Part XV

Fucking earrings. First of all Joel was against the idea of pricing his ears, but no Mrs Florence was so determined about it, that after two days he let himself be persuaded. Who could have known it will backfire like this. Secondly he actually could have that jewelry from his ears removed a while ago but he was careless and simply forgot about it. Can he still pretend he is his own twin sister? Will the duke buy it.

"What is it? Cat got your tongue?"

"No your grace, I was jut surprised to meet you sir in this dark corridor. If you excuse me your grace, I've got work to do." Joel bobbed and was about to leave when he was slammed against the wall and duke's hand landed between his legs making Joel gasp in shock.

"Just as I thought." Not letting go of Joel manhood he asked further. "Who are you and what are you doing in my castle. Speak."

Joel could barely focus in a blink of an eye he saw himself in the dungeons or being beheaded as a traitor, spy or something like that. Think Joel, think! He duke's grip tightened and Joel flinched

"I'm in love, that's why I'm here." He finally managed to make a sentence. The grip loosened.

"Speak." The duke command was absolute.

"My lover was moved to this castle and I followed him."

"Why in female clothes?"

"I couldn't go as a guard and wearing women's clothes allows us to meet without problems." Joe's mind was in full use.

"What's the name of your lover?"

"It's Gerd." This name suddenly popped in Joel's mind and he didn't want to name Brian again.

"It was some other name before, when you talked with the officer." The suspicious look was back on duke's stern face.

Fuck he heard everything, was Joel's thought.

"Gerd is a guard, I didn't want him to be in trouble because of the officer." Joel was breathing heavily he was nervous and yes, he was scared.

The duke was still hoovering above him and Joel felt small and fragile. He hated that feeling.

"So in a short time you managed to seduce one of the most impenitent bachelors in my army." Duke held Joel's face in his hand and turned it left and right looking at him very closely from every angle. "You do look like a female in these clothes and you even move quite gracefully, throwing those smiles around and seducing my men. I thought you didn't like simple soldiers." He smirked and Joel felt chills running down his spine. Now he will have to pay for offending the duke.

"I'm sorry your grace for offending you." Joel tried his best to keep his voice sincere and submissive.

"Wow, that's a difference. No shit eater today? Hmm?" the fucking noble was enjoying this situation and his superiority in rank.

Joel said nothing, he closed his eyes and waited for the further development. He was worn out. He reached his stress limit a while ago and beyond it there was nothing but numbness and listlessness. He felt duke's thumb brushing along his lips. Joel stiffened and was afraid to open his eyes.

"Why so tense? Aren't you use to man's touch?" The duke's face was really close and he could feel the other man's warm breath on his ear. "I must admit when I saw you in the bathroom your body looked really alluring. That Gerd is a lucky one." Duke let him go and stepped aside.

"Your name or should I say names."

"Joel or Joy." Joel didn't even tried to make up something

"Go back to work."

Joel opened his eyes and without a word or single gesture he left almost running back to the great hall. The feast was over and they were cleaning the dishes and leftovers. Joel hands were all shaking and he almost dropped a few things.

"What's wrong with you?" Rose asked.

'Oh, nothing. That grim officer scared me, but that's all." Joel made a quick excuse. It was way past midnight when Joel finally went to sleep. Despite being so tired he couldn't fall asleep. He was nervous. Something deep inside told him it wasn't over yet and that the duke will not forget him so easily.