Chapter 4 - Damn Letter and Sweet Kiss

Aerysha softly knocked on the Marquis's office.

She was thinking about why her father called for her out of the blue right after her little excursion at the market. She threw away her worries and thought that she will meet her father sooner or later since she wanted to meet him last night but didn't get a chance.

Marquis Valencia: Is that you Aerysha? Come in.

She pushed the door and saw the Marquis was sitting on a table with a stack full of papers.

Aerysha: Father... you called for me.

The Marquis stand and put away some of the papers that may block his view. Marquis Evan Valencia looked at his daughter with worried eyes.

Evan: Sit down Aerysha. As much as I want us to have tea I am afraid the news that I will deliver to you is not appropriate for tea time.

Her face became puzzled and raised her brows.

Aerysha: Father what are you saying? What bad news?

The Marquis sat on the chair and rest his back. He is looking hesitatingly at Aerysha.

*Sigh*

The Marquis sighed and took something out of his drawer. He placed the white envelope in front of Aerysha. He pushed it towards his daughter but did not let it go.

Aerysha put her hand on top of her father's.

Aerysha: Father... I will read it.

The Marquis take his hand off the letter. She saw the stamp on the letter, it is the symbol of house Clavren. She slowly opened the letter. After a minute of reading the letter, Aerysha looked at his father with a blank stare.

Aerysha: Engagement annulment, Father?

Evan: Yes.

He looked at his daughter, inspecting her reaction.

Aerysha: I will not ask you why Father because I know you wouldn't know the answer. But I will ask the person who signed this. Do you know where he is at the moment?

Evan: Leigh said he will be meeting someone at the Majestic Flower Inn.

Aerysha: I ask for permission to go out. Please let the guards know that they need to maintain the distance only Elin will be nearby.

She stands up without looking at his father. Evan nodded his head and called for the butler.

Evan: Prepare a simple carriage for my daughter and only get two guards to accompany her.

Aerysha: I don't want my presence and visit to be known.

The butler nodded and bowed and left for preparation of the Lady's trip.

Evan: Aerysha... look for me after you meet with him.

Aerysha: Yes father...

Aerysha left the Marquis's office holding the letter. She went back to her room and sat on the bed. She didn't know what to feel or what to say. She was caught off guard. She was so looking forward to her meeting him after the war. She made known that she has feelings for him and bare her heart. She doesn't understand what made him decide to annul the engagement. Is it because she is not a pure noble by birth? Or is it because he wanted her to know that he has no feelings for her? Does he have another person and he wanted the engagement with her to be over for him to marry his person?

Why?

Why not tell her in person? Why the disrespect in just signing a document to end it? Does he hate her so much to not give her a single explanation? Or does he think that she doesn't deserve any explanation?

She clutched the document tightly. Her tears fell but she still doesn't understand her feelings at the moment. She is disappointed and she felt abandoned.

Elin is just watching her Lady. She didn't ask what was the letter's content but she somehow knew that it is related to Duke Clavren.

Elin: My Lady.. the carriage is ready.

Aerysha wiped her tears and showed determination in her eyes. Suddenly anger is rising in her chest for the first time. It is time to meet the distant and cold Duke.

-----

They rode the carriage in silence until they reached the Majestic Flower Inn. She instructed the coachman to drop them off at the back of the inn. She doesn't want any attention. If she were to enter the entrance of the inn there is no way she will avoid attention. She instructed Elin to wait in the carriage with the two guards.

She went inside the back door of the inn. When she realized she left her purse with the letter. She was heading back to the backdoor when she heard voices. She got stiff as she knew the man's voice.

'Geanos!'

*Thump, thump, thump*

Her heart is racing fast.

She peeked and see the Duke holding up both wrists of a Lady and they look intimate. Her eyes widened. She knew who the lady was. She is Countess Clara Lassena, a young widower. Her husband died 4 years back and she definitely showed interest in Geanos Clavren even before even though they were engaged. She pulled down her cloak to cover her face. She doesn't want to get found out that she is peeking. Her heart is racing. Her eyes moistened.

Is this the reason? Is he here in this inn to meet the Countess? Are they doing this behind my back even before? They look intimate. She closed her fist until it turned white. Her chest feels tight. She heard Geanos spoke again.

Geanos: Go back Countess, I will meet you some other time.

Clara: Are you sure? I have been trying to meet you and I asked Paul so many times but you were so busy.

Paul: That is true Countess my apologies but the Duke was informed of your attempts to meet with him.

Clara: Paul, I am not talking to you.

Paul scratched and lower his head. He didn't want to meet the glare of the Countess and he decided to wait on the side.

Se watched the scene unfold before her eyes. Countess Clara now at ease and just clasping Geanos right hand. She was so engrossed in the scene before her eyes that she didn't feel the presence approaching her back.

