Kiss

We were living in the Duke's mansion in the Capital. I don't even have the words to describe the magnificence of it, or more like, where to begin. It was many times bigger than my Blue Mansion in Greenfort, and the number of servants taking care of it was more, much more, of course.

From the entrance to the back gardens and stables, the design was done with so much splendor and the aesthetics from the ancient kingdom. One would take many days to admire and explore everything as only the large stone corridors could make anyone lost. I had to use a lot of willpower to stop my feet to travel further inside.

The design was amazing, only the castle in his Dukedom outside the Capital could rival in beauty and grandeur with this mansion. The walls covered in white stone and the greenery of the gardens were pure and beautiful, but this place was simply stunning. I could imagine myself living here in utter tranquility.

Sir Greyson told me this was the place where the Duke grew up with his sister as the former King didn't want them inside the Palace. They passed their infancy inside these walls, and he left when the King ordered him to enlist in the military. I know the sadness of being ignored by one own family, but I was pleased that he was at least a bit similar to me.

Sigh…

I knew what he was doing… shameless man. He wanted to distract me by letting me explore at my wish, this huge place. He told me that all the rooms were opened and all the secrets were there for me to dig out. What a cunning man, he was offering me a big treasure hunt but at the same time a golden cage. That man won't make me a prisoner again, he won't lock me up. Humph!

Then the dark clouds covered Docrem, it was the rainy season and I could feel my shadows calling for me, telling me it was time.

"I want to go out."

"Only with me, darling."

We were eating the tasty food made by one of the most famous chefs of the capital. I was told that the Duke offered him a big compensation to work for him and to be prepared when I arrived. I was so delighted, but this was only another distraction to retain me.

Now, he was even cutting the meat on my plate, and if not for the menacing gaze from Irina, he would already feed it to my mouth.

"I want to go see the city."

"Only if you put your veil."

"Why are you giving orders to your master?"

I narrowed my eyes at the shameless man, but he tried to divert my attention by giving me his attractive smile and dimples. I had to turn around my face to escape his hypnotism.

"Sighs… Master, I am just looking out for your safety, what if you feel weak under the sun, or the looks on those disgusting men trying to pry your attention disturb you."

He said while kissing the back of my hand. I felt some weird heat on my skin, it is not that I liked it… *cough*. But I want him to do it again.

"Little beauty… ki_kiss" He made his way to my lips and I have to close my eyes enjoying the feeling. "You… I didn't say that you could kiss me."

"Master, you said it."

"My hand, I was ordering you to kiss my hand."

"I didn't hear it." His eyes were a little dazed, he wants to kiss me again. His heart is beating so fast. I can feel how much he wants to… eat me.

"…" My cheeks blushed at my shameless thoughts.

Suddenly some gigglings disrupted my daze. Sir Elton, Sir Greyson, and a few other knights, plus Irina, and Blaze were watching astonished our loving exchanges.

Oh my goodness! I completely forgot about them. Now, what would they think about me, I am so embarrassed, damn Duke, it's his fault, he has to be punished later.

However, the knights were smiling happily. That time when the group of soldiers greeted me after we came inside the walls of the Capital, I knew it would be a great spectacle, and it was because the damn Duke insisted on traveling on the surface of the Kingdom to greet the people of Docrem.

Gosh, I wanted so much to see the famous tunnels underneath Docrem, they were perfect for me. But he wanted to attract the attention of the public. Why?

Sir Greyson told me that since that fateful day one year ago, the Duke never traveled with his knights in public, and his behavior turned dark and aloof. The recruits were afraid of him and the people in the city began spreading bad rumors about his dreadful temper. All of his close knights knew the reason, and when they saw their general regain the sparkle in his eyes again, they felt grateful and happy.

Greyson told me that to see me once again was what revive the Duke from the ghostly man he became the year he lost me.

That man, was he that sad?

** **

In a long road in the Capital…

The horses of a carriage stopped in front of a grand Mansion with some knights posted outside. Some employees opened the gates to let it pass quickly.

"How did it go, Master Killian?"

A beautiful woman in a pastel blue dress came running through the main door. She had been waiting for the old man to arrive as her anxious face couldn't hide the anticipation in her eyes.

"Rebecca!"

"Greetings Master," she bowed down slightly and looked up with her stunning bright eyes. "Will the Queen send the army to attack the Nerum clan?"

"No, it is not that easy Rebecca, this issue will take a long time."

"But…"

"I know, but we must have patience, the Queen is being cautious, after all. Also, the Nerum clan just woke up… woke up… they…" His mind diverged again. His memories were confused and not in the right place. He knew it but couldn't figure out the reason.

A year ago, he was told that a rare illness damaged his lungs or so the doctor said but no one could heal him, and any kind of treatment even with magic would be too risky for his old body. He resigned to his fate and decided to live the last days of life in peaceful retirement away from the troubles of the Kingdom.

He announced his decision to the Council and left the castle with their blessings. Then he moved to a quiet land to the east of the Kingdom where he had a beautiful villa, it was such a peaceful life that he never had before, but he never felt any resentment.

The Duke visited him that year, and they talked for a long time. After all, he had been his teacher and closest ally for many years, but now Killian was too old and just wanted to rest in the tranquility of the countryside.

He was satisfied with how he decided to live the last days of his life, so he asked the Duke to stop looking for a cure. But the Duke was so stubborn and never gave up.

Then some months ago, a young beautiful woman appeared knocking on his door. She said she had found the cure for his illness and just wanted one thing in exchange.

He made her his last disciple, but something was blurry when trying to recall the memories from that time. It was like something was blocking his thoughts.

"Master, your medicine."

"Thank you, Rebecca."

He looked at the rare potion she handed him. It was a strange black color, but it was the only thing that comforted him. He didn't feel any pain and headache after drinking it. Even his physical strength was getting better. He owned it all to the little girl by his side.

"It's a pleasure, Master."

"I don't know what would happen if I hadn't met you."

"It's nothing… Master, but…"

"What is it, Rebecca?"

"About the other thing… with the Duke…" She blushed.

"It is all settled darling, the dance will be just a formality. The Duke will be stunned with your beauty and talents, you don't have to worry. Even the Queen was very convinced that you will be the next Duchess of Docrem."

"Master, is the Duke here in the Capital?"

"I don't know if he is already here, but he will arrive soon."

The blushing girl with beautiful looks smiled brightly. However, her eyes hid a dark glimmer.