The sequel to Princess Darrel Crawley
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Elizabeth, Princess of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne. Formerly known as Lady Darrel Crawley, the youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham.
Now 18-years-old, Darrel's life seems to be as norma...
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A few days later, Darrel found herself going for a ride with the Duke of Dulverton. Nobody managed to scare him off, and the advice from David was not helpful. (The majority of the letter provided detailed complaints about Perseus).
"Can I ask you a question, Duke?" Darrel requested as they let their horses take a break.
"Of course, Your Highness," Perseus smiled.
"What happened between you and the Duke of York?"
"I beg your pardon, ma'am?"
"At my ball, you told me that you knew him at school, and it seemed as if you were friends. Yet when I spoke to my brother about it afterwards...he had a different opinion."
"Well, ma'am, everyone can have their own opinions."
"Yes, but there's always an opinion that is correct, is there not?"
"You may have a point, ma'am."
"I do not expect people to befriend everyone that they meet. But I expect people to tell me the truth."
"As do I, ma'am."
Darrel locked eyes with Perseus and gave him a tight smile. She wanted to make it clear that he could not fool her. Although, she could not risk offending him on the rare chance that David was wrong.
"Can I now ask you a question, ma'am?" Perseus inquired.
"You are free to ask Duke, although I may not answer," Darrel smirked.
"Is there a particular reason that you dislike me?"
"I do not dislike you, Duke."
"I do not expect you to like me...but I expect you to tell me the truth...ma'am."
Darrel was unsure how to respond. Part of her admired Perseus' response, but she also felt irritated. She wished her guards would interfere, but they were a few feet behind them, giving them space.
"If I've done something to offend Her Highness, please let me know. I'd like to repair the harm," Perseus assured.
"You have done me no harm," Darrel informed.
"Then, could we drop the formalities?"
Darrel thought for a moment then proposed the following, "Let us race. Up ahead is a stream, and whoever reaches there first, gets their way. If you win, I drop the formalities. And if I win, I want to know what happened between you and the Duke of York."
"Very well, Your Highness," Perseus nodded. "I accept your challenge."
The Duke of Dulverton helped Darrel back up onto her horse, Diamond, then swung himself back on his saddle.
