She was only a kid at that time, her memory was not clear but she could recall bits of it.
The first time he encountered Duke Raziel was when they were still kids.
She remembered her father took her with him to the palace for a tea party held by the empress.
And that time, all the children of the nobles were all gathered to play together by the gardens.
"Ouch!" Yelled a child in pain, glaring at Lady Vienna. She was pulling the child's hair as a joke until the child got enough.
"Vienna is pulling my hair!"
"We won't want to play with you, hmp." running away from her, all the noble kids left her alone. Tsk...then don't! she thought. She left and headed far towards a tree. She'll just read a book then.
Sitting on a tall tree, she stopped when she realized that there was a child behind her. the person had his eyes closed and was actually sleeping. He was wearing a black coat so his head was covered with the coat's hood. He also had a mask on his face, covering half of his face, including his nose and mouth...
And his eyes were the only thing she could see. With the sudden noise, his eyes snapped open, revealing his blazing and bloody red orbs.
Her mouth was snapped shut as she stared at him. She found herself lost in his eyes. They seemed like a jewel....like ruby...and she found it strange that such eyes existed. They seemed fake like they asked for an artisan to craft it and place it on the man's eyes.
He was handsome for sure....and It felt like time stopped. The wind blew her hair and the leaves fell.
She heard a sound of a sword getting unsheathed and the next thing she knew, the person was pointing it at her neck.
"Who are you? Speak now." She was frozen. The boy was speaking to her. She snapped to reality when the man asked again. "Tell me, who sent you to kill me?" This time, drawing the sword closer to her neck.
The lady gulped, What is happening?
But then she remembered who she was. She was fuming mad! How could this boy draw a sword to a kid? How gentlemanly of him!
He looked at her with a blank expression. "Oh...just a kid with no manners."
"Excuse me, but you're a kid too. I think you are the one with no manners. Who would dare point a sword to a lady you just met?" She fired back. This man is getting on her nerves.
"You disturbed my sleep, miss. This is my spot." The man said, firmly before sighing. Standing up, he stretched his body. Without a word he was about to walk away and leave her when she shouted at him. For a kid, he seems mature, he looks tall and a year older than her. But it's strange for a kid to have a knife with him.
You know what, I take back what I said about his eyes. His attitude does not justify his face. She thought to herself.
"Well, I was going to read here."
"Why here? Go play with the other kids."
"No, I don't want to. They hate me, and I hate them. Hmp, it's their loss."
"Psh, pitiful."
"You're so rude, once I tell my brother how rude you are, you're dead." She stuck her tongue at him.
He patted her head, she blushed. "That's great. Well...my father is dead..."
She felt a bit sad. "Oh...do you need a new father? I won't share my father, but I can offer friendship. " Offering her hand for him to shake, she said, "I'm Lady Vienna Estelle Thaleia Xaviera. You can call me Estelle. How about you?"
"I'm...Raziel..."
***
That was the end of her memory. Even when he was still a kid, he had always been that cruel and intimidating. If there is one thing that Lady Vienna could describe him, Duke Raziel Valen Donovan was cruel.
He was a force to be reckoned with based on the book.
The said Duke was always wearing a mask to cover part of his face because he hides his ugly scar somewhere on the cheek. They said he was a beast, and the strongest....but she was not informed that he had recently been a part of the emperor's army.
Besides, their families were not allies, but they were also not enemies as they were the only two grand dukes of the whole kingdom of Orthosdem Imperium. But there is a bit of competition happening.
Of course, the most who yields power in this kingdom is the Holy Priest tied up with the Royalty. Next are the nobles, third are commoners.
The Xaviera Family is represented with a snake seal who ruled the entire land of Creneia. Their business consists of mines, stores, jewelry, and had a territory from Creneia up to the east side.
On the other hand, the Donovan Family is represented with an eagle seal and ruled the land of Xynnar. They are also competitive with their businesses like silk trade, shops, and libraries, with territories passing the border down the south.
Duke Raziel Valen Donovan had just recently taken over his father's position as a duke as it was reported that his parents passed away during a business trade. Considering the fact the newly appointed duke did not have siblings, he's surely alone.
Heading to get her horse, Stellan, she saw him at the stables, drinking some water.
She had to be back before dinner time. That was the rule. She could feel her stomach rumbling from hunger, when she arrived, she immediately went straight to the dining room where her father was sitting by the head table, her mother sitting on his left, and her older brother sitting on his right. Father saw her and she sent him a sheepish smile.
"Hello, father and mother. I apologize for not making it on time." She said, bowing a bit and seated beside her brother. Her brother sent her a concerned look. His bright green eyes and red hair were almost identical to his sister. They were even mistaken as twins, and Lady Vienna was often called the female version of his brother.
