Chapter 62: Eardoznian Experience
The next morning, Evangeline held Richard by the arm as they strolled toward the garden, a basket in her hand. She wore a stylish green blouse with puffed, long sleeves, buttoned all the way to the neck, its fabric crisp and neat. Her chiffon skirt, adorned with delicate green floral prints, swayed gently with each step, perfectly complementing her matching green shoes. A sun hat, elegantly tied with a green scarf beneath her chin, framed her face, adding a chic yet practical touch to her ensemble.
As they walked arm in arm, a servant followed closely behind, carrying the picnic basket. Richard's posture was attentive yet casual, his protective presence unmistakable as Evangeline leaned in, speaking softly about the morning's plans. Caleb, seated in the sitting room, glanced up from the telephone as he was in the middle of a conversation with Camille. His eyes narrowed slightly as he caught sight of them through the window, his focus momentarily distracted. He then noticed Frederick walking through the gates, his silhouette casting a shadow on the pathway, the scene framed by the glass panes.
Evangeline's gentle laughter floated through the air as she exchanged words with Richard, their steps measured and leisurely, suggesting a sense of calm and quiet joy between them. Caleb, however, felt a twinge of unease as he observed the trio, his mind momentarily drifting from his conversation to the subtle dynamics unfolding outside.
Frederick Loverhart arrived at Serenity House once more, his every step graceful and measured, as though he had rehearsed each movement. His attire was impeccable, as always, a reflection of the high standards he maintained in all aspects of his life. Upon seeing Evangeline with Richard again, he nodded politely, offering a courteous but controlled smile. However, Evangeline merely returned the nod and walked past him without a word, her expression distant, as though preoccupied with thoughts of her own. Frederick opened his mouth to speak, but she had already moved on with Richard at her side.
As he watched her retreat, Frederick's eyes narrowed slightly. His posture remained upright, his hand resting casually yet elegantly on his cane. "Dominic still hasn't done anything about this situation? Stubborn bastard," he thought, shaking his head almost imperceptibly, his calm exterior betraying no hint of his inner frustration.
Just then, Caleb approached, his movements quick and somewhat clumsy in contrast to Frederick's practiced grace. They exchanged a firm handshake.
"Ah, Mr. Frederick... What brings you here again?" Caleb asked, his nervous laugh betraying a hint of discomfort under Frederick's scrutinizing gaze.
Frederick turned toward him smoothly, a poised smile playing on his lips. "Good morning, Caleb. I came to see Dominic—to deliver some reports and, of course, to congratulate him on his upcoming coronation. Quite a grand affair, wouldn't you say?" He chuckled softly, the sound elegant and controlled, before clearing his throat. His eyes briefly flickered back to where Evangeline had disappeared.
"Well, he's inside. Let me take you to him. He's been expecting you," Caleb replied, gesturing toward the entrance as he led the way. Frederick followed, his gait composed, his every movement a subtle display of aristocratic decorum.
As they walked, Frederick's thoughts drifted back to Evangeline, a sigh escaping his lips. "Lady Evangeline hasn't changed a bit, has she?" he commented softly, his tone carrying a mix of nostalgia and regret. Caleb laughed awkwardly in response, unsure of how to react.
"Why don't we go inside?" Caleb suggested, eager to shift the conversation as they reached the entrance. The doors were opened for them by the waiting staff, and they stepped into the grand hall, the weight of Frederick's lingering thoughts following closely behind.
Several minutes later, in the opulent office, Dominic sat across from Frederick, his beauty striking even in his calm repose. His sharp features were framed by the soft light filtering through the window, giving him an almost ethereal glow. His long fingers gently turned the pages of the report Frederick had brought, his expression unreadable but commanding. Frederick, seated opposite him, watched Dominic with a mixture of admiration and unease. Despite his composed demeanor, Frederick couldn't help but feel the tension that always seemed to accompany their meetings.
"Well, thank you, Frederick... it was rather unexpected," Dominic replied smoothly, closing the report with a soft snap. He picked up his teacup, his movements fluid and graceful, and took a measured sip, his eyes momentarily distant.
Frederick shifted slightly in his chair, watching Dominic carefully. "About Evangeline... you haven't done anything about her spending time with that man. I saw her with him earlier," he ventured, his tone cautious but inquisitive. Dominic's reaction was immediate—a low chuckle that sent a shiver down Frederick's spine.
"I told you before," Dominic began, his voice rich with amusement and quiet authority, "I have everything under control. Now that I'm back, I'll fix the flaws in this marriage. No one will look down on Evangeline again." He spoke as though the matter were trivial, his indifference to Frederick's concern evident. Then, with a sudden, cold shift in his gaze, Dominic's eyes locked onto Frederick's, sharp and penetrating. "Or are you after my wife too?" he asked, his tone icy, though his lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Frederick flinched under the weight of Dominic's stare, feeling the chill of his words. His hands clenched slightly in his lap as he forced a nervous laugh, clearing his throat to break the tension. "Not that look again..." he thought to himself, before managing to respond, "Of course not, Your Grace—I mean, Mr. Dominic. I merely admire how remarkable she is, though she can be a bit... spoiled." His voice wavered slightly, betraying his unease, but there was sincerity in his words.
