Grand Duke Roelle was seated at his desk, scratching words onto a document with his quill. Duchess Tyren and her daughter Helena were seated on an old fashioned couch to his left. The older woman was gently playing with her daughter's beautiful blonde hair.
The door opened abruptly and loudly, causing them all to flinch.
Bonnie walked in first and immediately pulled her sister in front of her.
"Greetings, Your Grace! I heard you called for me."
The Duke's brows furrowed in confusion. Yes, it was true he had summoned his disgraceful first daughter. But what he did not expect was that Alexander would be with her. More so, that he would be holding onto one of her hands.
When did he grow close to her again? Why had he not come in earlier with Tyren and Helena?
The women in question were both wide-eyed as they watched Alexander lead Felicia to the single seat settee across from them. Once Felicia was seated, he stood next to her and folded his arms across his chest. He didn't spare either one of them a glance. Instead, he looked at his father.
Helena, who was used to his constant attention was about to speak up, but the Duke beat her to it.
"Right." His eyes lingered on Alexander for a bit before moving onto Felicia who was seated in a relaxed position with a lazy smile on her face. Her elbow rested on the arm chair and she crossed her legs, looking at him with barely concealed derision.
Since when does this child look me in the eyes?
Dismissing the thought, Duke Roelle held up a letter with the royal seal stamped on it. "I received a letter from the palace earlier this morning written by King Robert Cromwell. His royal Highness has ordered for our two families to be united through matrimony. Felicia, you will be married to his eldest son, Prince Constantine. He is the heir to the throne and as such you will become his Queen. Therefore, you will have to correct your behavior, enhance your intelligence and learn how to carry yourself with grace and elegance." His words ended as a growl.
Bonnie and Dixie didn't react. Helena immediately glanced down at her hands since she could not control her facial expressions. Tyren was horrified by the news.
"Your Grace, we can't possibly agree to that! Even with proper training this girl is extremely dim-witted and far too set in her improper ways! Look at the way she's dressed. She doesn't take care of her appearance at all! Her maid even informed me that she refuses to eat! She is sickly and shabby! How could we possibly present her to the royal family? The Del Montague name will be mocked! Our reputation would be ruined!"
Oh, very good, Dixie thought. You know exactly how to hit this man's buttons in order to get a reaction. Duke Roelle can't stand the family name being subjected to any kind of bad publicity. This is one of the methods you resort to in order to ensure the Duke's hatred for his own daughter remains intact.
Bonnie, on the other hand, found it strange that Tyren would mention improper manners where Felicia is concerned when Helena is the one who still acts like a child despite having already reached adulthood.
"Alex, what do you think of this?" Tyren was deeply concerned by the fact that Alexander did not immediately agree with her, but more importantly that he was actually standing next to Felicia rather than seated next to Helena.
Why had he walked in with her? Why didn't he greet them like always? Why did he not even look in their direction? Something was wrong!
"Helena is more suited to become engaged to the Crown Prince than Felicia. We should shift that responsibility on to my daughter. It makes most sense. You agree, Alex!"
She doesn't even ask if I agree; she simply asserts that I do. What a sly bitch. Unfortunately for you, Tyren, it's not going to work. I have lots of experience dealing with two-faced bitches. They love to plant themselves into other peoples' business and ruin lives.
Bonnie shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. But Helena is a declared Saintess. She is not meant to be married. She has to dedicate her life to prayer and public service as those are the duties of a Saintess. I'm certain the church would disagree with her being engaged."
She looked at Helena and arched her brow when their eyes met. Helena is confused and hurt by both his words and his sudden change in attitude.
Tyren too, was unhappy. Why would he say that?
Though true, he can't possibly be in support of that manner less and unattractive wench being made to marry into the royal family?!
Something was definitely wrong with Alexander. She had trained him to be obedient to her and always cater to Helena. Why was he suddenly thinking and not simply agreeing?
Dixie sat up straight and folded her hands neatly on her lap. "If it is a royal decree, then I have no choice but to comply. I will do as you command, Your Grace. I will study endlessly with my governess and work hard to become the best candidate for the role of Crown Princess. This is a huge opportunity for me so I will be most diligent going forward."
"Good." The Duke nodded approvingly. He's surprised to hear her speak so fluently. In the past, she always stuttered and her eyes were lowered. Now she appeared very confident, almost regal.
It's good to see her obedient and not causing trouble by bullying Helena.
Tyren was puzzled by Felicia's demeanor. What happened to the timid girl who couldn't even speak properly or raise her head? Why didn't she look scared or nervous?
Helena's eyes were locked on Alex. His demeanor troubled her more than Felicia's. Why hadn't he approached her to say good morning? Why hadn't he asked her if she slept well or if she had any interesting dreams? First, he hadn't shown up for breakfast and then he'd been dismissive towards her when she'd knocked on his door saying he was about to bathe and now this?
Had he gone to the annex and picked up Felicia? Why!?
He's hated her all these years! He should still hate her! I manipulated his mind into doing so! What did I miss?!
Helena took a deep breath to calm her jealousy and anger. Her inflamed eyes narrowed on Felicia.
You witch! I know this is your doing! Alex is my dog! How dare you make him disobedient?!