His Highness’ Gift and a Tucked Secret
Since the guest rooms were located in the right wing of the palace, Elias' room has a window which allows him to gaze in the beauty of the night. He felt very comfortable, knowing that he's back at the palace for a while, and he also missed The Grand Duke even though he was welcome in the palace, he could enter whenever he wanted, he could leave whenever he wanted.
Elias has already changed his clothes to the comfortable, luxurious sleeping garments that the servants had lent him, he propped his chin by the window as the cold breeze met his tawny hair. Elias exhaled in satisfaction as he looked down to the Landroich, so this is what The Grand Duke sees whenever he is in his room. thought Elias, The worries in his heart subsided temporarily while he was being engulfed by the beautiful sight by the window.
Unexpectedly, there was a distant knock at his door, he didn't know what to say so he blurted out 'come in' without thinking. Who was it? Who would knock and visit him in the room? Was it his father? Tobias definitely was sleeping soundly right now. They never had any of the fluffiest cushions in the house, and for Elias, tonight will be a heavenly rest.
The servant opened the door, and to Elias' surprise, it was none other than The Grand Duke himself. He was dressed casually, in a simple white nightgown, but he still managed to look regal and elegant. Elias even thought at first that it was some lady.
"Your Grace," Elias said, bowing slightly. "Is there something I can do for you?"
Kaiser walked up to him and stood at his side, looking out at the view with him. He didn't say anything for a moment, but his presence was comforting.
"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" The Grand Duke finally said, breaking the silence.
"Yes, it is," Elias replied, turning his head to look at him. He could feel his heart racing, and he wondered if The Grand Duke could sense it too. He never saw The Grand Duke in a nightgown, so The Grand Duke looked a bit feminine due to his long hair but it doesn't matter, The Grand Duke was beautiful as the gentle moonlight glinted across his face.
Elias smiled, feeling a warm sensation in his chest. He couldn't believe he was having this moment with The Grand Duke, someone he had admired for so long. The moonlight seemed to illuminate every crease in The Grand Duke's face, highlighting his sharp features and defined jaw. Everything about him was majestic, from the way he carried himself to the way he spoke.
Elias couldn't help but stare in awe as The Grand Duke sat beside him, the gentle moonlight casting a warm glow across his face. He was wearing a luxurious nightgown and looked so different from his powerful, commanding self during the day. It was nothing compared to the tyrant he had been hearing.
Despite The Grand Duke's different attire and the late hour, there was still an air of nobility about him. The grand duke was always so elegant, intelligent, and wise, even in a casual nightgown. Elias felt his heart skip a beat as he gazed upon The Grand Duke's handsome features.
"You look lovely tonight." Elias blurted out, his voice almost a whisper.
The Grand Duke smiled faintly to a compliment, he never had this compliment on how he looked, so he felt a rush to his heart upon hearing this, "Thank you, Elias, how thoughtful of you." He replied in response.
Elias' heart felt aching, like a thousand ants gently gnawing in his heart, though it's painful, it was still good. He was happy to see The Grand Duke just for a bit. At this point, he has the desire to sleep on The Grand Duke's lap, or hold The Grand Duke throughout the night..
Since they share no intimacy, Elias never dared to be won over by his repulsive thoughts no matter how strong it is. Because he was a disgusting commoner, how could he?
Elias was a commoner, while the Grand Duke was royalty. How could they ever be together? The very thought was taboo, unthinkable.
He wanted to say, "I'm sorry, I know I can't be with you. It's just... you're so perfect. And I feel so safe with you. Like nothing in the world can hurt me." but all of this was left in his throat like a fish bone. He dared not to cross the line.
The Grand Duke waved a hand, beckoning a servant over. The servant held a box which looked quite heavy. The servant placed it beside and a pair of gloves for The Grand Duke and bowed, leaving Elias and The Grand Duke alone.
The Grand Duke picked up the gloves, wearing it, covering his pale and veiny hand all in once as he opened the box. Elias turned his gaze away from the window, his eyes fixated to The Grand Duke.
"Do you still remember that day where you asked me for a paper and quill?" The Grand Duke asked.
Elias hesitantly nodded. "Y-yes, Your Grace," he stammered, "How could I forget such a memory.." he replied softly.
The Grand Duke smiled gently. "I found a way to make the writing experience even more enjoyable," he said, holding up a beautiful writing set. It consisted of a steel pen, black ink, and fine paper. "Now you'll be able to write with even more ease and comfort."
