Duke Kensington Made His Move

"Father!" Lord William entered his father's study hurriedly. 

"What's wrong William?" Duke Kensington, who was waiting for the gardener, looked at his panic-looking son. 

Behind his son, an old man in his 50s appeared, also looking flustered. 

Mr Connor, the estates gardener had worked for the Kensingtons since he was a young man. His family had served the Duke's family for generations and he's a loyal staff of the estates. Duke Kensington looked at him, puzzled as to why these two people were bahaving like this early in the morning. 

"Your Grace...my apologies, I've failed in my duty." Mr Connor quickly apologized and lowered his head. 

"What happened?" The Duke asked. 

"Father! The roses are ruined! I walked pass the garden this morning and I saw the roses were all lying on the ground, smashed to bits!" Lord William informed his father.

He was really alarmed when he saw that, he knew how much Melissa loved white roses and that's why he always made sure they were tend to by the gardener. But this morning, everything was ruined, he nearly cried at the sight of the disaster.

Duke Kensington's face went from normal to grim when he heard the news. 

"Why were they ruined? What caused it?" He asked Mr Connor.

"Your Grace, I have no idea. They were fine yesterday before I left for home. But this morning, this happened. It seemed like an animal had dug them all up." Mr Connor explained. 

"Was it only the white roses?" The Duke asked. 

"Some nearby flowers were affected too, but mainly the white roses were gone." Mr Connor explained further. 

"I see. Replant them in the green house. Make sure the green house is locked at all times. No one can access it except for you. Remember that." Duke Kensington instructed Mr Connor before dismissing the old man. 

Lord William was sulking at the side. He sat down on a chair and was quiet before he spoke again. 

"Father, can I visit Mother today?" He pleaded with the Duke. 

Duke Kensington was thinking of the ruined roses when he heard his son's request. 

"William, we'll go visit Melissa tomorrow. Today, I need to inspect the stores." Duke Kensington informed his son. 

"Alright Father." Lord William said happily. 

When Duke Kensington stepped into Dream Arts, he didn't expect to see the young royals there. One was sitting while having an amused look on his face, while the younger man was going around instructing the store manager on what he wanted. The store manager could be seen busy picking and putting away all the materials needed by the young prince, that he didn't notice his Master coming into the store. 

"Xavier, why are you two here?" Duke Kensington approached Prince Xavier. Prince Xander was on the other side of the store, choosing his canvas.

Prince Xavier nodded his greeting to his cousin and pointed at Xander with his head. 

"He's the one buying, not me." Prince Xavier answered.

"Since when Xander likes to paint? I thought only you do." Duke Kensington looked over to where Prince Xander was.

"I'm not sure either. But he's starting his lessons tomorrow, so he needs to get the supplies by today." Prince Xavier answered while leaning against the bench lazily. 

"Lessons? Who's teaching him?" Further surprised by this news, Duke Kensington asked. 

This time, Prince Xavier turned to look at the Duke and he grinned at him. 

"Why don't you ask him yourself?" 

Duke Kensington frowned at his cousin and strode to where Prince Xander was standing choosing his pick. When he saw Duke Kensington, he smiled and went over to hug him. 

"Xavier said you're starting art lessons? With who?" The Duke asked.

"Melissa." Prince Xander replied and without waiting for Duke Kensington to response, he continued his task. 

This time, the Duke took a step back in surprise. "What? She agreed?" 

"Yes. She's coming over tomorrow. We're going to have lessons on Tuesday and Friday mornings." Prince Xander replied, not realizing the tension in the Duke's voice. 

Duke Kensington walked over to Prince Xavier and he found the other guy looking at him, still grinning. 

"I guess you're very happy with this arrangement. Was it your idea?" Duke Kensington's accusing voice was clear.

"You know him best. Do you actually think I can influence him?" Prince Xavier asked him back.

Duke Kensington didn't say anything else. He went to the back office and proceeded to check the sales records. However, his mind was distracted. 

Dammit! If Melissa goes over to teach, it gives Xavier ample opportunities to see her. Not to mention the class is twice a week! He needs to do something, and do it fast.

The Duke left the store, ignoring the fact that his two cousins were still around and went straight to Graden-Hall Art Gallery. Looking at the signage on the building, he realized he still didn't know what's the meaning behind the name. It didn't ring any bell to him. One day, he needs to ask Melissa about it. 

When he stepped into the gallery, the Duke was ushered into Melissa's office. She was sitting on the couch, going over some papers. She looked tired, and she yawned a couple of times before he walked in. 

When Melissa saw Duke Kensington, she merely nodded and invited him to sit. She yawned again before speaking. 

"Zachary, why are you here?" Melissa asked softly. 

"I wanted to see you. Are you well? You looked tired."

"I didn't sleep well last night." She yawned again. 

Duke Kensington moved over and sat next to Melissa. He took the papers out of her hand and put them on the table, before slowly guiding her head to rest on his shoulder.

"What're you doing?" Melissa sat back up and glared at him. 

"Work can wait. Sleep for a while. I'll wake you up after an hour." Duke Kensington coaxed her. 

"What? No, I need to finish it. I'll rest later." Melissa reached over to where the papers were but the Duke's next words stunned her. 

"Don't be stubborn. If not, I'll kiss you until you agree."

Melissa stopped moving and obediently rest her head on his shoulder. Alright, maybe he's right. She's really sleepy anyway. An hour of nap wouldn't hurt. After a while, Melissa's eyes were closed and she fell asleep. 

After she fall asleep, Duke Kensington adjusted her position and put her head on his thigh. He stared at her sleeping face and smiled. He gently caressed her cheek and held her hands. He wanted this moment to last forever. Duke Kensington rested his head against the couch and closed his eyes. 

When Melissa opened her eyes, she was greeted with a figure beside her. She sat up slowly and turned her face to look at the man. He looked especially charming with his eyes closed. Melissa's eyes travelled to his lips and she felt her body grew warm. She subconsciously moistened her lips and she leaned closer to him. However, when she was inches to his lips, she stopped and retracted her body. 

Suddenly, the Duke's hand reached out and pulled her waist, causing her body to slump against him and she gasped. Duke Kensington slowly opened his eyes and looked into hers, searching for something. He didn't give her a chance to retreat and proceeded to kiss her. At first, Melissa protested and wanted to push him away but soon, she found herself giving in to his demand and she kissed him back. 

Duke Kensington had earlier locked the door to avoid anyone from disturbing Melissa's sleep and now, that move had become a blessing in disguise. He slowly lowered her down on the couch while kissing her. He could feel her body becoming softer under him and she wrapped her arms around his neck, prompting him to kiss her deeper.