Chapter 4 Fiance

Chapter 4

Gossip spread quickly throughout the Archduke's estate. Everyone was talking about the woman the Archduke carried in his arms, and the bite and kiss marks on his neck.

"As far as I know, that's the Crown Prince's fiancée. It hasn't been officially announced yet, but word's already out," one maid said while doing laundry.

"I heard the Crown Prince was supposed to ask Miss Lynn for a dance, but she went to the Archduke instead. Do you think something's going on between them?" another whispered.

"There are marks on the Archduke's neck that only someone close could leave. So I think there is. And she's the first woman the Archduke's ever brought here," one replied quietly.

"For me, the two of them suit each other better than the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is cheerful but easily annoyed. If they end up together, it'll always be chaotic. I'd rather it be her and the Archduke. He's calm while Miss Lynn seems a bit mischievous. It's like something out of a novel," another young maid gushed.

One of the other maids furrowed her brows. "Is it true that Miss Lynn has a bad attitude?" she asked in a low voice.

Another maid quickly shook her head. "A friend of mine works for them, and she said it's not true. It's just gossip to ruin her reputation. She only acts cold to servants who don't show any respect," she explained.

"Oi! Oi! That's enough gossip! Get back to work!" the head maid scolded, making everyone fall silent and hurry back to their tasks.

The head maid could only sigh at them.

"Haaah... Things are getting out of hand," she muttered, shaking her head.

It had all started when the Archduke came home bringing none other than the Crown Prince's fiancée with him.

She could only hope the Archduke had a plan for the mess he was stirring up.

Querencia slowly opened her eyes and sat up, rubbing them as she looked around.

She froze when she realized she wasn't in her room.

Where was she? And whose room was this?!

"Miss..."

Her gaze snapped toward the voice. Marina was standing nearby.

"Where are we?" Querencia immediately asked.

Marina came closer. "We're at the Archduke's estate, Miss."

Querencia's jaw dropped.

"W-what?! Wait - where's the Archduke?!" she blurted as she hurried out of bed.

She needed to talk to him.

Marina shook her head. "I don't know, Miss. But he left word for you to eat properly first. He said he'll talk to you at noon," she replied.

Querencia sighed, massaging her temples.

She had no idea what to do next.

They had escaped from her house, and now that she was in the safety of the Archduke's estate... her mind went blank.

She sighed again and stood up. "I'll take a bath first, Marina."

Marina followed behind her, carrying a change of clothes.

"Where'd you get that?" Querencia asked, referring to the clothes as Marina helped her bathe.

Marina looked up briefly before lowering her head. "It's from the Archduke. I think he noticed we didn't have anything else besides money. The Astil destroyed the house we stayed in... and buried all our belongings." Marina seemed troubled, like she had something else to say.

"Is something bothering you, Marina?" Querencia asked. Marina visibly flinched - apparently not expecting her to notice.

Marina bit her lip and cleared her throat. "Uhm... about what happened... I-I didn't know the Astil would get angry if I took their herbs..." she sniffled, her shoulders trembling.

Querencia reached out and patted Marina's shoulder, but the girl suddenly dropped to her knees as if to kiss the wet floor.

"I'm so sorry, Miss! I only took the herb because I thought it could heal any wound! I didn't tell you because I was afraid you'd be disgusted! Please forgive me!" she cried, her head lowered.

Querencia remembered how she herself had said she was grossed out by the swamp water - but Marina still should've told her what she was doing. She understood Marina only wanted to help, but it was still reckless to act alone.

She sighed. "I understand you, Marina. But you have to tell me everything you plan to do - especially if it concerns me. I don't want us to end up in that kind of situation again. Understand?" she asked, giving Marina a sidelong glance.

Marina quickly nodded, wiping her tears. "Y-yes, Miss. I understand," she sniffled.

Querencia patted her head. "Good. Now, help me get cleaned up. I need to look decent when I face the Archduke."

Marina suddenly frowned. "Miss... do you like the Archduke?" she asked, and Querencia immediately choked on her own spit.

Sure, the Archduke was handsome - but she didn't like him!