Dominic's chuckle was low and velvety as he leaned back in the sofa, crossing his legs with an effortless elegance. "I was joking," he said, his voice softening as he waved off the tension. "Thanks for delivering the report. Once I become Duke, Caleb will take over the business, under my supervision, of course."
Frederick nodded, relief washing over him, though he still felt unsettled. "That's good to hear. Caleb has been by your side for years... and with your new duties as Duke, I imagine you'll be quite busy. I heard Evangeline is working on a three-field system project?" Frederick added, chuckling nervously as he leaned back, trying to regain his composure.
Dominic's lips curled into a charming smile, his expression momentarily softening, but his eyes remained piercing. "Of course," he mused, swirling the tea in his cup, his wedding ring catching the light. "My wife's a gardener at heart. I allowed her to focus on the wheat issue on purpose. She's the Viceroy's wife—my wife. A lot has changed while I was away."
His voice held a sense of possession, a quiet reminder of his authority, yet there was a flicker of something else as he mentioned Evangeline. His thoughts drifted momentarily, and as he stared into his teacup, a shadow crossed his features. "Evangeline... I wonder how ready you are for what's to come," he thought, picturing her face, her expression as she confronted the challenges ahead.
Frederick, sensing the shift in Dominic's mood, remained silent, unsure whether to probe further or leave the subject untouched. Dominic's beauty was disarming, but it was his commanding presence that left Frederick feeling tired of the situation, even in moments of light conversation. The room fell into a contemplative silence, the tension between them simmering just beneath the surface.
"I guess it isn't time for you to fulfill Azielle's wish by giving her children, given Evangeline's resentment toward you..." Frederick ventured, his tone probing but cautious. As the words left his mouth, Dominic's gaze shifted sharply toward him, the air around him growing cold. His piercing eyes locked onto Frederick for a moment, a silent warning in their depths, before he returned his attention to the teacup in his hand.
"That can wait," Dominic replied, his voice low and measured, each word carrying the weight of his authority. His grip on the teacup was firm, his posture unyielding. "First, I need to rid this house of the unwanted things that have been festering in the shadows." The coldness in his tone left no room for interpretation—he had plans in motion, and nothing would stand in his way. He took another deliberate sip from his cup, his movements calm but calculated.
Frederick, sensing the tension, attempted to lighten the mood, though he remained cautious. "You once told me about the women of Eardoznia... Tell me, just how beautiful are they?" he asked with a smile, curiosity sparking in his eyes as he tried to steer the conversation into lighter territory.
Dominic, however, did not share in Frederick's amusement. His eyes flickered with a brief hint of disdain as he placed the teacup down with a soft but decisive clink, the sound cutting through the stillness of the room. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady and unblinking, locking onto Frederick with a cold, calculating look.
"Why the sudden interest in Eardoznian women, Frederick?" Dominic asked, his tone deceptively calm but laced with a quiet authority. There was a dangerous edge to his question, a subtle reminder of who held the power in this conversation. "Perhaps you should focus on more pressing matters instead of indulging in idle curiosity, I know I told you about them but....." His smile was sharp, a contrast to the amusement Frederick had hoped for.
Frederick, sensing the shift in tone, quickly attempted to recover the moment. "Oh come on, Dominic," he said with a nervous chuckle, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm only asking because, well, I've heard that Eardoznia's women can be... quite passionate, especially when it comes to someone like you. I wasn't sure about the situation I wanted to confirm from you myself..."
Dominic's expression softened ever so slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting in what might have been a smirk. "Passionate?" he echoed, his voice losing some of its edge. He leaned back in the sofa, crossing one leg over the other, his posture now more relaxed. "That's one way of putting it. Insistent might be more accurate." His eyes drifted to the window for a moment, recalling his recent time in Eardoznia.
Frederick, sensing a story, leaned forward, clearly intrigued. "Oh? Go on then, enlighten me," he said with a grin, eager to hear more.
Dominic chuckled softly, his demeanor shifting from cold indifference to something resembling camaraderie. "Let's just say, the women there have no concept of personal space," he began, a wry smile on his face. "I couldn't go anywhere without someone trying to 'Woo ' me with whatever I was doing—whether I wanted that or not. And once they found out who I was… well, things escalated." He paused, swirling the tea in his cup thoughtfully before taking another sip. "I had one woman doubting my marriage after our first conversation saying I wasn't married at all until Caleb showed her my marriage certificate. She told me she would 'tame the beast within.Her father scolded her'"
Frederick burst out laughing, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're kidding!" he exclaimed, though the look on Dominic's face told him otherwise.