A steel pen is the latest invention in the Landroich, it costs as much as a commoner's house, that only, obviously, noble people could afford this.
Elias couldn't help but stare in wonder at the gift. He had always admired The Grand Duke's handwriting, had asked him to teach him how to write and to steady his handwriting, and this set would allow him to create something as beautiful.
"Thank you so much," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "This is truly a generous gift, Your Grace."
The Grand Duke simply smiled and placed a hand on Elias' shoulder. "You've been working hard lately," he said, "I wanted to give you something to help you relax and enjoy yourself."
Elias felt a warmth spread through him, and he realized that this was the first time someone had truly cared for him, without wanting anything in return. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, and he felt a deep sense of gratitude for The Grand Duke's act of kindness.
The Grand Duke had also given him a sonnet and books to read, though The Grand Duke doesn't know it'll help Elias, but it's a good thing it'll keep him entertained in the day.
He carefully examined the pen, marveling at its elegant design and smooth texture. It was a high-quality tool that would surely make his writing tasks much easier and more enjoyable.
As he studied the pen, Elias couldn't help but think about the Grand Duke's thoughtfulness. It was clear that the pen was chosen with care, considering its practicality and his own needs. Elias was humbled by the gesture and felt a deep sense of appreciation as he held it with utmost care, afraid the pen might slip to his hand.
With his new pen in hand, Elias felt a renewed sense of motivation to pursue and practice more to enhance his writing. He knew that the Grand Duke's gift would help him to enhance his handwriting, making tasks simply done as he improve.
Elias looked up at the Grand Duke with a smile, feeling more grateful than ever before, "Thank you so much for this gift, Your Grace. It means a lot to me."
The Grand Duke replied, "Use it carefully, don't let it out of your grasp, you'll use it when you write for school."
Elias nodded in response. He put back the pen in the box as he bent down. When he got up, The Grand Duke rested his elbow by the window as the gentle breeze gushed outside. It was a beautiful sight, especially The Grand Duke's raven hair and his earrings fluttering in motion.
He involuntarily blushed. Suddenly, he couldn't stop his repulsive thoughts anymore and he subconsciously tucked a hair back to The Grand Duke's pointy ear. He knew very well that The Grand Duke hated being touched, maybe a hygiene freak too, that's why he was wearing gloves right now.
The Grand Duke was startled, he didn't flick Elias' hand off but only turned to look at Elais, puzzled as to why did Elias do that?
Elias immediately withdrew his hand, feeling embarrassed. He couldn't believe what he had just done— it was an offense and disrespectful of him. He cursed himself for losing control of his emotions yet again, especially in front of The Grand Duke.
He quickly removed his hand. He felt embarrassed and ashamed for crossing the line. He wanted to apologize, but he didn't know what to say. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. I don't know what came over me. I... I'll be more careful in the future." he said, avoiding eye contact.
The Grand Duke's Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he subconsciously tucked his hair where Elias did. It was fine that Elias didn't touch his skin but his hair. The Grand Duke won't make it a big deal, The kid only tucked his hair back, he didn't bother on making a fuss on that, yet he couldn't reply 'It's fine, I don't mind.' too, instead, he only blinked.
..Well, to be honest, The Grand Duke liked Elias' hand that day, in fact, he also kissed it, so there's an exception going around there. Did Elias like my ear? Thought The Grand Duke, It looked hideous, though. It looks like the devil's ears.
Elias blushed once more, feeling the heat spreading across his cheeks. He had no idea how to act around The Grand Duke anymore. He wanted to say so many things, but it felt like there was a wall blocking his words from leaving his mouth.
The Grand Duke, on the other hand, was lost in his own thoughts. He couldn't understand why Elias had touched him like that. It wasn't a proper thing to do, especially considering their social statuses. The Grand Duke didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Elias' actions.
As the silence between them dragged on, The Grand Duke finally spoke up, "I think it's time for you to go to sleep, Elias. It's getting quite late."
Elias felt a rush of relief wash over him as The Grand Duke didn't seem too upset about the mishap. He vowed to be more careful in the future, but he couldn't deny the growing attraction he felt towards The Grand Duke.
With that said, Elias nodded in agreement.
