Chapter two
The bartender pushed her out and yelled, anger impinged in his voice, "Next time, do not come to my store if you can't pay for what you drink!"
Monica staggered and leaned against a wall, eyeing the man ruefully, "Curses! I have money…all of it. You pesky little..."
Before she completed her sentence, the man slammed the door, disgusted by her drunken state. As far as he knew, the women of England did not go around dressed in trousers and boots, not to talk of being drunk.
Monica frowned and swallowed, returning her gaze to her path. The lane seemed to dance erratically and divide into three, "Foolish English. You all think you are so smart. When I get my duchy back, you'll see."
She stopped walking and stared into darkness, her eyes shutting slowly and tiredly, just before she surrendered to the arms of unconsciousness.
***
"I know he will be as good as father," Anna Forland said to the duchess as they stared down at Philip through the window.
Her mother grinned, "I believe. He has a lot to learn though. And maybe when he comes of age, he'll bring me a wife who'll replace me."
Anna's eyes lit immediately, "Well my brother hasn't spoken to a woman in his life. In that case, I have a friend, the Viscount's daughter. I'm sure he'll like her."
Rebecca smiled at her son who had been clearly busy getting acquainted with politics lately, "You see to it."
***
Philip tried his best to listen to his father's secretary without falling asleep. It even surprised him how he was being successful at that, given how much the talk bored him.
Brooke Hayman continued his lecture, "As a Duke, you will have a lot to think of. Most especially, taking care of those places under your care. Given your age, I'll be your personal mentor till you learn all you need to."
Philip almost yawned at that. And then he realized he wasn't going to last long being awake while Brooke spoke. At the same time, he knew this was serious business, and sooner or later, the entire empire was going to be his.
At that realisation, he rubbed his eyes and gave the man half of his attention. Just half, writing down the points he felt were important.
His friends however watched him from afar, especially Earl who understood the severity of the situation, "I wonder when next he'll join us out."
From the looks of it though, it wasn't going to be anytime soon.
***
"I cannot believe it!" Monica said with her hands yanking on her hair, "The Duke is dead. His son is taking over," she began pacing up and down happily, "This… is great news."
Her mother could not help but give her a glare, "So how does this cure our hunger Monica?"
The younger lady turned quickly, smiling brighter than she'd done in a long time, "Don't you understand? The new Duke is quite young, charming and very vulnerable. And most especially, " she swirled with pride while waving her red hair, "He'll be searching for a duchess. Young and beautiful. If I could get there, I may make him return our Scottish lands to us!"
The whole extended family gawked at her, eyes that clearly expressed their thoughts.
Nathan, her eldest brother, was the only one kind enough to explain further, "Well you and befitting have nothing to do with each other. Who will want a lifetime criminal for a wife?"
Monica glowered at that and retorted, "Unless you want to tell him that. Don't you see a chance of finally getting what's rightfully ours Nathan. Unless you have another plan!"
Miranda, youngest of all, gave a sigh of frustration, "She's right. We do not belong in this sort of life. Imagine our mansion back at Scotland."
Monica shook her head, looking at her entire family, then at the empty wooden table, "I will put food on that table tonight and I promise that. Very soon, it's going to be permanent."
***
The to-be Duke looked at the massive empire, soon to be his to manage. He was afraid, that he confessed, about if he was going to be efficient or a bag of filth.
Walking through the double doors, he got a wider view of the building, and a greater portion of the fear. Dark green tiles, golden chandeliers, foreign designs and sculptures everywhere. Obviously, the last thing on his mind now was finding a duchess, mainly because he had no one in mind.
A sudden hand gripped his arm excitedly. Looking down, he found his younger sister staring at him with those eyes that meant she was up to something.
"I have a friend I'd like you to meet," Anna Forland said with her hand fan up in the air.
Coming from his world of thoughts, Philip replied automatically, "Oh… Alright."
She escorted him through the living room to her own chamber. Her brother stopped at the sight of a very fair blonde, her innocent grey eyes searching the house.
Anna announced, "Meet Elizabeth, daughter of the Viscount of Mareda," she then turned to the lady and beamed just as bright, "And Elizabeth, meet my brother, the Duke."
Elizabeth Aflong curtsied slightly, "Your Grace. It is an honour."
Philip smiled genuinely, looking down at her, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
She curtsied again. At that, Philip nodded and walked away, sending a smile to his mother as he did.
The duchess made sure Philip took a full exit before she declared, "I think he likes you."
Elizabeth smiled sweetly. Well that was easy.
***
She crouched under the table, looking up now and then to make sure she was alone. Retrieving her bag, she quickly began picking some loaves of bread into it, right before she went for the fruits.
A voice startled her, "You thief! What are you doing?!"
Monica flung the bag over her shoulder and broke into a run, turning moments later to find half a dozen men running after her, determination on their faces.
Adopted to the life of escape, she hopped over a barrel and rolled over a rope, clutching the bag right. She sighted two men some distance in front of her and realised this was not going to be easy. She did not want to go to the cells again.
