Changing Her Stars

Chapter Eight

Shuddering under the prince’s gaze, Leira chose to ignore his stare and drop into a low curtsy instead, as protocol indicated. Though she was a duchess now, he was a prince, and with that title came absolute respect.

“You are aware, aren’t you, of the day you chose to drop in?” the duke asked, lifting his head from his own bow.

Harlon shrugged. “The palace is so boring without you there. What am I supposed to do by myself? Father expects me to actually work! And, I decided I didn’t really want to, so I thought I’d see what my bestest friend in all the world is doing, and give him a visit.”

“I left the palace to get married. I was hoping to spend my time with my new duchess, as you can see,” he replied irritably.

Leira froze at the obvious disrespect. She kept her head down, her eyes boring a hole into the floor. She was surprised that they hadn’t left the staircase, as was custom. It was considered rude to be above royalty for long periods of time. They should have begun their descent by now, but she didn’t dare move before her husband did.

“Oh Rinny, but that’s no fun! You left me to battle Father by myself.”

“You chose not to come to my wedding. I’d say we’re equal now.”

The prince opened his mouth to argue, but smiled instead. “Fine. I agree to your terms. You’re forgiven, and you’ve forgiven me. Now, let’s kiss and make up. It isn’t good to fight in front of your lovely bride, especially when I have so much to learn about her.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” the duke replied harshly. “If you attempt, I’ll kick you out.”

Harlon pouted. “Oh come on. Just a few questions. Hurry up and invite me to tea.”

“I was hoping that greeting you would be enough for you to leave us alone.”

“But–but…! You can’t do that to me. I traveled all this way to see you and meet Duchess Montero. Come on, I don’t even know the dear girl’s name yet.”

Sighing, he eyed the prince warily. It was apparent that Harlon wouldn’t be leaving without getting what he wanted and would continue coming up with excuse after excuse.

“Fine. Two hours of tea, and then you leave.”

Harlon clapped his hands together happily. “That sounds lovely.”

Maids instantly hurried out of the grand hall to begin setting up for the impromptu tea party, and the duke and duchess began their descent. Once they had reached the ground floor, Harlon pounced on Leira, grabbing her other arm and wrapping it around his.

“You won’t mind, Rinny, if I take her for a moment, right?” Harlon asked over his shoulder, not even bothering to look.

Leira, on the other hand, turned to look at her husband’s face in panic and was startled to see his anger at the prince’s action. However, he remained silent and followed behind them as Harlon dragged her down the hallway.

“So tell me, dear, what’s your beautiful name?” the prince asked, acting as though nothing was wrong.

“Uh, Leira, Your Highness.”

Harlon turned to look at her, “Wow! What a gorgeous name for a gorgeous woman. Rinny sure is a lucky man. If only I could be so lucky! Maybe I’ll be able to steal you away. Ever wanted to be a princess? Or a queen? I’d treat you better than Rinny, I can promise you that. And besides, if he’s this head over heels for you, then it must mean you’re something special. Rinny has an excellent sense for people, so I’m sure you’d make the best possible–”

“Stop it, right now, Harlon,” the duke threatened, his voice low and tight.

“What?” Harlon feigned innocence. “All I’m saying is that I’ve never seen you act this way around a woman. You’re so protective and feisty. It’s cute, and yet, it makes me wonder what about her is doing this to you.”

Leira ignored the duke’s response as she pondered over what the prince had just said. Inwardly, she gawked at the words. How was it possible that any of it could be true? Elrind Montero was the definition of a lady’s man. He always had women in his arms or at an event. Heck, even at their own wedding reception, women had been throwing themselves at him. And though he had denied the rumors’ truth, it didn’t change the fact that women wanted him.

“–don’t you think, my duchess?” Harlon questioned, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at her.

Her face flushed in embarrassment. She hadn’t heard the question asked of her. “Oh, uh…”

“Don’t answer that,” the duke snapped.

“Oh, don’t be like that! Let her answer for herself! She has opinions and thoughts and feelings. If you stifle her now, she’ll grow to resent you. Please, Leira, let me hear from your beautiful lips what you think of the idea.”

Leira cleared her throat, feeling the pressure from both men. “I’d, um, like to discuss things with my husband, first, before making any rash decisions. I appreciate your understanding, Your Highness.”

Although Harlon looked displeased, the duke was overjoyed. She hoped she hadn’t made a grave mistake with her answer since she’d been forced to pick a side. Her goal was to keep her husband happy and for her to remain married, which meant always choosing the duke over the prince.

“See?” the duke gloated. “A wise woman indeed. Already aware of where her loyalties lay.”

“Another time, then,” Harlon coughed, trying his best to be unfazed. “Let’s focus on the tea. I have some juicy questions for you.”

Harlon escorted them towards a glass conservatory surrounded by the gardens. It was nearing the end of the sun season, where the sun was out, but there was just the slightest chill in the air as the season began turning. The flowers were in full bloom and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The sun hit her skin and involuntarily, she turned her face and closed her eyes to smile into the warmth that flooded her senses. The fragrant blooms swirled around her and she wanted nothing more than to bask in the sun with a paintbrush in hand and an easel before her. This was one of her favorite weathers to be in.

“My lady?” Harlon asked. “Am I interrupting you?”

For the second time in mere minutes, Leira had let her mind wander away from the prince. She chastised herself harshly. What a stupid woman she was, especially in front of such an important person. She was handing out reasons to be divorced left and right. If she didn’t make a good impression with her husband’s best friend, then what hope did she have to make a good impression with the rest of the nobility? The duke was bound to kick her out as soon as his lust tempered.

“I apologize, Your Highness, I was merely distracted by the scenery. The gardens stole my breath away, and the sun simply kissed my cheeks with such joy that I couldn’t help but pay my respects to the beauty surrounding me. I do hope I have not offended you so,” she pleaded, concern in her eyes.

Harlon was taken aback by her sincerity and passion. “N–no,” he stumbled. “Your words seem to have brought new insight into all that is around me, and I have newfound appreciation thanks to you.”

Leira smiled at the prince, unable to help herself. His entire demeanor had seemed to ease into comfort, and in turn, it helped her relax as well. Though, she did feel unsure about how long the prince chose to stare back at her. There was a look in his eyes that she couldn’t read.

“The tea is ready,” the duke chimed in, his voice stern. “And, I’ll be taking that, thank you very much.”

Before the prince could even respond, he reached over and grabbed Leira’s forearm, which had been tucked under Harlon’s. The duke then led her into the building, pulling out her chair, and assisting her into her seat. His hand lingered on hers, until he brought it to his lips, placing a light kiss on her skin. She blushed at the intimate gesture and took note of Harlon’s sour expression.

Choosing to distract herself, Leira gazed at the scenery around her. The entire space was filled with greenery and flowers that seemed to bloom from every which way. Though the building was made out of glass, it was cool inside and beams of light filtered down in between all of the plants that grew along the walls and ceiling, stretching out to the sun. It was truly a breathtaking sight to behold. She was astonished at the sheer beauty all around the duke’s manor.

“So,” Harlon began, taking the spotlight once more and setting his gaze on Leira. “Where to begin with you?”

Meekly, she offered a small smile before replying, “Wherever you’d like.”

They watched the maid pour each of them a cup of tea and set refreshments in the center of the table. Leira wondered where the prince was going to take the conversation.

“Would you ever take on a lover?”