บท 60: Don't You Dare Come Any Closer
During the next three days, following his late-night conversation with Evangeline, Dominic resumed his duties as Viceroy, which had been publicly announced upon his return. His schedule was filled with back-to-back meetings and conferences. Each morning, he would arrive at his office sharply dressed in a tailored suit, his demeanor commanding and resolute. The conferences were formal, with polished wood tables and brass fixtures illuminating the rooms, as befitting early real estate business culture. His real estate presentations were delivered with precision—Dominic used printed handouts and large projection slides to outline the development projects. He emphasized the technology of Eardoznia, noting the importance of railway expansions and industrial zones. His tone was calm but authoritative, while his gestures were measured, occasionally pausing to look directly at each business partner, ensuring they understood the long-term profitability of the ventures.
After the meetings, Dominic returned home each evening, attending to more personal business, meticulously going over the accounting books, double-checking figures, and reviewing documents with Caleb, who was always by his side. Caleb handled most of the smaller tasks, leaving Dominic free to focus on the larger strategic issues. There were brief visits from real estate partners at his home, and although the meetings were kept short, Dominic's persuasive charm ensured agreements were made swiftly. When news of the Grand Duke's death reached him, he merely sighed—a brief but poignant reaction before returning to his work. Even such significant news couldn't derail him from his responsibilities and scheduled presentations.
Evangeline, on the other hand, spent those three days overseeing the beginning of her "Three-Field System" project, which involved rotating crops across large tracts of farmland to improve yield and sustainability. She was often seen in the fields, clipboard in hand, making detailed notes while Richard, always protective, stood nearby. Prince George had taken a particular interest in the project and could be found directing the workers. His presence brought a sense of royal endorsement to the endeavor, and his instructions were clear, though occasionally lightened by his easy-going manner.
On the fourth day, Evangeline allowed herself a break from the fieldwork, retreating to her studio where she immersed herself in painting once again. Her movements were deliberate, her strokes on the canvas filled with quiet passion. She had several completed works sent off to the gallery that afternoon. When she visited the gallery later that day to check on her pieces, she was greeted by a few admirers of her work. Among the visitors was Khardis Khardes, who stood at a distance, observing her with a faint smile. Though he kept his distance, there was a brief, almost unspoken acknowledgment before he moved on to inspect other works in the gallery, leaving Evangeline to her quiet reflections.
Throughout those days, both Dominic and Evangeline moved with a sense of purpose, their paths rarely crossing but each engrossed in their respective duties. Their demeanor remained composed and focused, though beneath the surface, both had lingering thoughts of their shared conversation from that night, shaping their movements in subtle ways.
On the fifth day, Dominic sat on the verandah of his room, his tall, athletic figure partially shaded by the warm afternoon sun. In his hands, he held a heavy book, the pages filled with complex political theory and estate management. He studied its contents intently for a while, but soon, his focus shifted. He reached for the latest newspaper and, as his eyes scanned the headlines, one in particular caught his attention:
"Lady Evangeline's Project on the Three-Field System for Wheat Cultivation."
A small, amused smile crept across his lips, followed by a slight scoff.
"My wife is becoming more impressive by the day," he mused quietly to himself. "She never mentioned this project to me. She must have noticed the shortage of wheat in Verdaselles." His smile deepened as he leaned back in his chair, pleased with her foresight. "Very good... I've been consumed with my own duties these past four days. I'll send for her later or perhaps in the morning. We can begin her training then."
His thoughts drifted as he put the newspaper down on the small table beside him. He stared out at the river flowing gently near the verandah, its waters sparkling in the sunlight. Dominic's mind was racing, still processing both the surprise of his wife's success and the political matters that had dominated his week. In need of a clear head, he stood up decisively.
Without hesitation, he removed his jacket, folding it neatly over the chair. His shirt followed, then the rest of his clothes, falling to the floor in a heap. Now fully naked, his tall, muscular frame gleamed in the sunlight, his athletic physique honed from years of training and discipline. His long, strawberry-blonde hair cascaded down his broad back, a striking contrast to his smooth skin.
