Chapter 9: Call Him Husband
Chapter 9: Call Him Husband
Amari
After two days. The Valkyrine Residence was bigger than I thought, bigger than my Uncle’s residence. If I had to pick, I’d live here just because of its interior design, even the external designs were exactly just my forte. Zaren was busy, he even went to a village to do something, which he said was about Dark Magicians. Dark magic is forbidden magic, once you practice it, you’ll indulge in the Darkness’ power where someone consumes someone’s essence- her power or soul to become stronger. There were alternative ways such as bearing more hatred, and seeking revenge; if such qualities were acquired, then a Dark Magician would be inevitable.
According to that information should it remain prohibited unless the Empire wants to meet its demise. It may look peaceful however since the Dark Magicians appeared, it might not last long. I think I’ve heard my Uncle involved with this issue, but he dismissed it saying that I had lost my mind if I was to conclude that he was one of those who want to covet the Dark Magic. Anyhow, I was still intrigued- how did the Dark Magicians get away from the Imperial Armies when they were a group of powerful armies, otherwise they were not. Well, one army wouldn’t be able to defeat a single Dark Magician- maybe a group of them could do so, but an ordinary army is incapable.
Now that I’ve gotten to this point, was it possible that my Uncle’s plan for conquering the whole world has something to do with Darkness? Since the Demon in the Northern mountains was sealed, oddly easily, it was eerie. I couldn’t say for sure, thought, there was a chance this was all a trap to say that Dark Magic was entangled.
My maid, Rei, approached me and informed, “Your Grace, it’s time for your tea. What kind of tea would you like?”
I glanced back at her and turned around. This maid of mine had been a good servant, she was innocent yet obedient. I smiled at her and responded, “Tea, chamomile tea, I supposed.”
“Very well, Your Grace. I shall quickly prepare if for you. Would you like to add some refreshments, cookies, fruits?”
I propped my chin against my hand and pondered for a while. If there was something that I was aware of was the fact that not all the servants inside this Duchy liked me, rather, they detested me- gossiping that I seduced their Duke for wealth and that I don’t have a good intention. I was quite guilty that they were half-right, but I don’t have any interest towards his wealth, since if I had to, I have to do it in my own way. I disliked it if my wealth would be based on my husband’s properties so I might as well learn how to do business.
Right, I forgot to include that.
Then, while I was lost in thoughts, Rei looked up at me while still waiting. I cleared my throat and replied, “Please, just apple will do.”
Rei was confused, obvious when she tilted her head but still bowed her head in politeness, “Will do so, Your Grace.”
As such, she left unhurriedly, leaving me alone in this small pavilion. I could faintly smell the mixed fragrance of the breeze and flowers carefully scattered. Out of all the flowers I have seen here, sunflowers were planted in a larger scale as if it was the Duke’s favorite flower. I asked Rei if indeed my assumption was correct only to hear that he felt he just needed to see it. Sunflowers were my son’s favorite flower because it was taller than him, but it still exuded aura and charm that everyone would love to lean to smell it.
I opened my hand and summoned my light power. Perhaps, if I had the Divine Powers, I’d have a chance to resurrect her son in order for her to see his smile again, more importantly, to see her beloved husband, Zhiven. Among all the missions she had, she had sought for him, but it was futile. Nothing was successful until she met Zaren, whose face was awfully alike Zhiven, only their personalities were of any differences.
I looked up as the leaves fell along the blowing breeze. Instinctively, I forwarded my hand and caught one leaf, smelling it. A Laurel Tree, I guess. After a while, Rei arrived with a smile.
“Your Grace, your tea and sliced fruit has been prepared. Please have a bite.”
“Thank you.”
Rei blushed at my compliment which I found too adorable. At such a young age, she had to work to support her family, I don’t want to pity her just because she was a maid, rather her circumstances. I sat on the reserved chair and sipped the steaming tea a tad. Hm, how fresh of a smell.