Her father, Duke Xaviera was an intimidating man. His hair was gray and his eyes were red, with dark bags under them. He looked at her with his sharp eyes. "Make this a warning, Vienna. You broke our rules. Just because you are our only daughter does not mean that I am not going to tolerate this next time." He said.
She nodded. "Of course father. I never meant to make you worry. It was my mistake and I'll never do it again."
Her father's eyes softened, he sighed. "We were just worried for you. Remember that you are an unmarried lady. We tolerate you stalking the prince every day but I don't want to see you getting hurt. You're my daughter, and I take pride in you, but you have to be careful, my child." He spoke to her softly.
"I understand, father." She said She's happy that at least, she is blessed with this kind of family.
Her mother held her hand from across the table. "We are not angry at you, we know you are a responsible child. But I wish you'd stop hanging around the crown prince. There's nothing good that will come considering our family is not allies with them."
She nodded. She was not stalking the prince...she was out from the Rouge Guild...she stayed silent, guessing it's better to leave it like that. They'll think it's strange if she suddenly stopped stalking him.
Ascending the stairs and heading to her room, her personal maid, Roxy, was waiting for her the moment she entered, she threw herself at her with tears in her eyes. "My lady!"
She rolled her eyes. She let her in her arms as she sniffed her snot. Eww. Offering the maid one of her handkerchiefs, she gently pushed her away. "I'm home now, stop being dramatic, Roxy."
She sniffed on her handkerchief. "What would I do if her lady were to disappear? That was dangerous! I thought you only wanted to greet Titus! You should have informed me that you had other plans!”
The lady had a crude personality, and she knows it. But out of everyone, including her friends, Roxy was the only one who could talk to her like this. She considers her as a friend and not a mere maid since they grew up together. Of course, it's also the same with Titus.
Patting her back lightly, she faced her. "As much as I appreciate your worry, I am too tired to deal with this right now. Let me take a rest."
"Of course my lady. How inconsiderate of me."
She looked around. “Where’s Titus?”
“The emperor had asked for them to stay for the night. A feast was held for them and right now, they are still celebrating, my lady.” Roxy replied.
I see...she felt a bit sad, but she’ll have to wait tomorrow to talk to Titus then…
The lady asked her maid to prepare her bath for her to relax. Roxy did as she told and added rose essential oils.
"Hmm... this day was...chaotic..." she thought as she lay on the tub. She felt her stiff and tense muscles now turning soft. She exhaled.
She glanced at the book that the mysterious man gave her. She has to find him soon, she has a lot of questions in her head that need to be answered!
She stayed there for half an hour or so, planning on what to do tomorrow. After that, she wore her silk lacy white pajamas to bed. She slumped on her soft queen-sized mattress.
"Hah! What a long day!" She exclaimed, smiling from underneath her pillows. She dug her head more underneath, engulfing herself in the sweet homely smell of her room.
"What a long day indeed." Someone spoke up near her.
She stopped. Roxy was already settled in her room. But the voice was deep. Could it be Titus? But Titus never entered her bedroom without her permission...
Couldn't it be..no. no. no
Removing the pillow on her lead, Lady Vienna was shocked to see a male figure sitting on her large open window.
"Who are you?" She asked, although knowing what the answer is. She sneakily grabbed her sword just beside her.
The man stood up, giving her a clear view of himself as the moonlight escaped the window. Of course, it was Duke Raziel with his mask disguised as Dillon. The sight was magnificent.
"Why are you here?" Her trembling hand hid the sword she held behind her. Her every cell was shaking, but she held up. The man had a sword in his hand so it's obvious what he wants to do with her.
The man took a single step towards her. "Oh, I won't harm you. I just came here to settle some matters with you, Lady Vienna."
"My knight is outside, if you happen to try something weird, one scream and they'll come here. I suppose you are aware of that?" It’s a lie. Titus is still at the palace… She's trying to buy time at this point. "But I have a chance to fight with you, I took your mask, after all." Standing up, she faced her attacker.
"Oh, but it won't take a second. It'll be quick and easy if you cooperate with me." The duke said. "I came here to kill you." In a quick second, he swung his sword on her and she fought back. She was strong, but the strength of the duke outweighed her. It seemed like the duke she fought back at the Rouge guild just playing with her. She couldn't fight back against him this time.
Sighing, she stopped struggling and said confidently, "Kill me then." If he can do it. She then remembered he would be initiating a coup d’etat by this time! He had already gathered his own army to kill all the nobles. Isn’t it a bit too early for her to be killed?
The duke stopped, staring at her with his fiery red eyes. "Or we could resort to other options."
"What is it? Speak," she asked.
She could feel the duke was smirking behind his mask. "You'll see soon."
And the duke turned around. "Oh before I forget, Pardon me for this, but consider it a warning. If you happen to spread this about me, I'm sure you know what will happen." And with that, like how he came in, the duke jumped out to the window. "Goodbye for now, Lady Vienna."
