(From Blue's Perspective)
The sight made drop my fork in surprise. It was definitely Iris. There was no way I would not recognize her, even if she was hiding her face and hair. She was smiling at a man, quite a handso one, who was holding her hands and right then, placed a kiss on her knuckles.
"Should we go say hi?" Perita asked.
"No, we are leaving," I said.
I got up hastily, and told the waiter to pack our food and deliver them outside the front door where we would be waiting. Just because Iris had her back at us that she did not notice us. I did not want to be noticed at this mont. Hell, I just wanted to get out of here.
"Why must we leave this quickly? I couldn't even finish my pudding," Perita asked. Sotis it was weird to imagine that she was actually older than .
"Finish it at ho. We are taking our food with us, no?" I said, waving her off. "Do you know that man?"
"He is a random man. I don't know him."
'Of course. How will Perita know a random man?'
The guy had bronze skin and dark brown eyes. He should not be much older than Iris. I knew what I was thinking was the truth. But I needed to be sure.
"On second thought, I will go to the duke's estate first," I said.
"What's the point? The duchess isn't there."
"I will talk to the duke. He is there, I am sure," I said. The duke was said to not leave the estate when the duchess was out. He did not like his kids to be alone without their mother or him. "And you will forget what you have seen today. Perita, I don't want this ntioned to anyone."
"Yes, Your Highness."
We teleported to the dukedom after getting our packets. Athena would love the deserts and Abel would probably like the savory ones.
The duke greeted us himself as he was playing with the kids in the garden. Actually, he was teaching Athena how to use a bow and arrows and Abel was just hitting one after another apple without missing.
"What a pleasant surprise, Your Majesty," he said and smiled a little, although it did not reach his eyes. The duke was a man who was not friendly that much and talked very little, but he respected those who deserved it and loved kids.
"My apologies for barging in so suddenly," I said. "I was near and suddenly wanted to et the kids and my dear friend."
"That is a great thought, however, I am afraid the duchess is not here at this mont. She has gone out a few hours ago to et Miss Pala."
"Who is Miss Pala?" I asked.
"She is the daughter of a distant relative of hers. I'm not sure because her family is a little complicated," he said.
I could not agree more. Iris was related to Dem too. Dem did not understand much of this family thing too as there were just too many people. And there were a lot of people in line for the throne, even though they were not direct bloodline. Even Iris was, maybe in the forty-fifth position or sothing.
"I see. Well, kids, I have got so things for you," I said.
"I am not a kid," Abel grumbled.
"Don't be rude, Abel," the duke said to his son gently.
"Perita," I nodded to Perita who took the kids inside along with the maids who followed them. Abel looked at the duke and a couple of tis, possibly wondering what it was all about. He was quite advanced.
"Take a walk with , Duke?" I asked.
"As you wish, Your Highness," the duke said.
"Let apologize once more for my behavior. It was irrational to co without notice," I said.
"It's alright, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is always welco here," he said politely. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire
"Alright. I wanted to talk to the duke for a long ti, but never truly got the chance."
"Your Majesty could always summon ."
"It is not about business, Duke. I wanted to talk about Iris and the duke's relationship," I said.
He looked astonished. He cocked his head to one side, confused.
"I will not beat around the bush. Do you love her?" I asked.
"She is my wife and I do respect…"
"No," I shook my head, dismissing him. "Does the duke love her like a lover? It is not just about respect, Duke. We can respect anyone. But we cannot love everyone romantically. Do you love her that way?"
"… We are not mates."
"Did you love your mate, then? The previous duchess?"
"No. It was a political marriage."
"Then, why are you bringing it up?"
"I do not understand what I feel. There is a barrier."
"… So, your marriage is not working?" I asked.
"… We are trying our best," he said. He was quite reserved and oh boy, it was so damn frustrating.
"Do you sleep together?" I asked.
He flushed and stared at as if he was not sure if I was joking or not and whether he was supposed to answer it or not.
"What I an is, do you have sex? At all?"
"… Sexual life does not work for us that much," he said, still flushed. He probably did not expect to ask him this. I would not have as well, if it had not been for Iris. She was my friend and I just could not sit still. Not when it might affect the kids as well if what I suspected was true.
"When did you last have sex? Don't tell I am asking personal questions, because I damn well can ask more things and you must answer them," I said.
The duke was going to say exactly that. It was clear in his face. I could predict him, thanks to my experience with him in the past three years. Almost three years, actually.
"Eight months ago, perhaps," he said. "I do not rember."
"Do you have a mistress?"
"No. I never had."
"I see."
"… But I have told her she is free to et soone if she wants to," he added slowly.
"I see."
This marriage would not work. I was sure of it now.
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