Reflexively, I heard footsteps. I glanced at my side and as expected, it was the Duke who had been occupied with his work these days. I placed down my teacup, stood up and bowed at him.
“Your Grace.”
Should I say I was happy to see him again? After our wedding night, he also never returned to my quarters. Hm, was it because of my scars? Probably, who would like it, since even I look at in in grimace. If I had just taken care of my body while training, I wouldn’t be embarrassed. I also doubted if this Duke in front of me was serious when he said he’d prefer having my scars, not otherwise.
He touched my arm and supported me to sit. He looked at my maid and said, “I’d like to speak with my wife privately.”
Rei bowed and left without uttering a word while I turned to him with a nod. I grabbed the teapot and poured him a cup of tea.
“That is chamomile tea, Your Grace. Should it not suit your taste, I could ask for a different one.”
He gently shook his head, “It’s fine. Don’t bother. I had been preoccupied with my work, causing me to neglect you. Did the Aide tell you anything odd?”
“… Odd, what particular oddness you meant, Your Grace?”
He blinked his eyes, “Well, everything is odd, I understand. Before I forget, please drop the honorifics.”
I shook my head. Dropping the honorifics meant that we’re comfortable with each other, and though I felt that way, it may be offensive to someone who has such a reputation like him.
“You’re my wife, so honorifics is not required. Anyhow, I told my Aide to tell you everything in this residence, in that area, do you have any concerns?”
“Ah, no. I understood everything.”
“Do you feel uncomfortable to anything, such as food, beddings, the maids and their treatments?”
If I were to say that the maids indeed have been hostile to me, he might kill them just like he did on our wedding day. I’d rather prevail the peace which I knew would not last long, since the Dark Magicians are here. Sooner or later, we’ll die anyways, or so. However, before that, I’d like to see Zhiven and our son, please make it true.
“I am living lavishly.”
He nodded his head, sipping the tea with calmness.
I told him after catching him smiling, “I am happy you’re enjoying the tea.”
“My taste buds have such weird preferences so.”
I giggled, chewing on the apple Rei prepared for me. I’d like isolation but I wouldn’t mind if I had a company. This kind of relaxed peace was something I rarely experienced in Inlan’s residence thus I cherished it- the stillness of everything and the quietness.
“By the way, I didn’t catch any Dark Magicians today. Would you go with me to take a look, wife?”
I looked at his eyes- eyes that conveyed something I couldn’t understand. He was gentle, sometimes quite aggressive but his thoughtfulness was beyond the roof. Somehow, it was uncharacteristic of the ruthless Duke. He was exuding affection, and care that I was not expecting to receive- more importantly, rather, I expected him to imprison me. I guess he has a soft spot for women?
“It would be lovely so.”
“I wonder when will you call me husband?”
He leaned forward, and I pulled my head backward, avoiding his captivating green eyes that makes my knees weaker every time. On our wedding night, he used such a seductive gaze that I was unable to say no and could only gave in. This torment was only when I met him, really.
I felt my cheeks blushed at my thoughts and shifted my eyes away from him. “I… that…”
He grabbed my chin, leveling it up to his level, grinning at me mischievously. “Call me husband, wife.”
As his eyes flickered with sexiness, illuminating his clear intentions of teasing me, he wore a light smile. Frick. His handsomeness was pushing me to do as he asked. I pursed my eyes. This is so bad, why am I falling in love with this man?!
“… H… husband.”
I blushed again at that word, and I didn’t expect for him to grab my neck, leaned forward, and kissed my lips, gently. I hesitantly pushed him away, panting. Why did I allow him to kiss me?
He smirked, caressing my cheek, “I’ll go to your bedroom tonight.”
I widened my eyes at him. Oh, frick. Here we go again with the endless night. I… I am not against it, though. I quite liked it… well, I loved it. I shyly cupped my cheeks, biting my lips.