Jewelry Box

Ch. 18 Secret Feelings That should never be Accepted

Alexander

The moment I saw Victoria fall down the cliff, that moment I realized my feelings for her. It was weird, but I’ve never felt so overwhelmed, in so much pain, and broken. It all poured down on me like the day my mother died.

It was absurd to even feel something for her since this was an arranged marriage, a contract. We both even agreed not to have feelings. Did we?

It was a marriage of benefits. There had to be no attachments.

I shifted my eyes to Victoria’s bandaged face. Unfortunately, she had a few severe wounds that needed medical attention. Thankfully, she found her way back to the duchy, to my arms.

A knock on the door had me looking over my shoulder.

“Come in,” I whispered, to which the door opened, and my butler stepped in. “I said I didn’t want anyone to disturb me.”

“I know, my lord, but Duke Lombardy has arrived,” the butler muttered, eyes cast down.

I sighed, but I didn’t get to say more when Victoria’s doors burst open, and Duke Lombardy walked in. The cold eyes that looked at me made me feel guilty about what happened to her.

“How dare you!” Duke Lombardy growled between his teeth. His eyes quickly shifted to Victoria’s sleeping face.

“Duke Lombardy,” I said, standing in front and blocking his view. “It’s not the place to talk.”

This seemed to calm him. Then, without a word, he turned on his heels, followed by my butler, who was guiding us to the drawing-room.

“Please,” I offered a seat, but he grumbled and turned to face me.

“Why is my daughter like that?” Duke Lombardy yelled. I clenched, just staring at him. “YOU ALLOWED MY DAUGHTER TO GET HURT!”

I looked away as I tried to remain calm for Victoria’s sake. There would be no need to react otherwise, since his words held truth.

“I should never have let my daughter get engaged, not even close to someone like you,” Duke Lombardy hissed.

“We got ambushed,” I groaned, balling my hands on the sides. “It wasn’t what we were expecting.”

“So, what were you expecting? My daughter, to be safe with all the enemies you have?” Duke Lombardy retorted. A small vein popped in his forehead as he angrily wheezed.

“I’m sorry,” I exhaled, tired. “It’s my fault.”

The best solution right now was to apologize and admit my fault, which was entirely mine. I should never have allowed Victoria to accompany us on the trip.

“I’m sorry she went through this,” I added, bowing my head. “I’m responsible as her fiancé. It’s just we got ambushed, and she tried to take control, which I should never have allowed her to.”

I remained with my head cast down. I waited for a word from the duke, but he only scoffed.

“When Victoria wakes up, she’s returning to the duchy,” Duke Lombardy muttered angrily.

I clenched as he stormed out of the place.

***

My eyes fluttered open as someone caressed my face tenderly. I blinked a few times before realizing it was Victoria.

“Victoria?” I mumbled in disbelief.

“Hello,” she answered. My hand moved to her wounded face, where she smiled sadly. “Hello, Alexander.”

I stared at her like it was the first time. My entire body felt the relief of hearing her voice. Those lips whispering my name.

“Alex?” Victoria called once again, snapping me out of my thoughts. I exhaled and smiled. Leaning my head on her lap, I chuckled. “Are you all right?” she asked. Her fingers brushed the hair from my forehead.

“Yes, never better,” I grinned. Sitting up, I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. Her eyes studied my face.

“I’m glad you’re fine. The doctor should be called.” I stood abruptly.

“Hey, Alexander?” Victoria whispered, squeezing my hand. I looked down, meeting her eyes.

“Yes?” I smiled. Victoria suddenly pulled me hard and kissed me, taking me by surprise.

Her tender lips met mine. They were cold against my own, but all that felt better than anything I had ever tasted. I kissed her slowly. Lips adjusting to her own.

She kissed me back with more emotions, passionately, like her reason for breathing was me and no one else.

The relief that washed over me was overwhelming and confusing. I pulled away breathlessly.

“Victoria,” I whispered, against her lips. I know this was wrong. That I should stop this instant, but I desired her.

Waiting for a reaction from her, I kept staring into her smiling face. She shyly looked away. I blinked, but still took that as my cue and left the room.

The door shut behind me, making me lean on it. Then I looked up at the chandelier that hung in the hallway. I could feel my face turning warm from the kiss we shared.

It wasn’t the first time we kissed, but everything that had happened had me on edge, confusing me completely. Putting my emotions into a turmoil that I found no end to.

***

“The duchess will get better in no time,” the doctor explained, making me nod. “She needs to rest and not go out.”

“I’m fine,” Victoria retorted.

“But that wound needs rest,” the doctor pointed at her bandaged body.

“I will make sure she rests well,” I intervened, knowing there would be no ending to this back and forth.

We watched him leave after handing us some medicine recipes Victoria needed to take. Once he was out with the rest, I turned my attention to her.

“Now we have to talk,” I said sternly, making Victoria roll her eyes, then lean on the pillows.

“It’s my fault, I know,” Victoria said dismissively. “My plan was a mistake.” I raised my eyebrows, staring at her.

“But those assassins,” she mumbled.

“They were after me.” I took a seat on the bed.

“No,” Victoria shook her head.

“Huh?” I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“After getting out of the river, I found a cave. The men were looking for me and not you,” Victoria explained. “I heard their conversation while hiding in the cave and afterward on the path that leads to the duchy. So someone I know sent them.” I furrowed my brows.

“Are you suggesting all this was a plan to make me believe that?” I asked, baffled.

“Possibly. I have a hunch who sent them,” Victoria added, eyeing me.

I frowned, realizing whom she was referring to. Then, standing, I stumped out of the room.

“Harold,” I called my assassin knight.

“Duke,” he said, bowing. He seemed nervous.

“Any clues?” I hinted as I stepped into my office. The man followed. He seemed confused.

I looked over my shoulder.

“I asked a question,” I hissed.

“It seems the Kendrick family sent the assassins,” he answered, making me clench.

“Are you sure of this?” I asked. He nodded and pulled something out of his pocket.

“We found this on the dead assassin,” he added, putting the paper on the table. Smudge letters were barely visible.

“Get me more clues,” I ordered as he disappeared.

I grabbed the paper and crumbled it angrily. It seems the Kendrick family seeks war with me. They had no idea with whom they were messing.