after that, maybe because he could tell that I'm not pleased with the way he talked to me earlier, and I'm pissed. So I resumed my tasks as I moved from one job to another. I didn't mind his presence, though I could feel his eyes following me.

After finishing my work, I went back to the maid's quarters to take a shower and rest for a bit. I knew I wouldn't be able to rest for long because my monster of an employer was there, and I was sure he'd give me a lot of orders for additional work.

I took off my contact lenses and then took a shower. Afterward, I dried my wet hair with a towel, but before I could finish drying it, I dozed off to sleep without realizing it. Maybe it was due to exhaustion, and I woke up around 3:00 PM. I didn't even notice my hunger because of how tired I was.

I was startled when someone knocked on the door. I stood up and weakly put in my lenses, fearing I might forget them again. Then I opened the door and furrowed my forehead when I saw Sir Vienson standing outside.

"Good afternoon," he said, smiling slightly. My head tilted in curiosity at why he suddenly seemed so nice.

"Yes, sir? Do you have any orders?" I asked, still puzzled by his actions.

"Uhm, wala, Kyla," he said. "I'm here to apologize for earlier. I know I was irrational, and even if that didn't directly come from my mouth, I still accused you of something." He smiled faintly, the kind of smile given to someone when you want to apologize. "So here-" My eyes widened as he showed me a bouquet, I was taken aback. "A reconciliation gift as a sign of my apology," he added.

"A reconciliation gift? I think we're not that close, Sir Vienson, so we don't need to reconcile," I said. "And you don't need to give me that; a simple apology would do," I added, making him scratch the back of his head.

"Fine, you're so sensitive when it comes to terminology. It's a peace offering, then. I bought it for you as an apology gift, so you need to accept it," he insisted.

I stared at the bouquet in his hand, took a deep breath, and accepted it. He smiled wider at my acceptance.

"Thanks," I said formally.

"So, friends?" he asked, extending his hand for a handshake. I stared at him, puzzled once more.

@Krizzybabes