In the land of Xynnar, where the Duchy of the Donovan Family resides, Duke Raziel Valen Donovan was found huffing as he came back from Lady Vienna's house using his horse.He could have used the carriage, but he's disguising as Dillon for now. People would get suspicious of him.No one has to know.No one.But now that someone is aware of his identity, he can't stay still. Out of all people, it had to be Lady Vienna, the precious daughter of Duke Xaviera.He wanted to kill her, to silence her but he couldn't.Everything was already planned out. His army, the planned battle...but he decided to delay it for now.He removed the mask he wore as Dillon and put on his mask as Duke Raziel. The wind blew as the night sky filled with stares. He stroked his horse named Tiberius and gave him a pail of water. "You did good for tonight, Tiberius."
“Can I ask what the duke said to you my lady, should we write a reply instantly?” Titus spoke up. “I didn’t know you were close with him.She shook her head, “No, we’re not close. I’ll deal with this alone.”Titus nodded understandingly.“I’ll talk to my father about this.” Standing up, she made her way to her father’s study.She knocked on the door and said, “Father? It’s me, Vienna.”"Vienna? You can come in.”
Her brother glanced at Duke Raziel, then turned to look at her as she stood frozen by the door. “You two know each other?” He asked.She raised her eyebrows at the question. “What?” Why is this man here? What is he planning to do?Duke Raziel stared at her, his eyes were telling her something. “It has been a long time, Lady Vienna.”She snorted, realizing what he was doing. He came here, as her brother’s guest, claiming that they are friends. How impudent.The nerve of this guy! After threatening her last night and sending her a letter asking for her hand in marriage, he appears here
"Have you heard what is the talk of the town these days?" Lady Vienna heard one of the waitresses say, as she spoke with her friends far away from their table. After the duke’s visit a few days ago, the duke invited her again to the coffee shop, threatening her about her visit to the Rouge guild if she didn’t go. Having no choice, she decided to finally attend.The waitress glanced at Lady Vienna carefully, noticing that the lady was there. Turning her lips upwards, the lady raised her eyebrows at her and smirked at her. One of her colleagues did not see her as she was facing the lady with her back so she was not careful with the next words she uttered, "Ohhh, I've heard it! Apparently, the tyrant duke, that Villain Duke Raziel Valen Donovan, had asked for the villainess' hand, Lady Xaviera!"
The next day, Lady Vienna prepared herself to go with her father to the palace, which she finally managed to convince. She decided not to bring her knight Titus, which Titus strongly opposed but did not have the choice but to listen to her request.In the book, there is another reason why the empire would fall soon, and she has to get a chance to talk to the emperor. But first, she’ll have to gain his favor."Can I ask why you want to go with me to the palace, Vinnia?" Asked her father as they got on the carriage. "Are you going to stalk the crown prince again?"She shook her head no. She has completely lost feelings for the crown prince the moment she knew her fate. "I want to meet Prince Avelin
She wanted to refuse him, but then she just agreed, they already encountered each other, and might as well talk to him. Plus, it would be too strange if she just fell on the grass and instantly healed already. The princess must not have told the crown prince about it...Good thing that the halls were empty and no one saw them. If not, she would not be surprised that tomorrow's news would be all about her and the crown prince. When they reached his study, he let her sit on the sofa, and let her face him with his sparkling golden eyes. His blonde hair was smooth and silky and she fought the urge not to run her fingers through it.The lady sent him a smile, "Oh, you can just leave me at the infirmary or ask for a maid to send me home, your highness. I came with my father."
The day had passed and Lady Vienna was found lazily lying in her room for the whole day. She felt tired from all these events from these past few days.Her maid, Roxy, couldn't help the smile spreading to her face. "The crown prince had sent you some tea leaves, my lady."The crown prince? Oh right, he promised to give her some tea leaves that time when she visited the palace...So he was serious?"Here's also a note attached to it." With a note on hand, Roxy handed it to her lady. Lady Vienna reading the letters written on it. It was wrapped in an elegant envelope, with golden colored ribbon and sealed with the beautiful golden seal, with the sun and lion symbol of the royal family, indicating it was truly from the palace.
As the Royal ball approached day by day, the whole town was preparing for it and the busiest was the palace. And before long, the Royal ball finally arrived. Sitting at her vanity, Lady Vienna had finally chosen the perfect dress she'll wear for the event tonight. "Everyone will stop and stare at you, my lady," Said Roxy as she put make-up on her lady. Of course, Lady Vienna had fully prepared herself. Smirking, she stared at her reflection, fully aware of her beauty. Her red lips and pale skin complements her red hair and green eyes, her rosy cheeks showing. The dress she picked for tonight is one of the dresses Duke Raziel had given to her. It was an off-shoulder ball gown that shines with its glitters. Her hair was up in a low bun as it framed her small face. Lady Vienna really went all out. She dressed to impress. The Royal ball would be starting in an hour soon, and Duke Raziel i