Rosie's Games

492  No Next Time

Before Lucas could respond, she added, "It concerns the Duchess."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. For the first time since she had approached him, he looked at her face, his gaze intense. Seeing the Duke's handsome features, Isadora could not conceal the blush on her face.

"Very well…" Lucas handed his wine glass to one of the attendants before leading the Princess to a balcony. However, upon their arrival, they overheard two women talking.

"Did you know that the Princess of Rakha has been eyeing your husband since you arrived? If she could convince the Duke…"

"That will not happen," Rosalind's voice brimmed with confidence as she replied. "Thank you for your concern."

A smile crept onto the Duke's face upon hearing this. He gestured for the Princess to follow him to another location.

This time, the Duke escorted her to a sunroom with glass walls and a glass roofing.

"Your Highness… Thank you for taking the time to talk to me," Princess Isadora spoke. Earlier, she had overheard Rosalind and another woman conversing. Despite this, her expression remained neutral.

In response, Lucas took a seat, crossing his legs atop each other. Then he regarded her. "So, you wished to discuss my wife?" he inquired.

"Your Grace, I believe it is time to drop the pretense," the Princess smiled. She took a seat opposite the Duke, and her maid, who had followed them, promptly prepared tea on the marbled table between them. "I am aware of the Duchess's secret," the Princess continued, maintaining her smile.

"Secret?" the Duke responded, raising an eyebrow.

"I know that the Duchess is not the daughter of a merchant family. She is simply someone the Duke hired to become his wife." The Princess accepted the teacup her servant offered before continuing. "This tea is specially made using relics. I hope His Highness will give it a try."

However, Lucas remained motionless, his expression serene. He fixed his gaze on her.

"Please, Your Grace, I did not reveal this information out of animosity. In fact, I have no intention of sharing it with others. It shall remain our secret," the Princess stated before taking a sip of her tea. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"So, the Princess wanted to use this information to manipulate me into accepting a marriage proposal…" Lucas mused.

"It seems that the Duchess has already informed you of this matter?" The Princess gained confidence upon hearing the Duke's words. "This matter will remain a secret. I do not intend to meddle in the Duke's decisions. My only wish is to stand beside the Duke. I desire to marry the Duke and serve the estate with all my heart," Isadora affirmed.

19:52

"Upon consideration, this marriage is not as unfavorable as it may seem, Your Grace," Isadora continued. "I am a princess of Rakha Kingdom. With the wealth accumulated by the Rakha Kingdom over the years, I am confident that my father would use it to benefit Wugari. Furthermore, I am not naive. I understand when to step forward and when to step back. I am well-read and knowledgeable in military strategies, management, finance, business, and other subjects. I believe accepting me as a concubine would not be to your detriment."

"You wish to become this one's concubine?" the Duke inquired.

"Certainly. After all, Your Grace already has a wife. Once again, I have no intention of interfering with Your Grace's affairs. My only desire is to serve Your Grace and the estate," the Princess responded. For some reason, the Duke's silence only boosted her confidence. "I am not self-centered, Your Grace. My sole wish is to stand at your side."

"I prefer not to beat around the bush, so I shall ask you something directly," the Duke stated.

"What is it?"

"Do you think I am a fool?" the Duke asked.

"What?"

"Answer my question," the Duke's voice remained calm.

"N— No. Why would Your Grace ask that?"

"Do you consider me a mere coward?" the Duke inquired.

"No, certainly not." Princess Isadora grew more confused. Why did the Duke suddenly pose such questions? Clearly, he was neither a coward nor a fool.

To her astonishment, the Duke suddenly snorted, gripping the table between them. Without uttering another word, he clenched his hand and broke the table in two. His actions naturally surprised the Princess, leaving her frozen and pale-faced.

"Do you think I lack the capability to fracture your skull, Your Highness?" a colder smile touched the Duke's lips.

"You—" Was- Was he threatening her?

"Is that why you dared to employ such tactics against me?"

"Your Grace, this is— This— I am not doing this out of—"

"Do you believe that your wealth, intelligence, and business expertise would shield you if I decided to accidentally crush your head with my bare hands?" Lucas inquired, a sinister glint gleaming in his eyes.

"I was aware that Your Grace has always been indifferent to violence, but I do not appreciate being threatened like this. I only wanted-"

"What can you do about it?" Lucas queried. "Are you willing to sever the partnership between Wugari and Rakha?"

"You—"

"If I accidentally ended your life now, do you believe your brother and father would wage war against Wugari? Do you think they would demand an explanation from me, Your Highness?"

"I—" the Princess was rendered speechless. She always knew the Duke had an odd temperament, but she never anticipated him resorting to immediate violence when conversing with a princess like her! She had never met someone so disrespectful!

"Answer me," Lucas commanded, his tone cold.

"No, Your Grace." If Lucas accidentally killed her, her father and brother would not wage war against Wugari. They might dissolve the current partnership, but attacking the Kingdom was not in their best interest. They would prioritize their citizens' safety and avoid antagonizing the Duke.

"Good," Lucas finally rose from his seat. He observed the Princess's pallid appearance. "I am not fond of threatening others. Consider it a warning. Do not talk to my wife about this matter or bring this up again. I spared you because I do not want my wife to smell blood tonight. There will be no next time."