"I wish I were," Dominic replied dryly, though his eyes glinted with amusement. "The desperation... it was remarkable. They weren't shy about their intentions. my time in the lodge, every gathering, I felt like I was being hunted. I had to use more tact than I care to admit to avoid certain… engagements."
Frederick grinned. "I'm surprised you made it out alive."
Dominic laughed, his usually serious expression lightening. "Barely. It was exhausting. But let's just say that I developed a... unique talent for sidestepping their advances." He leaned back, his confidence as sharp as ever, though there was a rare moment of levity between them.
Frederick raised his eyebrows, leaning in. "And here I thought you'd be the one charming them. Seems the tables were turned, huh?"
"Quite the opposite." Dominic's smile remained in place, but his tone dropped slightly, signaling the end of the more playful part of the conversation. "But as I said, Eardoznian women aren't what concerns me. There are more pressing matters at hand now that I'm back." His demeanor grew more serious again, a reminder of the responsibilities and issues waiting for him to tackle, especially the tension surrounding Evangeline.
Frederick nodded, recognizing the shift in Dominic's tone. "Understood," he replied, his voice taking on a more respectful tone. "But you have to admit, it's a good story. No wonder they were after you, the looks… you're a hard man to ignore."
Dominic offered a small smile in return, his sharp features softening briefly. "It comes with its challenges. But in the end, it's all part of the game."
Frederick, now more relaxed, leaned back and nodded in agreement. "A game, indeed. One that you seem to play quite well."
Dominic leaned back in his chair, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "You think being chased by women was bad, Frederick? Let me tell you something worse." He paused for a moment, his eyes glinting with humor. "There was this one time, in Eardoznia, when I was mistaken for a woman in an all-men's bathtub. That was... a new low."
Frederick blinked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "Wait, what? You were mistaken for a woman? Dominic, with your frame and—" He gestured broadly at Dominic's broad shoulders and chiseled features. "How is that even possible?"
Dominic chuckled, shaking his head. "You'd be surprised. It was late, I was going to have some little time at the spa , and there was a shared bathhouse. I had been through a long day of meetings, so I didn't feel like dealing with anyone. I snuck in late, hoping to enjoy some peace. As I was relaxing, I overheard a group of men coming in, talking loudly. I didn't think much of it, so I leaned back and closed my eyes."
Frederick, now fully invested in the story, leaned forward with wide eyes. "And?"
Dominic's smirk widened. "Apparently, in the dim light and with the steam from the bath, they thought I was some 'lost maiden' who had wandered in. I heard them whispering, getting bold. One of them decided to try his luck and came up behind me—intending to 'rescue' me, I assume and caressed my body" His eyes narrowed slightly as he remembered the moment. "The second I felt a hand on my shoulder,The look of lust their faces when I turned around… was discomforting but I punched the pervert and he was shocked like he had seen a ghost...."
Frederick burst into laughter, slapping his knee. "Oh, I can imagine! And you didn't... correct them sooner?"
Dominic shrugged, though there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I thought about it, but I wanted to see how far they'd take it. Once they realized they were about to 'rescue' a man rather than some fair lady, the panic set in. They were mortified when I moved out of the water naked after finding out my real gender through my nakedness. All of them except the one that touched me scrambled out of the bath as if I were going to chase them down I dealt with the one that touched me shamelessly anyways."
Frederick wiped a tear from his eye, still laughing. "That's brilliant! I would've paid to see their faces! How in the world do you get mistaken for a woman?"
Dominic raised an eyebrow, his smirk turning into a sly grin. "It was dark. The steam was thick. And you know how some people are—they make assumptions based on what they want to see. Apparently, they wanted to see a woman. Not to mention, my hair is long and my face was the problem."
Frederick shook his head, still chuckling. "Well, at least you didn't have to fight your way out of that one. They must've been terrified once they realized who you were."
"Oh, they were, the pervert attacked me I fought back" Dominic replied smoothly, "and the funny part? the next morning, I heard they left the lodge last night " Dominic said recalling a flashback of when he heard the maids discussing the situation when he was in Eardoznia.
Frederick leaned back, still grinning. "I swear, Dominic, you've lived through the most ridiculous situations. Eardoznian women after you, men mistaking you for a damsel in distress… What's next?"
Dominic's smile faded slightly, but the amusement lingered in his eyes. "Whatever comes next, I'll handle it. But trust me, Frederick, after that bathhouse incident, I've been more cautious. It's not exactly an experience I'm eager to repeat."
Frederick laughed again, shaking his head. "You really are one of a kind, Dominic. One of a kind."
Dominic raised his teacup, his eyes meeting Frederick's with a knowing look. "And that's what keeps life interesting."
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