Arabella
Rowan didn't say anything about my bracelet anymore, I wondered what was so special about it, I had always wore it, even when my dad wanted to sell it because we were running low on cash, I refused, I didn't know why as of that moment but I didn't want to part with it, it felt special.
We are currently laying on the bed, well... He already said he wasn't going to touch me, so we just laid together and I was staring at the ceiling, I couldn't sleep, mostly cause I slept throughout the day.
I was going to ask Rowan about his family, I wanted to know about my in laws at least, even though I had a feeling they didn't want me there, but they don't seem to like Rowan either.
"She isn't your mother, is she?" I asked, my tone somewhat low, I didn't know if he was asleep yet.
"How did you come to that conclusion?" He asked, I have noticed something about Rowan, he normally answers a question with another question.
I find it annoying.
"The way she looks at you, like... She's not your mother... My opinion tho" I said turning to look at him but his gaze was on the ceiling.
"She isn't, mine died years ago" Rowan replied and I nodded.
"I don't like the way your brother's wife looks at you" I said again, eager to keep the conversation going.
"I would be surprised if you do" Rowan replied and a small chuckle escape my throat.
It fell silent again for a while, I had another question but I couldn't bring myself to speak, the question tugged at my lips.
"Aren't you scared of rumours about you getting married to a poor girl?" I finally let it slip, the silence was long so I didn't know if he was asleep already.
When I got no reply from him I turn my head to know if he was actually sleeping. "I don't care about rumors" his voice came almost immediately.
"Ohhh.." I said pressing my lips into a thin line, that was valid, there has been lots of rumors about him after all.
The silence stretched on and i didn't know how to continue the conversation, so I remained quiet.
I didn't know when I fell asleep or how long it took before I dozed off but the sound of my name made me open my eyes slowly.
I saw Rowan standing beside me, he was already dressed and ready to leave.
"Good morning" I said and got up from the bed.
"Meet me outside immediately, you'll have a bath when we get to my manor" he said and he didn't wait for my response before walking out.
I let out a sigh, at least he wasn't forcing me to do anything I didn't want to do.
I met Rowan outside, he hasn't gotten into the carriage but someone was with him, it's his brother's wife, I frowned when I saw how close she was to my husband.
I may clearly not like him but she is married and so is Rowan, she should keep her distance.
I walked over to them and cleared my throat, she gave me a deep frown, if looks could kill, I would be dead by now.
"We would leave now, tell Dad I can't stay for breakfast" Rowan said formally and helped me into the carriage.
She looked like she was going to retort but Rowan entered the carriage too and she sealed her lips.
The carriage started moving and I turned to Rowan, he was looking through some papers in his hands.
His face was pale and his eyes clearly showed he hasn't been sleeping well.
The silence between us was awkward, Normally I would be the one to prefer silence over unnecessary chattering but right now I wanted to talk to him, get his attention at least.
"Does your brother know?" I asked and he paused but didn't look at me.
"Know what?" He asked and I sighed.
"That his wife is interested in you" I said, I wasn't a fool, I could clearly see the way she looks at him, it's the same way Rhea-my best friend looks at the owner of a dress shop close to my father's place.
She has been head of heels for him but he wasn't interested, much like Rowan.
Though the owner of the dress shop already told me he adores me but I couldn't accept, I didn't like him plus I couldn't betray Rhea.
"I don't care" he replied.
"You don't care about a lot of things, do you?" I said but he didn't reply.
The rest of the ride went on like that till we got to his manor.
Evelyn was already waiting for me when I got down, she led me to my residence while Rowan and his personal guard who I have come to hate so much followed behind him.
"Where is the Duke headed too?" I asked Evelyn and she blinked.
"The crown Prince is waiting for the Duke, he arrived very early immediately he came back from the front line" Evelyn informed.
"Are they close?" I asked again as we got to my residence.
"Yes, they have been friends since they were kids, the Duke's mom and the queen were friends" Evelyn replied and I nodded.
We got in and she helped prepare my bath, after changing, I didn't know what to do, Evelyn already left to take care of some other things and I was left with myself.
If I was still with in my father's cottage, I would be helping my mom with breakfast or helping my dad feed the animals.
I bit my lips at the thought my parents, I knew things were hard and my dad was drowning in debts but that gave them no right to sell me off.
I was mad at them.
I was tired of staying indoors so my residence to take a while, I came across a garden and I chose to go look at it.
I hope I am not lost, this Manor is huge.
"Did you see the Duke's wife?" I heard a little whisper and I turned, seeing some maids walking towards me.
I quickly hid behind some trees, I wanted to hear what they have to say.
"Yes I did, she is so tiny and she looks really poor, I wondered why the Duke chose to marry her even though all the noble ladies in the kingdom are after him" another said and a string pulled at my heart.
"I know right? I don't even know where he picked her from" the first one said.
"Probably from the gutters" the second reply and they burst into laughter.
I felt tears whelled up in my eyes, I didn't know it would hurt this much, they weren't entirely wrong, even I wondered why he decided to marry me.
"It seems you have been so free for you both to gossip" a voice made me snap towards the maids direction.
It was Rowan and an equally tall man was standing beside him, he had brown hair with jade green eyes, he was handsome too but Rowan was better.
"Duke. your highness" the maids greeted at the same time, fear visible in their faces.
"You don't speak about my wife like that" Rowan said, his voice deep laced with anger I supposed.
"We're sorry" they said together, visible shaking.
"Avain" Rowan said and I could swear the guard came out of nowhere, I hadn't noticed him.
"Come with me" he said to the maids and their hands shook as they left with Avain then Rowan turned to my direction and I flinched.
He saw me.