Part XVII

"I'm sorry madam but are you sure he specifically asked for me?"

"Yes, his grace ordered you by name." The look that Hilda gave him said it all. Joel's life has just stopped being easy.

Joel looked at the tray, two slices of fresh baked bread, hot stew, some fresh fruits and a bottle of vine with a cup. That's all however the tray seemed heavier with every single step he was making, forcing him to slow down. Joel barely manged to climb all the steps up. His clever plan has just backfired right in his face. The duke had already been suspicious of him now after what he herd, there is almost no way to get out of it, is it? He needs to put all his acting skills to make it work. Joel knocked and from the inside he heard a loud "Come in."

Joel opened the door balancing the tray in one hand and stepped into the predator's den.

"Your grace, where should I put it?"

The duke was sitting at a desk near the window and he pointed at a small table with one armchair next to it. Joel put the tray down and hastily withdraw to the door where he got stopped by the duke's command.

"Stay where you are, I didn't let you to go yet."

Joel froze on the spot. The duke was writing something with a long white quill.

"Pour me some vine." This brought Joel out of stupor and he moved back to the small table pouring the vine and handling the cup to the duke. The duke raised his head and while taking the cup asked.

"So, whose your fiance? Gerd or that stable guy or maybe there are some more? For such a confident man your standards seem pretty low. Do you spread your legs for everyone?" The mockery of the duke's expression made Joel see red.

"Well not for everyone, apparently." Joel gave him a scornful look and lifted his chin up.

"Still so cocky? Answer my question." That wasn't a request, it was a firm order.

'Brian is a bit slow, he was nice to me and he doesn't know I'm a man. I just allowed him to call me his fiancee, there is no harm in it. He feels happy that way. I barley see him." This was all he could think of.

"So generous." The duke stood up he was half of Joel's head taller. Joel looked up. The duke's eyes were dark brown and he was looking intensely at Joel.

"So that Gerd is a real thing?" There was a strange tension in his manner and Joel could almost feel as if he was drowning in those eyes deeper with every second that passed. As if he was one step from a steep cliff with no return. The duke leaned a bit closer Joel could feel his breath on his lips, he panicked. Joel backed off and run to the door not waiting for permission to leave. His heart was pounding, he almost kissed a guy. If only duke was more intent in his action Joel would probably submit. This is not happening, he was sure the duke was gay as fuck but he wasn't. He liked girls right? He could still recall that red haired devil from the Belmond city, Sofia. He needs to calm down, maybe he is wearing this dress for too long? All nervous Joel went back to his room. He was tired and stressed. Tomorrow he needs to talk to Gerd about Francine, it's high time to finish this task and go back to his real life and wearing pants.

In the morning Joel woke up all sweaty and with a boner. He couldn't believe he had a dream like that. This is fucking not happening. Or maybe is he so pent up, he wasn't able to relieve himself for a long while. First he needs to calm down, he can't walk around in that state, than he finally took out the earrings, the source of all evil. Starting from today he is going to work even harder to make things happen, he needs to talk to Francine and make Gerd meet her. Time was precious. Dressed and with washed face Joel headed to the kitchen. On his way he met Hilda, the head maid.

"Joy, starting from today you will become the duke's personal servant. I see I underestimated such skillful … girl as you are." She smirked in vain attempt of making Joel feel inferior.

"Well, I've got my talents." Joel smiled. "Is that all madam?"

"Yes, for now." He could hear her teeth gnashing from anger and helplessness.

"Have a nice day than madam." Joel continued his stroll to the kitchen with only one thought in this head. He needs to run away, soon.