The Prince's Duchess { Illyria Series 1 } - COMPLETED

Chapter 27: Old Wounds

Leo's POV:

Winter is around the corner and the whole mansion is now warmed by thermal flooring and blazing fireplaces.

But somehow her absence has made my body and heart numb.

True. I would touch her as much as I can when we visit each other in our dreams but the warmth I feel was as fleeting as air and it was frustrating and yet like a man that is addicted to drugs; I still cling to the dreams because it was the only way I can see Sarina.

Her absence really made me realize why my father became the way he is now.

The Royals of our family have always followed the rules laid by our ancestors when it comes to finding our love.

It was a simple thing to just fall in love however when my grandfather sought power and wealth over love; he doomed my father to the same fate and the loss of his woman left him cold and unable to show affection.

I do not want that to happen to me. Even now, my body wants to be beside her and my heart longs to be with her.

As I go through the days trying to act strong and mature as a prince and CEO should, it has been very difficult these past few days.

But since Sarina is trying her best, I must do the same. And so my daily suffering has begun.

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My father has summoned me for a royal lunch appointment a week later. It was odd considering how he does not choose to interact with me aside from family meetings or at his throne room when he summons us.

So the moment I finished my meetings at La Belle; I just changed my clothes real quick and drove over to the Royal Palace.

A butler greeted me by the door and showed me to the outside garden where we entered a spacious crystal dome filled with springs, flowers and exotic trees that bloomed despite the winter air. I was quickly seated by one of the male footman to the table located at the center of the dome garden while the servant bowed and left me alone.

"Hello Leonidas." my father's voice made me stand up immediately as I bowed as he took his seat.

"Hello Father." I said politely as I sat down again, signaling the servants nearby to start serving us.

It was funny how alike we look. Same blonde hair, same dark skin and amber eyes. The only difference was the fine lines around his eyes and creases on his mouth.

Lunch was a quiet affair and we managed to breeze through it until my father choose to break the silence.

"I heard is Sarina is trying to find a way to avoid becoming a princess. What lies have you been filling her head with." the threat in my father's voice was evident.

"No lies. Simply that she is not your lost daughter. "

My tone was equally provoking and I saw my father's mouth tighten distastefully.

"You would stand in my way boy?" my father's amber eyes were dark with anger, which is rare for he never showed any strong emotions in such a long time knowing him..

I felt him weave his power of Command into his question, it was designed for me to submit to him but not this time....

"Yes I would. I love her and I will have her as my own." I did not back away and showed him my right hand. "I gave the royal signet ring to her. That should show you how serious I am about her."

My father's face turned red when he saw my bare fingers. He knew that giving a woman the "royal ring" is solid proof that I have finally chosen a bond mate.