Mine
1020 Words
"YOUR HIGHNESS, the Princess has sent a reply," the palace butler said, placing the letter on Zavier’s desk.
"Thank you, Will," Zavier replied. The butler nodded and left.
Zavier opened the letter, hoping Freya had accepted his invitation but suspecting she might have refused. As he read, his suspicions were confirmed—Freya had indeed declined.
It was difficult for Zavier to understand how come Freya change drastically, he, himself wouldn't want anything to happen that could break their engagement.
The doors suddenly opened, and George, his courtier, entered.
"I have news that you will certainly not like, Your Highness," George began.
"George, can it wait? I'm busy," Zavier said, irritation creeping into his voice.
"It concerns Lady Yeovil." George's mention of Freya’s last name instantly caught Zavier's attention, and he looked up.
"Tell me," Zavier demanded.
"Someone saw Lady Yeovil visiting the Bonavich Ducal a few days ago." Zavier's blood boiled.
What? Confusion and anger surged through him. He was left thinking mad about how Vik could possibly steal Freya from her. That, that he couldn't allow.
Zavier had always harbored a dislike for Vik, his cousin from the Emperor's side. Despite being raised together in the palace, their rivalry was palpable.
"Prepare the carriage. I need to talk to Vik," Zavier said furiously.
UPON reaching the Bonavich Ducal estate, Zavier was greeted by Vik's men. Wasting no time, he stormed into Vik's office, finding him busy with some paperwork.
"Oh, it's my great cousin Zavier. It's been a long time," Vik greeted, approaching Zavier, who was visibly furious.
"Tell me, Vik, did you meet Freya?" Zavier demanded, cutting to the chase.
"Aren't you going to ask how I've been?" Vik replied, a smirk playing on his lips, he had always been devious.
But Zavier wasn't here to play, so then he demanded. "Answer me."
"Are you jealous?" Vik teased, clearly enjoying Zavier’s agitation that made him clench his fists.
"Answer the damn question," Zavier said firmly.
Fully having the upper hand, Vik's enjoying such a reaction from this man. "Alright, alright. Yes, she was very... sweet," Vik said, his smirk widening, knowing it would annoy Zavier.
Zavier clenched his fists, barely restraining himself from punching his cousin. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his boiling rage. "What are you planning, Vik?" Zavier asked through gritted teeth.
Vik opened his mouth to respond but then glanced behind Zavier. Turning, Zavier saw Freya standing there, wide-eyed.
"Freya?" Zavier said, confused.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Freya said formally, bowing.
He walked towards her. "What are you doing here?"
Freya started to panic, getting mad at herself for coming at the worst possible time to come. "I'm here to negotiate with the Grand Duke about... a business matter," she said, trying to sound composed.
Vik smirked even more, praising Freya for being slick about this matter. "Oh..." Zavier seemed at a loss for words, guilt creeping in for doubting her.
"What about you, Your Highness? What are you doing here?" Freya asked innocently.
Zavier took a deep breath. "I'm. . visiting the Grand Duke."
"Forgive me, I didn't know. I thought the Grand Duke had no other guests at this time," Freya replied formally.
Zavier reached out to hold her hand, but Freya pulled away, bitterly. Freya wasn't comfortable him holding her hand, although she felt guilty. It was too much for her.
"I'll leave so the two of you can finish your discussion," Freya said, nodding at both men before leaving.
Zavier turned back to Vik, who was still smirking. "I see that His Highness is the jealous type," Vik teased.
Zavier glared at him, stepping closer. "I say this with all due respect, Vik," he paused. "Freya is mine."
Vik only smirked. Well, let’s see about that.
IN a dark alley, Aurelia was being chased by two men. She ran as fast as she could.
"Oh, why run, pretty girl?!" one of the men shouted, still pursuing her. Aurelia knew running was dangerous for her child, but she had to escape for both their sakes.
Turning a corner, she spotted a man in a cloak. Grabbing his elbow, she cried, "Please help me!"
Before she could say more or hear his reply, she fainted.
"Troublesome," the man muttered, lifting Aurelia into his arms. He signaled his men to deal with her pursuers.
After scaring off the attackers, they returned to their carriage, taking Aurelia with them.
AURELIA woke up in a bed, seeing a physician talking to the heir of the house Yeovil, Felix Luem Yeovil. She felt a surge of fear and awkwardness, remembering their first encounter when she was caught spying on him.
She closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep.
"That will be all, my lord," the physician said.
"You may leave," Felix replied.
Hearing the door close, Aurelia felt more nervous. Alone with Felix, she didn’t know what to expect.
"I know you're awake," Felix said coldly.
She slowly opened her eyes, meeting his gaze before quickly looking away. "T-thank you for saving me," she murmured, not daring to look at him.
"I didn't have a choice," he replied.
The tone of this man made the lady think of how rude he was yet what does she expect from higher ranking nobles like him.
"But you'll be useful to me," he added, making Aurelia’s eyes widen.
"What will you make me do?" she asked hesitantly.
Their gazes met again.
"Watch my sister for me," he stated.
What? I can’t just stay here. She thought against the idea, with a plan to secure her child's future she needed to meet and follow orders.
"Look, I know you’re pregnant. This isn't a hard job. I just want you to watch her here in the Ducal," Felix said.
Aurelia's heart pounded. No one else knew about her pregnancy, and she feared the public discrimination that would come.
She grabbed Felix's hand, startling him. "I beg you, my lord, don't tell anyone until I find someone to father my child," she pleaded, tears in her eyes.
Even if I have to kneel, I will... Just to save my child..
- Writer
