The Duchess - Gruvia

Chapter 09

It had been two weeks since the marriage and Juvia and Gray had fallen into a routine. In the mornings, they would have breakfast together with Jose Porla, who decided to stay for some time to make sure that she was alright, as he said. Then, Gray would go to his office and deal with Duchy issues, while Juvia went to the big salon and sew. When it was lunch time, the Duke and Duchess -plus Jose Porla- would eat together and right after, Gray would go out with his horse and a few guards to check the lands surrounding Avalanche Castle, while Juvia would go back to the salon and sew. After dinner – with Jose Porla, of course – , they would talk for a while and then went to sleep: she occupying the bed, while he slept on the couch.

Juvia didn't like that routine. Not at all.

First: she didn't want Jose around during the times Juvia was with her husband. They barely talked during the meals and she was certain that it was the older man who was making it impossible for them to bond. The Duchess had learned that her husband didn't like to share much and even though he was the one who suggested that they needed to know each other better, with Jose there it was difficult; Gray had made very clear that he didn't like the other man if his silence wasn't enough.

And second: she hated sewing and it seemed the only thing she was doing since she got there, right next to eating. Juvia had made to herself a new dress during the time she was living in that castle. And not a simple one, it was kind of fancy.

Third: Juvia wanted her husband to really look at her!

Her instincts about Gray were right; she knew it now. He tried to be detached from the world, but the truth was that he loved that Duchy. One time, when Jose was late for dinner, Juvia had asked how his day was and surprisingly, he answered.

"This season we were able to provide for all of the villages." She saw the sparkle in his eyes. "The roughest time we have around here is Winter for obvious reasons, but it's tough during the warmer months too. This was a very good Spring. A few years back, when my grandfather's father ruled, even during the Summer and Spring the rates of deaths because of malnutrition were insanely high." He smiled. "Sorry, I talked too much."

"No, please, continue." She said eagerly. Juvia didn't stutter as much when he was around anymore. Only if the Duke was too close to her, of course. Her stomach would start to feel funny and she would forget how to speak like a normal person. But at that moment, Juvia was too excited because her husband was talking to her. "Juvia likes to hear about the Duchy."

Gray nodded. "Alright, then." He was glad that his wife was showing interest in her new home. "When the Summer is here, if we do it again – have supplies for all villages, that is –, I am confident that when the Winter comes we will be alright." He chuckled. "The past few years we've been holding on, but this year, I'm confident we will finally have a good winter."

"Juvia is glad." The blue haired woman smiled truly happy that her husband was feeling confident about the Duchy.

"And there's your March." Gray said, smiling even wider. "I received a letter earlier; the Blue Diamonds that were being shipped to the Duchy of Spring arrived with no problems."

"Really?" Juvia asked, surprised.

"Yes." He nodded. "My guess is that whoever is stealing is afraid of make a move since I am your husband and the new lord of the March." He stopped for a moment and smirked. "And well... I did change the routes of the ships. Maybe they're just lost."

Juvia put a hand over her mouth and giggled.

"Very smart, Gray-sama." She said.

"You know that just 'Gray' is fine, Juvia." He rolled his eyes.