With effortless grace, Dominic stepped through the gate at the verandah and approached the riverbank close to it,
He paused only for a moment before diving smoothly into the water. His form was perfect, his movements fluid as he sliced through the river with practiced skill. The cool water washed over him, helping to clear his mind. His strokes were strong and steady, showcasing his mastery as a swimmer—each motion powerful yet controlled, reflecting the same discipline that had made him a capable leader.
For a time, he swam simply to be free, letting his thoughts drift with the current, his mind temporarily unburdened by the weight of his responsibilities. The water was his sanctuary,a place where his worries could float away, even if only for a little while.
Evangeline stood in the small field where her family cultivated various crops, directing the servants to remove the rotten apples scattered beneath the trees and within the tree branches. Her lady-in-waiting, Magdalene, stood quietly beside her, observing the scene.
"My Lady, I don't think getting rid of all the apples is necessary," Magdalene said hesitantly. "They aren't completely rotten."
Evangeline raised an eyebrow at her, the breeze catching her platinum-blonde hair as she adjusted the scarf draped over her shoulders to keep it from slipping. She glanced at the pile of apples, her expression thoughtful.
"Oh? And what would you suggest we do with them?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "They certainly don't look healthy."
Magdalene chuckled softly, a sudden idea lighting up her face. "My Lady, I remembered something. Yesterday, the head chef mentioned he was out of apple jam, and the other day Charles gave him his recipe book—although, come to think of it, I don't recall Charles ever including a jam recipe. The head chef has always been obsessed with Charles more... elaborate dishes."
Her nervous giggle brought a faint smile to Evangeline's lips. Magdalene continued, her voice gaining confidence. "We could use these apples for jam. They might not be good for eating fresh, but they'd make perfect preserves."
Evangeline's eyes brightened at the suggestion. "Apple jam? I remember my mother used to get me jars of it during Christmas," she said, her tone softening with nostalgia. She reached out and clasped Magdalene's hands gently, her gloved fingers pressing warmly against hers. "Do you know how to make apple jam?"
Magdalene nodded, her expression turning somber. "Yes, My Lady. My late mother passed down her recipe before she died."
Evangeline gave a light chuckle, releasing Magdalene's hands with a soft pat. "That's wonderful," she said warmly. Turning to the servants, she called out, "Don't throw those apples away. Gather them and send them inside. We'll put them to good use."
The servants, who had been preparing to discard the fruit, quickly nodded and began collecting the apples into baskets, careful not to bruise them further. Magdalene turned to follow them but paused, glancing back at Evangeline.
"My Lady, aren't you coming to oversee the jam-making process?" she asked, her tone hopeful.
Evangeline sighed, her fingers running through her flowing blonde hair, intertwining as if lost in thought. She stood a few paces away from Magdalene, her gaze drifting towards the river beyond the fields.
"I'll join you later," she replied softly. "I need to take a walk by the riverside first."
Without waiting for a response, Evangeline walked over to a nearby tree where she had left her sketchbook and pencil. Picking them up, she began to make her way into the depths of the small forest, her movements graceful yet distant.
"Be careful, My Lady!" Magdalene called after her, concern tinging her voice as she watched Evangeline disappear into the trees. With a quiet sigh, Magdalene turned and hurried after the servants, who were already making their way back to Serenity Palace with the baskets of apples in tow.
As the trees closed in around Evangeline, she allowed herself a moment of solitude, the rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of the river becoming her only companions. The calmness of the forest settled her mind as she prepared to sketch, her thoughts drifting between the present and memories of simpler times.
Dominic swam effortlessly through the cool, clear water, his strong strokes propelling him forward with ease. He wiped the water from his face, pushing his long, wet strawberry-blonde hair back as it clung to his neck and shoulders. As he floated there, the thoughts of Evangeline came unbidden into his mind. He recalled their conversations, and the words of Evangeline's grandmother, Azielle, echoed in his thoughts.
