Evangeline looked at the man whose eyes were filled with longing and grief. His face had no signs of time. He was fit and a bit intimidating too. His wide shoulders and deep eyes told that he had gained enough wisdom with time. He had that royal aura that could be felt from a distance.

Yet she did not understand why a man like him wanted her to marry his single son. She had seen how the knights respected Leo and intimidated by him. He also had that strong aura and she could feel that he was a regal man. She was trying to avoid the fog of mystery that was covering him.

Every woman could fall in love with a man like him. He had both the face and fame. The prowess was the cherry on the top. She was sure he had many women by his side! Was that the reason why this man wanted her to be his wife? A commoner who would not go against the leisure life she would have even after marriage!

"You will improve with time. So, do not feel much pressure. Tomorrow there is a small tea party organized to celebrate the return of Leo. He was gone to fight against the attackers on the boundaries that were robbing the commoners and the traders passing through woods.

His majesty wanted to organize a big celebration, but we declined as we were not sure that he would return on time. So, a small tea party was organized instead. But with the attendance of all the noble ladies and aristocrats and even the crown prince personally coming to attend the party, its size and level is no less than a large celebration.'' The man stopped in mid and looked at her, hesitated and she did not need to be a mind reader to know what he was thinking.

"If possible try to behave nice with everyone and demure like Elizabeth. You would be introduced as the future wife of Leo. so, as the future duchess, I want you to take care of your image." Evangeline did not know how to reply to that! Were higher nobles not take too much care about their image, then how could he introduce her as the family so nonchalantly.

Though he was asking her to behave well. They both knew that she had no experience of attending these events. The only function she had attended in her life was the marriage of girls of her neighborhood. Where they only sit in the church silently to witness the vows and feel the romance between them.

She had never conversed much as her mother had always urged her to come home before her father could come back.

But still the man was showing too much trust in her which made her uneasy.

"I do not think I can do so. Why don't we wait for a few months to announce our marriage. After all, we just met yesterday.'' The frown on William's face was telling her that he did not agree with her at all and it made her wonder why!

Why was this old man so adamant in taking her when all his family was against her.

"We do not have months for that. I will talk to his majesty in a few days and then find an auspicious day to fix your marriage date." she did not know how to respond to that anymore. Would her dreams to have a man whom she loved by her side would break just like that? Would she never be able to find a loyal and caring man? Though Leo bears to her antics, it was just because of his father. He did not and would not love her.

She was not a noble to understand the value of royal marriage and she has never dreamt of having a palace and luxurious clothes like other women. All she wanted to do was to live in that small house in the countryside and find a simple man who work in the town

They would hold hands and take a walk in the meadows and eat dinner together while discussing how their day passed. Then late at night she would lay in his arms and look at the stars.

"You do not need to worry too much. I will ask Evelyn to choose the best dress for you and Elizabeth to teach you table manners.`` She wanted to tell the man that she was not worried about them or their guests. Though she was a bit anxious about it, it was not her mistake, they were the ones who were forcing her.

She was worried more about her future. But she knew the man would not understand as for them marrying a noble was a boon.

"I understand, your highness.'' The man's expressions softened looking at her and he patted her shoulder.

"You should call me father just like three of them. And if any of them ever bullied you, you can always come to me. I will take your side and punish them.'' She did not know how serious he was! But even if those words were said for assuring her, she was still grateful to him. His words filled her heart with warmth.

"Now go and rest for a while. I will call you in an hour after talking with Eve and Eli. Then you would not get a break till night." she nodded and walked towards her room though she wanted to look more of the palace but she didn't want him to follow her like the knights. When she walked towards her room the knights were already searching for her and they took a sigh of relief when they saw her.

"Where were you, my lady? My lord is waiting for you."

"........"

[hello, dear readers. i am a new writer here. so, i have no idea whether i am writing properly or not.. so a few comments and suggestions are highly appreciated. thank you]