The Duke Called It Off

<

>

King George ended his meeting with the governing council of the village. They left the stateroom in two's until they had left the palace entirely. He was leaving the room with one of the guards behind him when he saw his sister at the door.

Fiona scowled at him. She folded her arms and maintained eye contact with him.

"Leave us!" The King said to the guard, without looking at him.

The guard bowed and did as he was told. George watched him as he walked away and entered the room, which led outside the palace. He looked at his sister with his brow furrowed.

"What is it?" He asked sternly.

Fiona didn't reply and entered the room. The King, already used to her tantrums, let out a sigh and followed her. He closed the door partially to its frame and stood behind her.

"What is it, Fiona? Whom shall I send to the dungeon until you let me be?" He asked ironically, in a flat voice.

"When are you going to send her back?" She answered curtly.

"Who are you referring to?" He asked confusingly.

"The Queen, who else? Doesn't it bother you that she can't give you a child that will succeed you after you decide to join Father in the netherworld?" She replied, not hiding her dislike.

George rolled his eyes.

"Why do you have to attack her every time? Don't you have anything else to do than look for flaws in others?" He said annoyingly.

"I'm only doing what you have failed to do. Time is clearly not on your side and you have chosen to be that, that-." She said but was cut off.

"Don't disrespect her. She is still my wife." He replied firmly.

"Oh, please! Those words don't apply to me nor do you uphold those feelings. I'm well aware you had bonked one of the maids and are still doing it with other women. Even Her Majesty is aware of your infidelity." She told him off,

"I had thrown that maid out when I found out; don't think I can't do the same to others and your so-called wife."

"And who made you the judge of my life? Do me a favour and stop trying to be some perfectionist." He said icily, glaring at her.

Fiona hummed. George noticed the aggression she had wasn't for him but it was for someone.

"What happened?" He asked curiously.

"It's nothing." She denied.

"Fiona, I know you. You don't just come to me without having something in mind. So, better talk or continue live with whatever that's bothering you." He said plainly.

Fiona stalled for a few minutes and bit her lips nervously.

"Well, you've made your choice." He said and walked towards the door.

"Williams has ended his relationship with me." She revealed sadly.

George raised his brow surprisingly and looked at his sister. He walked towards her and saw the tears in her eyes.

"He did?" He asked curiously.

Fiona replied in a nod and sniffed.

"He told me that he never liked me nor asked to be part of the nobles. He clearly said to my face that I'm arrogant, rude,-." She said but couldn't complete her sentence. She broke down and hugged her brother.

George rubbed her back as she cried.

"Even after everything I've done for him, this is how he pays me back? I've always knew he couldn't be trusted but you wouldn't believe me." He said openly, disappointed by the outcome.

"Did he give his reasons why he doesn't want you?"

Fiona broke the hug and cleaned the tears off her face. She looked at her brother.

"He said he was married." She mumbled.

George clenched his fist angrily and pursed his lips. Just by his facial expression, Fiona could tell that he was angry.

"I guess this is the thank you I get for helping a man like him. After raising his social status, he abandons you as if you were nothing. I had kicked against this relationship from the start." He expressed furiously.

"But I love him." She pointed out tearfully.

George wrinkled his forehead in confusion.

"Are you that stupid or what?" He asked her sternly.

The door opened and Violet entered unannounced. She looked at the two, feeling edgy. Fiona sneered at her when she saw her. George glanced at Her Majesty.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your discussion, Your Majesty." Violet apologized, without making eye contact.

"Your reason better be valid and of good use to me." He replied frigidly.

"It was reported that some masked men set out in the village last night and killed some of the villagers." She answered.

"Masked men?" He said in disbelief.

"Yes, Your Majesty." She confirmed his doubts.

"And from whom did you get this news from?" He inquired.

"From one of the victims who escaped the attack. He is waiting for you in the throne room." She said.

"Mm!" He hummed and flashed a glance at his sister. He left the room and went to the throne room.

Violet watched him leave and looked at the Princess. She observed that she had been crying through her eyes.

"Are you okay?" She asked anxiously, in a feeble voice.

"It shouldn't bother you." Fiona answered coldly. She walked out of the room and elbowed Her Majesty on her way out.

<

>

Edward hung his clothes on the rail and closed the wardrobe. He turned round and walked towards the bed. He got in and partially covered himself with the blanket. He turned to his side and gazed at his wife curiously.

"What is wrong?" He asked her.

Hilda flashed a glance at him and shook her head.

"It's nothing. I'm fine." She replied airily.

"You are clearly not. I know you and you aren't a good liar. You've been wearing that sad look since dinner." He said softly, concerned about her,

"Did something happen?"

"I'm just worried about Becky." She admitted.

"I should have known." He replied jovially.

"She has been gone for a month and hasn't written to me. Aren't you worried about her?" She asked him keenly, looking at him.

"I am but she is a married woman. She still getting used to this and probably has been busy. She will surely write to you. So you need to stop worrying." He assured her.

"Busy with what?" She asked curiously.

"I don't know but she is okay. Let her enjoy her solace a little. You know how young couples are these days." He said calmly.

Hilda hummed and wore a smile. Edward was pleased her mood had changed and kissed her.

"Try to get some sleep now." He said softly and she nodded. He lay down and glanced at his wife. He smiled at her and turned to his side to turn off the lamp. He did and fell asleep.

Hilda lay down but couldn't sleep. She was still worried about her daughter's well-being.