Jumping high up, she hit one on the face with her right fist and dashed further, noticing the men had stopped following her, most likely out of surprise.
"Let her go my friend. Taking her to prison again won't change anything. That's how born thieves are," she heard one say.
Monica Maitland slammed the door, panting and facing her big family, "I told you I would put food out tonight," then threw the bag at them, "here…eat up. There is enough for everyone."
Moving out of the house again, she made it to the woods, her thoughts going sadistic. The words she'd heard, "That's how born thieves are." Somehow, it made her rethink everything and seethe in pain, tears forming in her eyes. It was not her fault they lacked what they needed to live. Even she hated the fact she had to steal for it.
She would get her property back, that she vowed. And then prove to them she's not a thief. If only there was a way to meet the Duke.
***
Rebecca opened the mahogany door to find Philip playing a harp, "Here I was thinking you would be out with the boys. What are you doing up here alone in your room?"
Philip stopped making the music, staring at the strings, "I have better things to do than being out with the boys, mother."
The pain in his voice was evident, making his mother sigh and take a seat right beside him on the bed, "The son that I know would never prefer this to having a clash with Earl. What's wrong?"
Philip replied calmly, his eyes never shifting from the instrument even once, "My life would just have to be like this from now on. Right now, all I talk about is politics and duchy, maybe do it till the devil casts a Halo."
"There's fun in dukedom, my dear. You just have to make it yourself," Rebecca said with a confused smile.
Philip shook his head, pushing himself up from the bed and looking out the window, "The main problem here is that I do everything by myself. I am alone in this. The life I pictured was filled with archery, hunting, swordfight, fishing, not sitting all day having meetings and signing contracts like father used to do."
Rebecca stared down at her skirt and realized he was right. But she smiled afterwards, a reassuring tone in her speech, "A Duchess will lighten your mood."
"Getting married mother, really!" Philip frowned, "That is the last thing on my mind at the moment. Besides, I know no woman!"
His mother grasped his words, using them perfectly to her advantage, "How about Elizabeth Aflong? You've met her isn't it. I'd really like it if you'd consider…"
"You like her, mother," Philip asked.
His mother rushed to her feet with a wide grin, "Oh yes, my dear. And I'm sure you would too. She is pretty nice," she stole a sight of her son's expression before concluding, "maybe you could talk to her."
Philip faced her suddenly, "Then I will marry her, mother, since you like her."
"But do you," Rebecca asked reasonably.
He chuckled immediately, "I just met her. I can't tell. But you are a woman, my mother. You know what's best for me, aren't I correct?"
She smiled warmly, feeling his face gently with her hand, "That's my boy. How do you see a betrothal three days for now, the same day you are announced Duke. That will be the perfect party."
He faked a smile and looked down at her, "Anything mother."
Immediately, she grinned and left him in privacy.
Everybody looked so happy for him. If only he could just as well. A Duchess?
Except he knew nobody, he would have loved someone just like himself, trained with weapons and a soul like fire. But England did not seem to have those kind of women, did it?
Chapter threeKicking stones aimlessly, she walked home in the dark. The last few days had been useless, with series of thefts and daydreaming about being a Savage duchess just to help her family survive once more. Horse steps made her look left, sighting Messengers on strong, black horses throwing scrolls around.From what she knew, they looked like invitations when she picked them up. But the event was what worsened the rest of her night. FROM THE FORLAND EMPIRE…The rest of the letter made her tear the scroll in pieces, rushing home before she snapped angrily in public.When she slammed the door and faced her family, they all had faces of mockery on.Nathan seemed angry, but forced a grin on, "Ah! There you are sister. We are so sorry. Seems your only plan of getting our home back failed. He's already found a duchess, soon to be wed.""I saw the invitation," she snarled at them, "And besides, they aren't married yet, are they?"Then she left for her room, ignoring the errat
Chapter fourPeople chatted and glasses clinked, typical English style. Philip watched the people downstairs and held his hand out for Elizabeth. She looked at him, in a dark blue velvet suit embroidered with gold patterns, just before she placed her hand in his, "You look splendid."He smiled slightly and stared at her, "You're perfect."With one last breath, they both descended the spiral staircase, all eyes turning to them.All the chatter and clinking of glasses stopped just as a footman announced the procession of the Duke and his betrothed.The couple faced the people, the male with a slight bow and the lady with a curtsy. What excited everybody most was the youth of the two. Fresh and beautiful. The smiles on their faces confirmed their approval already.Moments later, a slow dance began. With Elizabeth in his arms, Philip still had his thoughts straying, looking around for the Scottish damsel, although he did not know what to expect.***A foot stepped through the double door
