When a Duke Lies

Tell me what? Why does everyone act suspiciously? First, it was Huxley, and now Fedel? Was Duke Raziel really hiding something not mentioned in that book she burned?

And here she thought she knew everything. Fedel excused himself and she was left alone with her thoughts racing. Whatever it was, she had to discover what he was up to.

Returning to reading her book, she yawned after finishing one book, looking at the door. It felt like forever. What time is it now?

Continuing on reading, she closed her eyes and slept.

As the Duke’s meeting ended, he saw her sleeping by the table.

He wrapped his coat around her, caressing her face and she moved, her eyes opening. “Oh, you’ve finished already?”

“Yes, let’s go home now.” Said Raziel.

“Okay.” She said, her eyes wanting to close now. She longed for the sweet mattress and the smell of the rose candles from her room.

She gazed at Duke Raziel standing in front of her and waiting for her to stand up.

She smiled devilishly and said, “Carry me.”

Duke Raziel raised his eyebrows, “I think you are perfectly able to carry yourself.”

“But you're my husband.” She teased. “This is how to treat a lady. Did Huxley not tell you?”

Duke Raziel glanced around first and finally gave in, “Fine.”

He then grabbed her small waist and carried her petite figure. In one swing, Lady Vienna was on his strong arms and Lady Vienna giggled, “You know, I prefer this kind of Duke Raziel. Not the one who avoids me like a plague in your house.”

“Oh, believe me, you don’t wanna know the real reason why I avoid you. If you only know.” Answered the Duke.

Lady Viena’s eyes glistened in interest, “Why? Tell me, what is it? I want to know?”

He smirked and stared at her in the eyes before saying in a low voice, “It’s to stop myself from ravaging you.”

Lady Vienna almost choked at that. Did she just hear him correctly? Damn, she can’t help but curse. She was just playing and teasing him around, why is it backfiring?

The smirk on the duke’s face grew smugly and he continued, “I have to kill someone in order to distract myself.”

Lady Vienna bit her lip, now looking at the ground like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

“You seem to be quiet, Lady Vienna.” He commented and she cleared her throat.

“Is this a lie to mask your lack of experience with women?” She retorted.

Duke Raziel snorted at that, “Are you telling me that a duke lies?” He asked and changed his aura into something serious.

“Forgive me if ignoring you bothered you. I won’t do it again.” And he grabbed her hand to kiss it.

Lady Vienna “Is this part of Huxley’s lesson too?”

He blushed. “No…” and then changed the topic.

“Now that settles it then. Go to sleep early.”

She gave him a teasing smile, “Will you sleep in our room tonight?”

Duke Raziel opened his mouth to say something but his lip and said, “I think not today.”

When they arrived in their carriage, he helped her up, and once they were settled, with Lady Vienna sitting just across him, Lady Vienna then remembered what Fedel told her.

“Raziel, I have a question to ask you.”

Duke Raziel nodded, “Speak.”

She cleared her throat and stared at his red orbs. Unlike usual, his eyes looked calm tonight, and it felt relaxing to look at them.

“Are you hiding something from me?” She said straight to the point.

He leaned in as if taken aback and not expected what she just asked. “What?” Hiding something?”

“Yes.” She asked firmly. It’s good that she had the courage to ask him this. At least this won’t bother her all week.

His eyes avoided her gaze, “I don’t. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, that’s just a silly question. You don’t have to think about it.”

“I see. Then whatever it was bothering you, just tell me.” He said. The rest of the ride home was spent with silence and before they knew it, they finally arrived at their home.

Duke Raziel leaned in and looked at her, before reaching for her hand to kiss the back of it and said,

“Goodnight, Vienna.”

Lady Vienna smiled at him, “Goodnight, your grace.”

And at that moment, despite Duke Raziel assured her, she couldn’t help but felt him lying.

But one thing is for sure. Duke Raziel is not good at lying.