Chapter 5

Viviane

 

I must confess I was kind of upset after meeting the duke. Something is off with him, I don't like it. I don't like how he can pull me with his piercing stare. Thankfully, I got the opportunity of a brief meeting with my handsome futre husband his royal office and made the proper presentations with the lords. Later,  I was escorted to the palace and settled in one of the wings next to the royal family.

 

I wanted to stay close to Philip, but my naughty self wanted me to take a sneak peek to his bedroom, but I mustn't. It’s not lady-like to do so.  I’ll have to wait until the wedding night. But we’ll see to that when the time comes. For now, I think he doesn’t suspect I have a crush on him. I’ve been cautious not to confess my true feelings yet.

 

I remember being in a family gathering when my parents received the unexpected visit from Prince Patrick and his wife, Princess Claudia. I was sixteen at the time and when my father told me about their intentions to marry me to the most handsome man on the planet I didn't put up a fight or protest, I was dreaming every girl’s dream to marry a prince.  I was arranging my personal belongings when a certain person invaded my thoughts.

 

Duke Paul Alexander of Valira, is taking space in my head that doesn't belong to him. The man is kind of creepy now that I come to think of him.

 

How his scrutinizing gaze and piercing eyes left me all hot and bothered at the same time. And, I could have sworn, I saw his pupils dilated into pitch black in a flash. Almost undetectable. But how is that even humanly possible? Now that I think of it, this only gave me shivers.

 

“Ugh! My mind must have played tricks with me or the room lighting wasn’t appropriate. What’s wrong with me? I’m going to marry the prince in a few days.”  I threw carelessly face down on the bed. I grabbed a pillow and sank my head in the plush material muffling a frustrating scream. Aware and confused, I'm taken by the overwhelming thought the duke might after me for some reason.

 

Come on Viviane, you are not imagining the things you saw. There are things beyond your comprehension that I’ve been trying to warn you about though you don’t seem to want to listen to me. Said my little inner voice again. She is stubborn, I have to admit.  I did not speak of her to others, much less my kid sister. What would they think of me? They will surely think it is due to the trauma of losing my mother at an early age and I had invented an imaginary friend.

 

“Is impossible what you are suggesting, there is no such thing as mates or soulmates, whatever the name it goes by. The stories you tell me are like the fairy tales my mom read to my sister and me at bedtime. Please, stop putting images of the duke in my head.” I said in exasperation, my hands in front of my face and dragging them down as Harmony kept  invading my mind with things like she was a wolf spirit and that shifters existed. But the most ridiculous part is that she was imprinting on me the idea of the duke being my fated mate.

 

Soon the day turned to night and I was summoned to have dinner with the royal family in the principal dining room. It was a spacious and very formal place to take the meals when important visitors like other royals and dignitaries.  Since I was new here they wanted me to have the complete experience of a royal too.

 

“Tell me darling, are the accommodations of your liking?” Asked my future mother-in-law.

 

“Oh yes, thank you. The view of the gardens is beautiful.” My voice came out in a low pitch, which was odd given my preparation for the role of princess.  I wasn't supposed to look scared. I recognize I’m a bit nervous being this my first time eating surrounded by the royals. Thankfully there weren't many members at the table, just the princesses and the duke.

 

I watched him looking at me suspiciously with the corner of his eyes. Will I ever escape his gaze?

Only that gave me the courage to lift my head and ask my fiancé. “Philip, are we taking the wedding pictures for that socialite publication in the gardens or indoors?” Suddenly all chatting died down and we were the center of the conversation.

 

“Yes, if we have the chance to have good weather, we will be taking the pics in the gardens and near the pool.”

 

“Wonderful!” I clapped my hands.  My voice came out more enthusiastic now.

 

It didn't escape my attention the duke had a tight expression and clenched his jaw at the mention of my photo session for the social section of the favorite local gossip publication.

 

After everyone finished and bid their goodbyes to retreat to their rooms, I found myself alone in one of the terraces. Philip was supposed to take me on a palace tour, at least the wing I was staying on, but he had to take a very important call.

 

“I don’t mind the cold. They say it is good for the lungs.” The truth is that I was indeed freezing and I didn't have a strong sweater or a scarf to put around my shoulders. I found myself caressing my arms to produce a little warm comfort. I tried to compel all my energy to keep my emotions at bay. There is something odd about him and I decided I didn’t want to listen to Little Voice. So, it was just the two of us tonight.

 

“Really, who says that?” I saw him take off his jacket. The duke was looking to have a conversation with me and I was looking for an opportunity to sneak away.

 

“Uhm, common knowledge I guess.” I shrugged my shoulders as I passed close to him. “It was nice talking with you, your Grace. Goodnight.” I bowed and retreated backwards.

 

Just when I thought I was out of his reach, he snatched my wrist in a swift motion and tugged me to him. My hands were pressed to his broad chest, taking account of how delicious his abdominals felt and the compromising position we were.

 

Oh my God, what is happening?

 

“I just want to talk to you. I'm your mate."