Chapter five"I will not go mad because of a woman," Philip commanded himself, frowning at Earl who was still smiling amusingly, "besides, it might all be a joke.""A secret admirer sending you love letters is not a prank your Grace. She loves you," Earl teased again.Philip opened his mouth in shock, "Are you mad? I am going to get married to Elizabeth soon."The mood of the room seemed to change, Philip noticed.Peter watched his friend in pity and confessed, "To be honest, none of us wants you to marry that girl. You are lifeless already. She is just going to add to your boredom."Philip sighed, that was true. "She's the only one on the list Peter," he noticed Earl open his mouth to speak, but interrupted sternly, "And no Scottish damsel."The Marquess grinned knowingly.Suddenly...the mansion became noisy as they heard people shouting fiercely. Well that startled Jason, "You are a Duke Philip. You sit here and people barge into your home like this behaving like animals."Philip n
Chapter six"Shut up you foolish girl," cried her mother, "That was the last thing I had of him!"Monica watched her mother in disbelief, "What else do you have to do with the man who did not just betray you and along with his allies, took your home away from you?"Miriam Maitland frowned at her first daughter, shock overcoming all her emotions, "You think love ends that easily Monica? Are you that inconsiderate that you had to give the necklace back to his son?"The younger lady laughed angrily, "I have a reason. With that piece of jewelry, I can get your dignity and property back," then she glowered, "and maybe teach that Viscount's daughter a big lesson!""Is that all you think of? Revenge," her mother snarled, "Monica I loved that man and you have no right to hurt his family."Monica smiled at her, eyeing her mother with hatred clearly in her eyes, "So you never loved father?"Miriam shook her head blatantly, "He was a very bad person."Her daughter immediately made a threatening
Chapter sevenThe air was bright and peaceful, filled with the exotic scent of water and trees.To Raymond, it was a beautiful day.To Earl however, it was the worst he had ever had. Moments before, he pictured knocking Monica off her feet in the first strike, claiming victory and rubbing her ignorance in her face.Now however, he was perspiring more than he expected, flinging his sword continuously to avoid the lady's strikes.The Scottish had a smile on the whole time though she became just as tired. With one final strike, she leaned her sword on Earl's, keeping it there and pressing her weight on it. The Marquess shivered , unable to move his blade away."If you ask me My Lord, you are quite an amateur in this," Monica teased boldly.Earl returned the grin with his usual charm and wit. Almost immediately though, he frowned and snarl his retort, "Well I did not ask you, did I?"Raymond Louis still felt the day was beautiful. Along with the others, he lay on the grass, watching the
Chapter eightAnna Forland watched Elizabeth helplessly.The aura of the room was tense and confusing. Her shock kept her still, not even able to console Elizabeth who was crying an ocean before her.How could the Viscount of Mareda die so suddenly?Carol Garlesh however had the blonde wrapped in her arms, consoling her slowly with pity in her eyes and voice, "It's alright my love. Stop crying."The lady in her arms looked up at her, her eyes sore from tears. Her voice came out as a faint whisper, "He was my father," she stated, as though nobody knew that.The Duchess just stood there as well. Mother and daughter seemed confused, unaware of something befitting to do. Somehow they wanted to cry too but the news was as good as unbelievable.Elizabeth had barged into the empire like a runaway bride, with her ankle length dress hovering above her feet, tears pouring from her eyes.Her Coachman followed afterwards when he noticed the lady was too broken to say a word to the Forlands.He ha
Chapter nine"How could you be so relaxed after my brother's death?" Miriam asked rather demandingly.Monica clenched her jaw, her eyes up to the ceiling in thought. Slowly, she faced her mother, "Oh I'm not relaxed. I'll make sure Elizabeth suffers for this.""And you are so sure she killed her father because?""Ahhhh! She helped kill mine when she was still about six years old. Why don't you think she could kill hers now?"Without waiting for an answer, the younger lady walked away, cooking up new plans in her head. She knew she could make Elizabeth lose her mind without even touching her, and Philip was that way.To her, it was going to be a memorable one, as long as Philip was in the picture. Philip! She groaned greedily, loosening her red hair so it fell down her back. What a different type of elegance he had. Automatically, her mind drifted to the dance.She remembered how she trailed off when she saw him for the first time. His eyes were a magnificent shade of amber, with dar
Chapter tenNormally, the rich were independent of the poor, and sometimes even turned them to part of their wealth.But when that unfortunate moment came that the cream would need help from the less affluent, it normally stirred confusion.But to Monica, it was amusing instead. She tilted her head with a grin while she watched the men, "Oh my…"Absent mindedly, she threw the bag of money back to Braxton and curtsied for the millionth time, "Well I am at your service.""You will have to join us to the empire," Peter informed her.And that was when she realized she had no horse. And what a pleasant idea she thought of then, "Can I ride with you my Lord," she asked while facing the Earl of Vetcom.Instantly, Jason huffed and pulled the straps of his animal, riding away from all of them. Well that made the lady smile in satisfaction.But then her stare travelled to a footman riding behind the Monarchs. How dare he be on a horse while she was looking for one!"Get down," she commanded.Th