"She can be so stubborn," he mused silently, his expression softening a little. "I wonder when she'll stop hiding her tears and finally cry in front of me..."
Shaking off the thought with a sigh, Dominic dove back into the water, submerging himself fully. His body moved with practiced grace, each movement smooth and calculated. He swam deeper, feeling the tension in his muscles loosen as the coolness enveloped him. After several minutes, he surfaced again, gasping for breath, his chest rising and falling with exertion.
In a fluid motion, he made himself float, lying on his back with his arms spread wide, exposing his toned torso to the sun. His skin glistened with droplets of water, the lean, sculpted lines of his physique visible beneath the light. His legs remained submerged, while the water gently carried him, allowing him to drift in stillness.
"The water temperature is soothing," he thought, the coolness lapping against his skin as he closed his eyes. His mind, usually burdened by meetings, estate work, and political maneuvering, felt clear in this moment of peace. The only sounds were the birdsong from the trees and the soft rustling of leaves carried by the breeze. Floating there, weightless and relaxed, Dominic found a rare sense of tranquility.
For a brief moment, the water seemed to cradle him, and the world around him faded. Swimming always brought relief from the pressures of his duties, allowing him to escape the noise of his responsibilities.
Evangeline sat perched on a sturdy branch, her legs dangling as she gazed out at the river, unaware that Dominic was anywhere nearby. She had been sketching the birds and the peaceful landscape, her mind wandering as the gentle breeze played with her platinum blonde hair. The tranquility of the scene seemed to calm her until Dominic's words from their last conversation in her bedroom crept back into her thoughts. Her expression darkened.
Clenching her fists in irritation, she muttered inwardly, "I'm going to get rid of you soon enough. Once I've learned everything I need from you, I'll kick you out of my house... or perhaps even kill you." She bit her lip, her frustration bubbling up, and her eyes narrowed as she thought of him.
But her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when something caught her eye—a fine, sculpted figure floating lazily in the water below. For a moment, she couldn't place the familiarity, her sketching hand stalling as she leaned forward. The figure was naked, his body effortlessly drifting with the gentle current. It was then that she recognized the familiar shade of strawberry-blonde hair, glistening wet under the sunlight. Her breath caught in her throat."It's Him?!..". Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as her eyes widened in shock. Her hand, still holding the pencil, trembled for a moment before it snapped under the pressure. She dropped it, her mouth slightly agape, unable to tear her gaze away from the sight before her. The sunlight danced on the water, creating shimmering patterns that reflected off his wet skin. Dominic, with his toned and muscular physique, seemed unaware of her presence—or so she thought.
Suddenly, Dominic's head turned toward her, his piercing grey eyes locking onto hers. The water's reflection made them glitter like diamonds, his handsome face calm, almost too calm, as if he knew exactly what effect he was having on her. Evangeline's heart pounded in her chest. Her flushed face betrayed her shock and embarrassment as she struggled to compose herself, but the intensity of his gaze left her momentarily frozen.
Dominic's lips curved into a slight, knowing smile, and in that moment, Evangeline wished she could disappear into thin air.
Evangeline stayed frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief as she rubbed them in shock. "That naked man… could it be? Dominic?! Speak of the Devil!.." she thought, her breath catching. She gasped, her heart racing. "Oh my goodness, it is Dominic! His physique is so... Ugh, never mind!" Her face flushed crimson as her thoughts spiraled. She instinctively raised her hands to cover her eyes. "Evangeline, close your eyes! Don't look, don't peek!" she commanded herself, squeezing them shut.
But when she reached for her sketchbook, it was nowhere to be found. Panic fluttered in her chest as she cautiously opened one eye, only to realize she must have dropped it in her surprise at seeing her husband in such a state. The sight of Dominic's naked body stirred an unwelcome warmth deep within her, rekindling a memory that made her even more flustered—the day he had slipped his fingers inside her at the dining room. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and her cheeks burned hotter.
