The Duke's Passion

"Duchess, why don't you have some apples? They are very sweet and freshly picked!"

One merchant offered me with a bright grin on her face. I smiled, walking towards her stall, and picked one that had a perfect shade of red. 

"I'll take this then." My smile remained, casting my eyes on the old merchant. "Take this." tossing a coin to her, which she caught out of instinct.

"Your Grace, you don't have to -- "

"Do you want one, your highness?" I ignored her purposely, diverting my attention to Heliot, who stood beside me. 

Heliot gazed down at the apple in my hand and then turned his head to the old lady. A faint smile turned up on his lips, picking up a random apple and handed a coin.

"Your Grace, My Lord, it's really - "

"Just take it." I insisted, shaking my head as I turned around and walked away. I heard the old woman expressed her gratitude as if I saved her life or something. 

"How strange," came from my side, making me glance at Heliot. "You walk around the street of Grimsbanne just like the rest. They don't even question the person you are walking with, and just greet you happily."

"Whom I am walking with is none of their business, don't you think?"

"It doesn't make sense, though. You are a lady — the Duchess at that."

A faint chuckle slipped past my lips as I took a bite of the apple. It was, indeed, sweet. I picked a good one. 

"You probably heard about me. I wasn't raised as a noble lady, your highness," I uttered after swallowing down the piece of apple. "I've walked in the street of Banse and nearly died in this very street as a peasant."

I paused deliberately and set my eyes on him. "So, why would I have to be cautious walking in the street that is now mine?"

"As expected of you." He laughed, raising the apple in his hand and took a bite. 

"The one you picked is not sweet." I pointed out, but he shrugged.

"I don't like sweets."

My brow arched. "So you picked it, knowing it will be a little sour?" he nodded as an answer, continuing in his steps while I halted. Staring at his back, and just studied his stature.

When he noticed I wasn't following him, he stopped and turned around to face me. "What did I deserve to be looked at, Your Grace? Did I do something wrong?"

"Nothing. Do you have to do something wrong for someone to look at you?" 

"Not that, but I'm curious about your reason."

"The reason is no reason. " I shrugged, closed-lipped. "Do you hate to be looked at?"

"Yes, but not from you." He smiled politely. I studied his expression and eyes, and I couldn't really tell what he was thinking. 

"If you're wondering what I am thinking, I am thinking why is this sudden interest." Heliot voiced out, cutting to the chase. I really liked this about him.

"Sudden interest... more like intrigued." I smiled back, turning my head to my left. "If we continue going forth, we will reach the fields. Over this side will lead us to the training center and the Academy. Let's head there, instead."

"I have an interest in your industrial agriculture, but it seemed you don't want to show me." He commented but still turned in the direction I was looking at. 

"I can show you next time." I shifted my attention to him, leading the way as we walked through the street of Banse. 

Heliot cast me a side-eye. "Are you doing this because you don't trust me, or is it something personal?"

"Your Highness, the last time I trusted someone, I lost my husband." I glanced at him. "You and I are here because of a mutual goal. I hope you don't forget that."

"You are rather cold to the person who will fulfill your wish, Your Grace."

"Karo is a tropical land. I just thought you might find the coldness refreshing." 

Heliot chuckled. I wouldn't lie. He had a very charming chuckle and a likable personality. Straightforward, a gentleman, and insightful. I respected him for that, and I knew his respect towards me was genuine as well.

Soon, we reached the newly established Academy, where nobles, commoners, and peasants could attend. For as long as one was willing to learn, no one could stop him. Sam started an education system in Grimsbanne and I simply continued it.

"Your Grace! We didn't know that you will visit today! I'm sorry, we aren't prepared to — " The headmaster of the Academy, who rushed to us in the entrance, abruptly stopped when I raised a hand.

"Please don't mind us. I just want to show His Highness the academy," I explained, waving at him so he would leave us alone. Heliot sponsored this academy, so it was more polite for me to show him around.

"Ye — yes, Your Grace," the headmaster stammered, wiping the sweats on his forehead as he stepped aside while Heliot and I entered the premises. 

"Thank you," Heliot expressed, making me gaze at him.

"No need. I also don't like people following me around. It feels suffocating." 

This was one more thing that we're similar. Heliot preferred just having one company or being alone completely. He hated dealing with everyone who was simply trying to curry favor with him. I could relate to that part because after becoming a Duchess, I realized people would smile in front of me, but speak ill about me behind my back.

It was unlike when I was a peasant. I didn't have to deal with that since we're all in the same boat, and we're too busy thinking if we get to live for another day or drop dead due to hunger or cold or get preyed on by a vampire.

"Your Grace!" While I showed Heliot around, Silvia's voice reached my ear. I turned in her direction, watching her approach us in a hurry. Silvia was truly graceful, even with a commoner's clothes.

"Sivi." I smiled as she stopped in front of us.

"Greetings, Your Grace, Your Highness." Silvia performed a curtsy before raising her head. "I rushed here when I heard that you're here. Did you not see the headmaster? He rushed to you when he heard you're here."

"I did, but Prince Heliot and I preferred each other's company," I explained, exchanging gaze with Heliot. "But I think His Highness will not mind if you assist us, Sivi."

"I trust the people Her Grace trusts." Heliot backed up with his eyes still on me.

And then, I set my eyes back on Silvia who was darting her eyes from Heliot to me, "You two look good together."

"I bet we are." To my surprise, Heliot's answer was quick, and I raised a brow and looked at him. "Don't look at me as if you're quite surprised, Your Grace. I'm simply stating what I think."

"Sure, your Highness. Sure."

"Well, then, why don't you follow me, Your Grace? Your Highness?"

"Please." I smiled, casting Heliot a look, and he chuckled once again.

As we walked behind Silvia, Heliot suddenly leaned into my side and whispered, "It's what I think, but not what I feel."

"I figured." I cast him a look, standing on my toes as I whispered back. "Don't explain, it makes you look guilty."