She let out a long sigh. "I don't even know what 'like' means, Marina. But if the Archduke isn't on my side... I'll die," she said seriously.

It was true. Only he had the power to save her.

From what she remembered, the Crown Prince and the Archduke were sworn enemies - never getting along since childhood.

She snapped her head to the side when Marina gasped.

"M-Miss... are you falling in love?!" Marina asked in shock - which startled Querencia too.

"It's fine if you fall for the Archduke, but what about the Crown Prince?" Marina's eyes widened.

Querencia scowled. "I couldn't care less about that Crown Prince. I need the Archduke."

"Ehehe... Don't worry, Miss. I'll do everything I can to win the Archduke's heart for you," Marina grinned like a mischievous puppy.

"I won't let you down."

"Your Highness, Miss Lynn has arrived," the guard announced from outside the Archduke's dining hall. It was already noon when she arrived.

The guard opened the door. "Please come in, Miss Lynn," he said politely.

Querencia stepped inside and saw the Archduke eating at the table.

Wow. He invited her to lunch and didn't even bother looking at her.

And to think she looked good today. Tsk.

She secretly pouted and bowed. "Good morning, My Lord. Thank you for inviting me for lunch," she greeted politely before taking a seat, a maid pulling the chair out for her. The maids filled her plate too - and the sight of steak instantly made her mouth water. It was one of her favorites.

"You may leave," the Archduke ordered, making Querencia glance at him.

The maids bowed and calmly left the room.

Once they were alone, Querencia turned her gaze back to the food.

It looked delicious.

She cut a bite-sized piece of steak and popped it into her mouth. The flavor exploded inside - so good it felt like she'd ascended to heaven.

But then she remembered something:

She had dreamed of eating steak before - one so tough her teeth couldn't bite into it, and so tasteless no matter how much she sucked on it.

"Miss Querencia Loretta Lynn. The only daughter of Baron Lynn," the Archduke suddenly called out her full name, making her stiffen.

He stopped stabbing his food and looked up, his intense gaze locking onto hers.

The atmosphere turned heavy.

She was only now realizing this was his territory.

She swallowed nervously and forced herself to speak. "Uhm... I didn't know that was your land, My Lord. My maid and I just got lost while running from the Astil," she explained as calmly as she could.

His brow furrowed deeper. "Got lost? And how would a noble lady like you end up lost in a dangerous forest? Tell me the truth, Miss Lynn."

She bit her lip, nearly tearing up at the pressure from his aura.

Swallowing hard, she looked down, debating if she should tell him.

"Uhm... uh... because... I... um..." she stammered.

The Archduke sighed, which only made her more anxious.

"Miss Lynn," he called again. "I'll send a letter to the Baron and-"

"Please! Don't do that! Fine, I'll talk! I ran away because I don't want to marry that Crown Prince!" she yelled, cutting him off mid-sentence.

The Archduke looked startled.

And so was she.

She clamped a hand over her mouth. She was so dead.

This was all her 'wonderful' father's fault for deciding her whole life.

The Archduke suddenly stood and walked past her - but she grabbed his arm.

"My Lord! Please, forgive me-"

She lost her balance and, to her horror, toppled forward.

"Fck!"

She landed right on top of the Archduke, who fell on the floor beneath her.

Thank God she landed on him - or it would've hurt a lot more.

"Get off me," he muttered, as if she weighed a ton.

She was light, thank you very much!

"Now, Miss Lynn," he said, authoritative as ever.

But she didn't move. He might leave again.

She braced her arms on either side of him. "No! Please listen, My Lord! Since I got lost here, I might as well use this chance! Don't kill me yet - I'm still young-"

"You're already 25," he cut in.

She covered his mouth with her hand. Why was he interrupting her lines?!

She took a deep breath. "I'm still young!" she huffed, blushing.

"And!" her bold face softened, along with her voice. "I need someone powerful to break off this unwanted, forced engagement, My Lord. And that's you. That's why I came to you," she nearly cried.

The Archduke removed her hand. "Hah. How bold of you."

Suddenly, he grabbed the back of her neck and - the world spun.

The next thing she knew, the cold floor was against her back.

To Be Continued...