Kale: What are you watching you little lamb?

She was startled. A man whispered in her ear all of a sudden. She abruptly turned around ready to strike but her arm was caught mid-air. She glared at the man in front of her.

Kale was taken aback when the lady turned around and see the beauty he met this afternoon at the market place. 'Wow,' he thought. He was on his way to meet the Duke when he saw this lady peeking at the scene happening outside so he got interested and joined in watching the scene outside.

Kale smiled.

Kale: What a coincidence my Lady...

He looked at her from head to toe. She definitely looked different and more lovely wearing aristocrat's clothes.

Aerysha: Let go of me.

She said in a low stern voice.

Kale: Are you following me?

Aerysha: What?!

'What the hell is this guy's talking about?' she thought. Aerysha heard footsteps coming their way. The scenario outside must have ended and now they are heading to get inside the inn. What will she do if she gets found out? The sound of footsteps is getting close.

She looked at the man in front of her still holding her arm. It seems that he will not let her go even if she asks nicely and she is running out of time. 

As Geanos is about to enter, Aerysha shoved the man against the wall and kissed him.

'desperate times calls for desperate measures'

Kale was surprised. His eyes went wide but realized what is happening now. She kissed him out of desperation not to get found out that she is spying on the Duke of Clavren. But she thought wrong. 'They wouldn't just pass by and ignore us, Lady. Hmmm? She definitely doesn't know how to kiss?'

Just as he thought, Geanos entered the backdoor and was shocked at the scene he arrived at. Even Paul his secretary was stiff while looking at the two people kissing against the wall beside the door. The King of Amaris' back is against the wall and were being kissed by an unknown lady. (Aerysha is wearing her cloak and the hood is covering her face.)

Kale noticed the two gentlemen but he was still absorbed with what is currently happening with him and the little lamb in front of him. 'She doesn't know how to kiss, haha! Is it okay to teach her?' (Author: What the heck pervert King lol)

'What the heck are they waiting there watching us? Can't they get the drip that we are having a secret rendezvous here? Go on your way already! Both of you!' - Aerysha was screaming in her head.

Contrary to what Aerysha is hoping for Geanos recovered from his shock. He stood there unmoving and crossed his arms. If the King wants him to watch then he will watch.

Geanos: What is this situation, Paul? One after the other?

A vein popped on his forehead.

Paul: I don't know my Lord, I am shocked too.

Paul was gaping and blushing at the scene in front of him.

'They are not moving?!' Aerysha felt that the onlookers were not moving at all.

She flinched. The man moved his lips covering her mouth.

'What in the devil is this pervert doing?!'

She instantly felt the heat rushed in her whole face. His lips now biting her lower lips, she is still not moving. She can't move, she is stiff all over. He moistened her lips, and slip his tongue!

'Tongue! His tongue went in!'

Alert signals are ringing in her head. She didn't know how long are they standing there and how long do the Duke and his secretary intend to watch. He looked at the man's eyes, he is looking at her. His eyes were smiling, amused by her reaction. His lips moved again, his tongue is searching her tongue!

'That's it !'

She tried to push him but his other hand was already resting at the back of her waist, she didn't notice before, he pulled her closer making the kiss deeper. She tried to free her wrist he was holding but his grip was strong. She tried to push his chest again with her free hand but he pulled her more closely making her bent her body and her head fell back. Her hood went off her head revealing her identity.

The two people who are watching once again were shocked beyond reason. They can't believe their eyes.

King Kale of Amaris and Lady Aerysha Valencia is engaged in a passionate kiss! In front of the Duke her fiance'!

Paul almost choked himself, his breathing stopped when the identity of the lady was revealed.

Geanos: Kale...

They didn't hear him - Geanos thought.

Geanos felt his rage rising and stride with heavy footsteps and reached Aerysha's wrist and pulled her waist to free her from Kale. Kale noticed the Duke who stride to stop them, he released her smoothly but the impact of the pull made the lady turned abruptly to face the Duke.

Paul was holding his breath all along. 'What is this awkward and intense situation all of a sudden?'

He wants to leave the scene. He slowly and silently steps towards the door.

Geanos: Stay there Paul! 

Paul flinched and immediately stand straight and plant himself where he is standing. He tried to have a poker face but he couldn't maintain facing the intense situation happening right before his eyes so he directed his gaze on the side.

Kale stood there, his back against the wall. He was confused about why the Duke was so enraged.

'Did I went overboard?' (Auth: Oh yes! You are! haha)

Kale: Duke, I...

Geanos: What are you doing here?!

Geanos reprimand and directed his question to Aerysha which made Kale stop at his attempt to explain to the Duke and instead got confused as to why the Duke knew the woman.

Aerysha was blushing she couldn't face him directly so she directed her eyes on the floor and remain silent.

