He closed his eyes and exhaled sharply, enjoying the warmth of her tender hand to his face. "I do not. If I did, I wouldn't be marrying her, would I?""Do not think me a fool or one oblivious to how you address her with such distance. You did not treat your mistresses with as much distance as you treat her." Charles almost scoffed. What did she know about his past mistresses? She touched his shoulder. "You do not hate her nor do you share affection with her." She stated.He didn't reply. It was known to all that his relationship with Lady Cossington was simply for power and to honour his Father's wish, to do his Father's bidding. For the sake of dignity and his Father's honour, he had remained engaged to her for four years.Four years! Charles thought. It had been long enough. He had postponed it enough in the hopes that he would finally get a reason, whatever it may be, to not live by the wish of his father. Or maybe deep down, he hoped that the Cossingtons would ask that the engagem

"Very well then." To the serving maids, he nodded for them to proceed.And they did, placing first a large portion of cold meat on each plate, making Beth's eyes bulge. Then came the cheese, bread, mashed potatoes and dried tomatoes. They poured coffee for the Duke and upon request, tea for Beth, before bowing and leaving the room.Beth exhaled. "I never imagined this to be your breakfast."In the process of picking up his cutlery, he paused. "Why? Is it not to your liking?" He looked at her plate. "I can ask for a fresh plate for you."Quickly she objected. "No no. By my words, I meant that your breakfast is to a certain degree… heavy." His eyebrow hitched. She looked at the plate and again at him. "If I eat like this everyday, I'm afraid I'll become lazy. God forbid I become slothful, or worse, fat." She raised her head in time to catch the slight twitch of his lips.He picked his cutlery and began to cut away at the meat. "Breakfast is my most important meal. Much obliged to than a

Beth was regretting it. Agreeing to the visit, she was regretting it. She hadn't agreed to it. She was forced into it, coaxed into it, emotionally blackmailed into it.As he had promised, the Duke arrived at Rosethorn Hill at dawn, and without a moment to spare, her Aunt shoved them into the waiting carriage, bidding them farewell, telling them to enjoy the moments as they came. Gwen and Lucy were beyond themselves with joy, which irked Beth to the highest heavens. She wished they would stop for a moment and see how manipulative the Duke was.The carriage ride to the Castle was quiet and tense. Except for the snickers and occasional giggles from the younger girls, Beth felt like she had walked into a dark tunnel and as the ride became longer, the feeling only increased, the tunnel quickly becoming one without an end. When he looked at her, she had quickly thanked him for his invitation - forced as it had been - and settled into a corner. Occasionally, Gwen – or Lucy – would tap or sho

Alexander forcefully nudged him. "Whatever made you think I have my eyes on her?"Charles rubbed down his aching shoulder. "The few seconds it took to look away from her." He deadpanned. "Your overstated compliments? Your insincere attention? Need I go on? Stay away from them.""You misinterpret my intent. All I spoke on was her beauty."Charles turned to him. "Best to leave it so."Alexander raised an eyebrow, eyes locked on his. None spoke, both battling for victory, one with exalted position and status, the other, with age. Their body stature gave both leverages, for though an inch shorter than Alexander, Charles was bigger, and without the smile on his face, he was fiercer. But Alexander commanded him. For though friends, their status has done well to set them apart and one under the other. After a few moments, the lips of the King pulled slightly to the right, the silence was broken. "Careful Carlisle," He warned with a drawl. "You are a step away from treason."Charles fisted hi

She needed no reminders from him, for she remembered how long ago that was. She remembered how her brother had tried his very best to help everyone forget it all, remembered all the unfortunate things that resulted from the events, remembered how his family had humiliated hers. She doubted she would ever forget. And she would never be with him. "Not even if you were the last man in the world." She declared to his face.He didn't look a bit annoyed. "Are you certain? I will be good to you. And I could find a worthy husband for your sister." Beth scoffed. "How about a rendezvous tonight?" He touched her."I think not!" She slapped his hand away from her arm and made to walk away.He grabbed her wrist. "I think so.""Let go of me!""Lady Beth_""Lord of Sorway!" Someone called. They turned.The Duke of Carlisle stood at a distance, hands behind him, the Prince at his side. They walked towards them, feet engaging themselves firmly against the floor, shoes tapping lightly against it. For r