"What bad luck!" she thought desperately. "Not this feeling again! Why is he here like this?" she muttered under her breath, trying to steady her nerves. Her thoughts were interrupted by Dominic, who, noticing her presence, simply smiled and submerged himself deeper into the water, leaving only his head and hands exposed. He chuckled softly, amused by her reaction.
"She must have enjoyed the view," Dominic mused as he began to swim towards her, his movements graceful and effortless.
Evangeline's eyes widened in horror, and she quickly turned her back to him. "Don't you dare come any closer!" she called out, her voice shaky with embarrassment. But Dominic, ever calm and indifferent, ignored her protest, his strokes smooth as he swam lazily in her direction.
Her face reddened even more, and in a flurry of motion, she scrambled down from the tree branch she was sitting on Spotting her sketchbook lying on the ground, she snatched it up with trembling hands, clutching it tightly to her chest. "Oh no, no, no!" she breathed, her heart pounding as she darted away from the river, her steps hurried and awkward. "You're married to him, right? It's not a crime to see him naked..."she reasoned with herself, but the thought only made her cheeks flush deeper. But it's still so embarrassing!
As she hurried back towards the house, trying to calm her racing thoughts, she shook her head, hoping the vivid memory of his body would fade. "Tea! Yes, tea will help clear my mind", she thought desperately, her heart still thudding in her chest.
Meanwhile, Dominic swam back to the edge of the river at the entrance of the verandah with an amused smirk playing on his lips. He climbed out of the water, his tall, muscular physique glistening in the afternoon sun. Without any urgency, he picked up his shirt and trousers, dressing himself casually as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
Chuckling to himself, he thought back to the look on Evangeline's face when she saw him. I'm sure she's seen a man's naked body before. "Why all the embarrassment? " His brow furrowed slightly as he pondered her reaction. Then again, the way she responded in the dining room that day... "Maybe she hasn't experienced anything like that before or Richard didn't really touch her, let me not assume much, when I become intimate with her I'll know the outcome"
Shrugging off the thought with typical indifference, Dominic made his way back towards the house, unbothered by the encounter. He headed to the bathroom, his mind already shifting back to his day's responsibilities, leaving the awkward moment behind as if it were nothing.
"Never knew Evangeline had it in her to climb trees... even with that royal nobility," Dominic mused with a small, satisfied smile. His grey eyes gleamed with amusement as he ran a hand through his long, wet hair, slicking it back. Droplets of water glistened on his skin, catching the light as he stood tall, his posture relaxed yet exuding an effortless confidence.
"Interesting... I married an extraordinary woman indeed." He chuckled softly to himself, the deep sound reverberating in the quiet air. He grabbed a towel from the nearby chair and slowly brought it to his hair, gently patting it dry. His damp hair clung to his back and shoulders, adding to the sensuality of his figure, while stray strands fell over his forehead, framing his chiseled face.
As he wiped his hair, his thoughts lingered on Evangeline. "Gardening, ballet, art, farming... Ayah! She's wonderful," he murmured in genuine admiration, his lips curling into a subtle smile. The image of her, fiery and determined, climbing trees or sketching in the quiet of the countryside, filled his mind. He could sense the energy she carried—one that matched his own in its complexity.
Just then, a knock echoed through the room, pulling him from his thoughts. Dominic casually tossed the towel over the back of a chair and walked to the door, his movements smooth and deliberate. His tall, muscular frame was impossible to ignore as he strode with grace, the lingering dampness on his skin accentuating the athleticism of his body.
Opening the door, he was greeted by a servant who immediately lowered her gaze, bowing her head. "Good afternoon... Master Dominic. You have a visitor," she said respectfully, her voice soft but steady.
Dominic raised an eyebrow in mild curiosity, his eyes narrowing slightly as he wondered who could be calling on him. His lips quirked into a slight smirk as he tilted his head thoughtfully, pondering the identity of the guest before responding with a nod. "Very well. Lead the way."
His tone was calm, but beneath it lay a quiet intensity, a natural authority that made his presence unmistakable. He stepped forward, his towel forgotten, his mind already shifting to the new encounter awaiting him.
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