Grand Duke Cajarte

Chapter 4

Lady Madelaine Austria

My heart wasn't prepared to witness the scene of a handsome gentleman, sitting comfortably on the couch while reading a newspaper in the living room of the palace. His look was scrutinizing each word of the content eagerly and I can't take my eyes off him.

This will be the first that I saw him in his pristine clothes. Grand Duke Alcide Cajarte, the man that I will be committed for this lifetime. His appearance without blood was actually attractive when properly groomed. Indeed, rumors are just rumors.

I still haven't recovered from the shock he caused me last night. So, when he looked up and met my gaze, his familiar aqua-blue eyes that I shall never forget has stamp in my mind forever. It was like my feet have its own thought to turn back and walk away.

Nevertheless. Before I can even escape, he uttered a word that made me startled as his voice filled in the spot. It brought shivers down to my spine, his cold alluring tone made me bit my lips.

"Come sit down," he greeted.

My slender fingers tighten the gripped of the soft cloth as I wear my long skirt. I tried to avoid his stares. Instead, the bright sunlight peeking through the crystal curtain saying hello, which doesn't even help to calm my nerves.

I refuse to listen and remained standing with every last bit of confidence I have. I fear, sitting across with him would be the early death of me. He might even lead me to show the stairway to heaven.

If I know that he will be here, I should've not decided to rest in this area after eating breakfast. Assuming that he's not home nor I will see him again in this huge palace, is a very bad idea. Now, I need to face this tyrant person without tremble hands and obviously being anxious if I can still get away from this place alive.

The Grand Duke let out a heavy sigh. "Worry not. I would not kill my wife on her first day. You'll sit or do you want me to make you, Grand Duchess Madelaine?"

I flinch from the way he spoke my name. "P-pardon me, Your Excellency. Then, I chose to sit on my own."

Quick. I gradually find myself a comfortable position on the sofa with modest. I refrain my movements to make a noise. Perhaps, making a sound might annoy him.

He wants me to comply in his words yet, he just went back reading. We stayed for a couple of minutes in an awkward dead air. My eyes roam around to the ceiling, because of nothing to do.

"May I a-ask a question?" I broke the silence.

"Hmm." He put down the newspaper before sipping on his tea.

"You called me earlier your wife and address me as the Grand Duchess? Although, we aren't married yet."

"The certificate. I already signed them."

I look at him with full of questions before my vision went to the papers on the table that I only just noticed. My hands pick them up and tried to understand what it's says. As the lips of mine parted, my frown grew deeper.

"Your sign is needed," he stated pertaining to a thin straight blank line. Beside was his messy signature that made me confused even more.

"For what is this?"

"A marriage certificate," he answered like it was the only clear thing in the world. Right, I just did not expect that we will be married now. Isn't too soon? I was believing that you didn't like me to marry you, right from the start when I step on this manor and the butler offered his hand. You were not there to welcome me.

"Let's not hold a wedding ceremony. That would be a bother."

Well. He's right and I couldn't agree with him even more. It will just only waste both of our time and efforts. Who wants to be the guest of the tyrant killing person? Perhaps, the priest would also close the door of the church for not welcoming us. He might be horrified to attend and give us the blessing of their so-called god for the man that I will marry is insane.