Despite The Grand Duke's air of sophistication and dominance, Elias found himself drawn to his vulnerability. His pale skin, pointy ears, his beauty marks and delicate features gave him an otherworldly beauty that was hard to resist. And yet, it was The Grand Duke's intelligence, confidence, and power that made him truly irresistible.
As The Grand Duke left the room, Elias couldn't shake the feeling that he had just experienced something special. He knew he had to be careful, as their relationship was unconventional and could put him in danger. But he couldn't deny the pull he felt towards The Grand Duke. He wondered if The Grand Duke felt the same way about him or if he was just being kind. Elias was torn between his desire to pursue the relationship and his fear of the consequences.
Elias laid down on the soft bed, his eyes fixated on the ceiling as he cursed himself for doing such a repulsive act, bringing an end to their moment. Just why did he have to act up when the moment was perfect?
On the other hand, as The Grand Duke made his way to his chamber, he clutched his chest with his brows lightly knitted, Why did this kid tuck his hair back.. only the person who loves a Dämonisch could tuck their hair, which meant committing or confessing love. Does this kid know that he did…
The Grand Duke's heart was left in turmoil, while the kid was regretting what he just did. Kaiser tried to shake it off, because the kid wasn't aware of what he did. What does a mere commoner know about the Dämonisch's culture and its etiquette?
Not even his own wife, Luxe, did this to him.
As Elias lay in bed, he was filled with regret and doubt. He couldn't stop thinking about the consequences of his actions and the impact it might have on his relationship with The Grand Duke. He knew he had to make things right, but he wasn't sure where to start.
Elias tried his best to fall asleep, but his mind was racing with thoughts of his encounter with The Grand Duke. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd crossed a line and ruined the stolen intimacy they had shared in the window. As he lay there, he replayed the moment over and over in his mind, wondering what he had done wrong.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Elias drifted off to sleep. It was a fitful sleep, filled with vivid dreams of The Grand Duke, his voice, his touch, the way he made Elias feel alive and full of love. In the morning, Elias woke with a knock of the servant, telling him to get ready for breakfast, he was woken up with a sense of dread, wondering what The Grand Duke would say or do. He quickly got up and washed his face and changed his clothes back on. Since they're only here to pass the night, he also had guessed that he and his father would leave after breakfast, so he also grabbed the box that The Grand Duke gave him as he made his way with the servant to the dining hall.
As Elias sat down at the dining table, he noticed that The Grand Duke was already there, sipping his coffee while reading the newspaper. Elias didn't say a word, not wanting to make any unnecessary conversation. He saw his father sitting across from The Grand Duke, already eating, and of course, The Grand Duke's wife who was eating beside him with such a refined manner, as if nothing happened last night.
The Grand Duke looked up from his newspaper, "Good morning," he said, putting the newspaper down on the table. "Breakfast is ready. Make sure you have whatever you want, there's a lot to choose from."
Elias nodded and started eating his breakfast, feeling a little relieved that The Grand Duke was acting normal. He couldn't help but think about what had happened the previous night and how he had ruined it by tucking The Grand Duke's hair back to his ear.
As he was finishing his breakfast, The Grand Duke stood up and clapped his hands. "Well, I should get going. I have some matters to take care of today." he said.
Tobias stood up to bow Elias quickly stood up as well. "Thank you for having us, Your Grace. It was very kind of you to let us stay here for the night."
The Grand Duke nodded in acknowledgment. "It was my pleasure. I hope you and your father have a safe journey home."
With that, The Grand Duke walked out of the dining hall, leaving Elias with the servant. Elias sighed heavily, feeling a little sad that their time with The Grand Duke was over.
Elias thought that The Grand Duke will see them off, or he'll stay at the palace a bit longer and do work at his study, but it seems that he'll go somewhere today. So he finished his breakfast as fast as he could, because he can't endure the atmosphere no matter how comforting it is, it'll always be ruined by the.. what should I call her? Her highness Luxe.
The servant— Becky and Nery was instead, in charge of seeing them off as they assisted Elias to put the box in the carriage with care. Beck waved them off a goodbye while the gates opened for the carriage's departure.
Tobias looked at the box that his own son had been holding dearly as if gambles his whole life, "Elias, what's in the box?"
Elias hesitated to answer, wondering if he should tell the truth. He took a deep breath and said, "It's...a gift. From The Grand Duke." He couldn't believe he had just uttered those words. What will his father think?