Read Duke and Princess: The Value of the Power :: Chapter 8

Aravis just nodded with a soft smile on her lips "so hmm.. " she cleared her throat, trying to gain as much time as possible in order she could to choose wisely the right words. She wanted to ask him so many questions, but it was only a few hours they spent together, and it seemed he was kind of afraid of her, or at least that is how it appeared from her point of view. Even if that was not the case, she couldn't risk her position.

"M-m-may I g-go to m-my be-bedroom?"

Richard wiped his mouth with a napkin and gathered the dirty plates into a small pile. Neatly stacking utensils, bowls and plates. Even for a royal like him, he knew about manners; it would be rude of him to let the table be like this and not help his staff. It was the least he could. But at that moment, he did the same thing the young black-hair princess did... Gaining time to think of his next move. How should he treat her now? She has her vision and voice back, yet she wants to leave as fast as possible... Not staying a second to thank him properly. He knew it would be selfish... No, not selfish. It would not be polite to ask her to thank him. His father raised him with better manners than this. Once he finished gathering the plates on the wheelbarrow, he took a slow deep breath.

"After discussing your future properly, you will be guided to your room. It will not take long."

He answered her question and walked outside the room where the maid was patiently awaiting.
The young maid quickly stood up and bowed to her lord. His unknown presence startled her, although her beating heart regained the normal rhythm as soon as her gaze spotted the wheelbarrow with the plates... A few of them seemed, surprisingly, untouched. Slowly raised her head and looked at her lord.

"We are done with the dinner. Take the plates. Also, tell the chiefs the food was excellent as always. I asked for too much, so there are a few portions left that are bite-sized. Share it among the crew who are on a break."

He instructed the maid, who smiled and walked inside to gather everything on a table with wheels. After the maid left, Duke looked at the girl, walked to her, and sat beside her.

"Finally, we can have a conversation."

He stated, sounding somewhat relieved. Aravis only nodded in agreement with him as she picked up her half-full glass of water, admiring its beauty and how it shined under the sunlight coming through the cabin's small window.

"So...hmm... wh-where is yo-your ho-hometown, my lo-lord?"

She curiously questioned him. It was only natural for her to ask, as she had a good reason... She wanted to know if it was one of the places where other kings, Dukes and lords took her to burn into ashes or even take the people as slaves. It would be awkward for both of them...Maybe it could trigger her. Holding tight to her black dress, wishing inside her for the place to be as peaceful as she had in her wild dreams and fantasies, she slowly raced her head and, through the fabric, took a quick look at the young lord. She couldn't exactly see his face, but he seemed strong.

"Do-does...it...ha-have...an-animals.. there?"

The Duke looked at her, a bit surprised by her second question. However, he was glad they could talk without her falling asleep. It was a bit frustrating not to be able to explain her future home, especially since she assumed she would be living in a cage.

"I rule over a territory stretching from the western kingdom's south coast to a mountain chain. It can be considered small compared to the overall kingdom, but I raised a few towns that provide profitable businesses and services. There are various farm animals in my possession and the farms surrounding it. I do not own any exotic critters in my castle, but cats are frequent guests and are rather tame." He answered her question and moved to what he wanted to explain from the start. "Princess, now allow me to explain our relationship because I feel you do not fully understand why you are accompanying me to my country."

He paused and made himself more comfortable on the chair. Served himself water and had a quick sip.

"I received a letter from your father offering a contract between us. The terms were that for a rather hefty amount of payment in pure gold, I would take you under my care and protection for as long as one of us lives. It was specifically stated that I should watch over you. It was...a big demand since I am busy and I rather provide you with one of my maids as a permanent keeper. However, in the end, I agreed." He looked at her. "You will be provided with the best care, your private quarters, with a bed, not a cage. Clothing, food, education of your choosing, anything for you to properly grow and develop. My staff and I will honor your title as Princess; however, be aware that you will be on my land in the end. I expect you to respect my position as well as my possessions. I do not accept misbehavior and will punish you accordingly if you force my hand. Though I hope that will not have to be necessary. In my mansion, you will be free to roam as you wish, except in certain areas, but whenever you wish to venture outside the castle walls, you will be accompanied by a squad of guards. Everything clear so far?" He asked as he looked at her.

"M-May...I as-ask what wi-will the pu-punishment be?"

It was the only question that came straight into her mind from all the information he gave her. Aravis didn't pay attention even if she heard about the agreement between the Duke and her father for the first time. She couldn't expect less from her old man. After all, he was the one who caused this mess on her body. It was not a surprise to her. So asking for any punishments that would probably follow in the near future, was more important to her.
She had accepted that her father saw her as a tool, not a human being... She was used to hearing the sentence ' equal treatment ' but in the end, only the opposite way happened.

"Be-be-because if the punishment...I-is l-like the others...I wi-will kindly ju-jump from yo-your ship, my lo-lord. I'd ra-rather die th-than live an-another day...." She said to him as she slowly stood up and swallowed hard before she spoke her following powerful sentence, "Be-Because...this is a re-relationship of gi-giving and ta-taking... I might ki-kindly add. In ca-case I am not be tre-treated; equally, this ha-hands of yo-yours or anyone's in the ca-castle, that is kn-known or un-unknown to you ... R-Raise a ha-hand on me..." She slowly undid the fabric around her eyes. Crystal clear- like sky eyes appeared and shined brightly like natural diamonds. So unique that it seemed God himself accidentally placed diamonds instead of human eyes.

"Mark m-my wo-words, my lo-lord... They will die in that very second. I am not... Just a girl. I am not weak. I am supposed to be the future queen of my country. I am the only fear of my father " with that, she took a deep breath and walked to the door "Now, if yo-you excuse me... I wi-will ask your ma-maid to ta-take me to my ca-cabin. "