Geanos was certain that this is Aerysha, she has grown so much. But what the hell is she doing here? And to his surprise, she is kissing the damn bastard! His irritation grew when he didn't receive a response.

Geanos: AERYSHA VALENCIA!

Aerysha flinched at the sudden rise of Geanos' voice but she regained her senses quickly.

Why is he shouting at her and asking for an explanation when he himself is doing something behind her back? She just saw him with the Countess of Lassena awhile ago!

She pulled back her body away from Geanos but his grip on her wrist was quite strong not letting her go. She looked up and glared at him.

Geanos saw her beautiful face, she is beautiful before but she's more beautiful now. He looked at her. He was surprised by her reaction but didn't show it. She is glaring at him?! What is this bold reaction?

Kale was watching the two when he heard Geanos yell her name. He was startled. Aerysha Valencia? He knew he heard the name before. He put his hand under his chin in deep contemplation and look again at the people whose confronting each other. 'The Duke knew her?' he thought. He looks at his side and sees the Duke's secretary.

Kale: You.

Paul faced forward in the direction of the young King when he heard his voice was directed at him.

Kale: Did they know each other?

Kale asked nonchalantly while his right arm is crossing the other and he's pointing at the two with his left thumb.

Paul just briskly nodded his head without saying any word.

Geanos raised his brow at Aerysha. She kissed another man in front of him and she is glaring at him? How bold.

Geanos: I am asking you one last time. What are you doing here?

Aerysha: Is that any of your business?

Geanos eyes grew big. 'This woman..!'

Aerysha: I do not have to explain anything to you, Duke. I am here due to some business of my own.

Aerysha continued and glanced at the unknown man.

Kale: And that business is me...

Kale steps forward and holds her hand where Geanos is holding her wrist. (Auth: Kale holds Aerysha's hand while Geanos holds her wrist :D Haha way to go King Kale!)

Aerysha's gaze flew to the man named Kale. He looked at her and smiled sweetly. Her face flushed red, she can feel the heat in her cheeks.

Geanos is seeing her blushed because of another man in front of him? 'What in the goddamn hell is this situation?' He furiously glared at Kale while Kale is just steadily gazing at him unperturbed.

Aerysha was caught up between the two towering men. Geanos is clearly throwing daggers while looking at the other. 'Embarrassing!' She wanted the floor to have a hole and swallow her right this instant.

Geanos: So it is a kissing business... I see. Did you enjoy it?

He reverts his cold gaze at Aerysha.

Aerysha closed her eyes and her face became redder.

Kale: Yes it is and maybe more... if you didn't show up Duke.

Kale answered nonchalantly.

'aaahhh! What is wrong with this pervert?' Aerysha is screaming in her head.

Paul gasped at the King of Amaris's response. He can clearly see the dark aura from his lord forming behind his back.

Kale: What is it to you Duke?

Kale even continued, challenging Geanos.

Geanos dimmed face smirked and scoff at Kale.

Geanos: Do you know?...

Kale: What?

Geanos: Do you know that the hand you are holding and the woman you just kissed... and you said could have done more...

Kale: What?

Geanos looked at Kale mockingly. His eyes are burning with rage.

Geanos: ...is my FIANCEE'?

Kale blinked twice. 'fiancee'?' he thought. He looked at the beautiful lady between them. 'This woman? Is the Duke's fiancee'?'

A fast recollection of a report from one of his knights flashed. 'Yes my King, the Duke is engaged with the Marquis Valencia's daughter...'

'FUCK!' He shortly regained his composure and smiled at the Duke.

Kale: Oh! Well... That just made it more interesting, Duke.

Aerysha opened her eyes abruptly and looked back and forth between the two men. She felt Kale's hold tightened. This ridiculous situation needs to stop.

Aerysha: Stop! Let me go both of you. NOW!

Kale looked at her and release his hold. Geanos who hesitated at first to release her followed and unhand her as well.

Aerysha pat and re-arranged her dress silently. She glared at Paul whose watching the commotion from the start.

Aerysha: Paul!

Paul smiled hesitatingly.

Paul: My Lady...

Aerysha: Call Elin outside and prepare a room for a meeting.

Geanos & Kale: Huh?

Paul: Right away my Lady!

Paul did not look at the two powerful men in the room and quickly left the scene. Aerysha waited patiently and did not spare any glances at the two men behind her back. Elin arrived inside the inn rushed, holding her purse. Paul appeared behind her.

Elin: My Lady... I have here your purse...

She confusingly looked at the two figures behind her but did not say anything.

Aerysha nodded and glanced at Paul. Paul nodded.

Paul: This way my Lady... my Duke,.. and Your Majesty Kale.

Aerysha started walking when she heard Paul but stopped in her tracks when she heard the last name he called. Nevertheless, she did not show any reaction towards the men and continued walking like she heard nothing.

'King?'

'This damn turn of events!' she mutters.