The Duchesses

Chapter 39 : She's Being Weird Today

"As we have things to focus on, I believe the three of us aren't ready for marriage yet, even for political reasons," Princess Isis, reaching out for the wine glass as a celebration custom.

Following that, all of the figures celebrate with bright smiles on their faces. Of course, there will be some faces with stone-cold expressions right now, but who cares? It's good news for everyone. On the other hand, Medea is convinced that if this news spreads among the nobles, she and the blonde woman will be a laughing stock. Being rejected twice by the future ruler of both Empires. What a joke.

"You could only rely on me. Everything is now in my palm," that's what Ares is probably thinking right now.

When his supposed fiance is nearby, his sapphire eyes sparkle, and he is madly in love with Duchess Medea but refuses to stand beside her. He cherishes her, but he adores himself even more. If Medea can submit to him, he is unlikely to choose Hera as his fiancee. What a complicated person. Medea turns around to see the woman in Natalie's body as everyone continues to celebrate. The woman appears pleased that she is not married to Isis, but she seems aware of what awaits her in high society. The same can be said for Apollo next to her.

After an eternity, Isis approaches the Duchesses and requests time alone to talk privately.

"The security around me is tightening now, so don't worry," she blurts out, thinking that the Duchesses, particularly Natalie, had considered what had happened in the past.

Medea requests to be the first one because she has a matter to attend to afterwards. Hence, Natalie is still in her mood to do nothing, occasionally walking around the Imperial Palace's garden with Lord Apollo.

That's what happened, and now they're both sitting on the bench, admiring nature. It's a good way for them to blow off some steam after all they've been through. It's been almost a week, but something seems to be happening everywhere. It seems like only yesterday that she was tortured again. While both are silent, Natalie unexpectedly breaks the silence with another series of questions.

"What type of woman do you like, Apollo?"

While watching the birds on the tree, Apollo turns his panicked gaze to the blonde woman. What's up with her newfound interest in his love life? Is she upset because she isn't the Crown Princess? However, this is not how she copes or behaves if frustrated. On the contrary, she is happier about it.

"I can't understand Duchess Natalie sometimes. It feels like there are multiple people in that body alone," Apollo suddenly has that thought.

As he rubs his palm on his pants, sweat begins forming on his head, while his grey eyes dart to the left, watching another scenery. Duchess Smith knows he is nervous due to the unexpected question, but she looks at him as if curious. She is genuinely interested in finding him a suitable partner.

"Your Grace has been behaving strangely by asking me a private question," the man says, avoiding her question.

"You've been by my side far too long. I know it's due to loyalty. But, so many ladies have expressed interest in you, so why not try to be with one of them?"

"Are you going to get rid of me?" Lord Apollo asks with puppy eyes.

"No. I appreciate that you will be there for me for a long time, even in the future. There is, however, more to life than being a Lord preoccupied with his Lady. Don't you want to spend your golden years with someone, seeing your children bring your grandchildren on every special occasion?

The one who loves you no matter what you do? Who makes you happy and lifts you up when you're down? I know we have a special bond, similar to that of siblings because neither of us has ever had one. But, Apollo, I wish you to forge your path of happiness in life too," Natalie said at Apollo, but her ruby eyes fixed on the birds also.