Appreciation

Aleksasha and Matias's footsteps echoed along the cobblestone path. Matias's hand was firmly around hers, reminding her that her husband was beside her and not against her, at least, not in this. She wanted desperately to trust him. She wanted to get to know the man she'd spent ten years pouring her heart out to as someone more than her pen pal. She wanted her husband to love her like his words said he did. 

Her thoughts were entangled with the grizzly scene with Theo and Madan and her memories of finding her father in a similar situation. Those boys deserved so much better. So did my father. But I couldn't investigate his death like I can theirs. What is Selene's part in all of this? What is she playing at by doing this?

Aleksasha crashed against Matias as he came to a halt. She looked up at Matias only to find him looking at her with concern in his icy blue eyes. "You don't have to do this, Alek. I know this hurts. You don't need to reopen this wound." 

Aleksasha blinked in surprise at his words. She offered a soft smile. "They are my people too. I want to get them justice and avenge them… You know I can't back away from that." 

"I know." Matias leaned down and gently kissed her lips. "That sense of justice is part of why I love you." He murmured softly. "I meant every thing I wrote in our letters. Whatever comes, we face it together." 

Aleksasha melted into the warmth of his promise and stayed in his arms for a moment longer. She reluctantly pulled back and straightened up. "I will tend to our guests until you call for me for the interrogation." She decided. She raised her chin and adjusted her dress. "How do I look?" She asked, peeking up at Matias's face. 

He rubbed the back of his neck for a moment and smiled. "Like the most beautiful woman in the kingdom." 

She blushed gently at the compliment. "Thank you," she replied softly. She turned her attention to the grand hall and took a deep breath. Matias offered his arm and she graciously took it. "Let's go in and get this started."

Warm air brushed against their skin as they reentered the grand hall together from the garden path. The cool night air disappeared with the comfortable silence as the cheerful chatter of the banquet replaced it. Nobles had divided into clusters of cliques and while others danced, all seemingly oblivious to the horror that had been committed only a short while ago. 

Matias took her hand and kissed it, his affection restrained in mixed company. "I will have her brought to the study and get you. Do nothing that gives away our investigation until then, Alek. This is important. We mean to catch the culprits," he commented soft enough for only her to hear. 

Aleksasha nodded, curtsying to her husband, He reluctantly stepped away from her, the warmth in his expression replaced with the signature coldness he was known for.

Although we have to do this. We are still the Duke and Duchess. Our people look to us for strength. And all eyes are on us tonight. Aleksasha reminded herself as she watched Matias stride away, admiring the way his broad shoulders cut through the crowd. She moved toward the refreshment table, needing a fresh drink in hand before she checked on her guests. 

"Your grace," a familiar smooth male voice called. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she turned with a polite smile on her face. Lord Adrian stood nearby, his auburn hair fetchingly illuminated in the candlelight. Mischief sparkled in his eyes. The smile on his face was wolfish. "Welcome back from your walk. I was sorely missing your radiant presence and here you are. May I steal a moment of your time? I wanted to continue our conversation from earlier."

No. I absolutely have no time for you. Aleksasha thought in annoyance. 

Aleksasha politely inclined her head, smiling despite how she truly felt. "Lord Adrian, I am afraid I must decline. I need to tend to my other guests. If you have any concerns, one of my people will see to it." She offered an apologetic smile. Instead of bowing and leaving it at that, Lord Adrian moved closer.

"Of course," Adrian pouted, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "It's just that, I could not help noticing your tension, your grace, after returning from your walk with the Duke. Surely a moment of levity wouldn't be amiss?" He stepped closer, his voice lowered. "You deserve to be appreciated, your grace. Truly appreciated as a beautiful woman should."

Aleksasha's eyes narrowed. "You presume too much, Lord Adrian."

Adrian smirked, his gaze flicked down and traveled lecherously up her body, lingering on the curve of her bodice. Aleksasha's skin crawled as she shifted uncomfortably. "Forgive me, but is it a presumption if it is the truth? From what I see, you shoulder the weight of this estate, yet receive so little in return. You are the true heart of this home, your grace."

"You go too far." Her mind was filled with a mixture of conflicting emotions, anger, appreciation, outrage and embarrassment. No matter how true these words feel, he is not saying them with good intentions. Aleksasha reminded herself. Her mouth set in a thin frown. If she hadn't been trying so desperately to not cause a scene, she would've slapped the man, but she was fighting that inclination. "You speak as if you know me, Lord Adrian. But you do not."

"Perhaps we can remedy that right now," Adrian said softly with a serious expression as he leaned in closer. "Perhaps you deserve someone who truly sees you."

Aleksasha opened her mouth to speak but a man clearing his throat interrupted her train of thought. She looked up to see the figure of Ser Turold at her side. His dark eyes fixed on Adrian with contained anger as he put himself between the noble man and the duchess. "Lord Adrian, I believe the Duchess has other matters to attend to," his voice was strained but polite as it needed to be. 

Adrian's smile didn't falter as annoyance flashed in his hazel eyes. "Of course, Ser Turold. I wouldn't dream of keeping the duchess from her important work." He turned back to Aleksasha, bowing low. "Until we meet again, your grace."

As Adrian walked away, Turold bowed his head to Aleksasha and took a short step back to give the lady more of her personal space back. His expression grim as it was before at the crime scene. His voice low and respectful. "Your Grace, are you all right? My apologies for meddling but I saw he was harassing you again."

Aleksasha sighed, brushing her hand over her gown in a soothing motion. "Thank you, Ser Turold. I do not understand the nerve of that man."

The knight appraised his lady, his expression softening for a moment as he hesitated. He glanced around them before speaking in a whisper, "The Duke is ready for you, your grace. Lady Selene is being brought to the study while the watch team gathers the other witnesses."

Aleksasha offered an appreciative smile and nodded. "Thank you, Ser Turold. I'll leave the rest in your capable hands."

"Your will, your grace." Turold bowed his head as Aleksasha walked past him. She left the grand hall and traversed the distance to Matias's study. It was the third time in two days she needed to go there but it was once again about Selene. Maybe this time we will get answers. This won't be a surprise that tears at my heart.

As Aleksasha approached the study, she saw a familiar scene from last night. The door was slightly ajar. Aleksasha closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she confidently entered the room. Matias stood near the fireplace, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Selene sat in a chair across from him, her pale blue gown pristine, her posture was contemptuously demure — done with a sense of ridiculousness that Aleksasha understood from her experience with the ladies at court. Her dark eyes flicked up to Aleksasha as she entered, a sly smile curving her lips.

"Lady Aleksasha," Selene greeted in a sickly sweet voice, "How kind of you to join us." Aleksasha felt a jab of de ja vu. Selene touched her hand to her cheek. "Oh my, that sounds so familiar doesn't it?" 

It was the same thing Selene said when Aleksasha had interrupted them last night when Selene had that knife at Matias's throat. 

Aleksasha ignored the taunt. 

She's trying to rattle me again. 

Aleksasha stood beside Matias, and he placed his arm around her waist. This warmth and touch reassured her. "We have questions, Lady Selene. I suggest you answer them truthfully."

Selene tilted her head as she watched how close they were. A frown flickered across her face for a comment before her smile widened like a cat cornering a mouse. "Of course, your grace. I wouldn't dream of deceiving you."