Williams sat down at the dining table and slowly ate his breakfast. He looked constantly at the empty table. One of the maids came in, holding a jug filled with orange juice. She kept it on the table and was about to take her leave.

"Where is my wife?" He asked flatly.

The maid flinched when she was being addressed and looked at him.

"The Duchess is in her room, Your grace! She had declined having breakfast with you and wished not to be disturbed." The maid replied frankly.

The Duke didn't take her message into consideration and nodded. He cut through his eggs with his cutlery and said,

"Tell her I said, it's mandatory to have breakfast with me. Even if it's against her wish."

His voice was hoarse as he spoke.

"Your grace?" The maid uttered doubtfully and quickly held her tongue.

Williams looked at her sternly. The maid awkwardly left the room and climbed up the stairs. She knocked on a door.

"Your grace, may I come in?" She asked from the closed door.

"Yes, you may!"

The maid turned the handle and opened the door ajar. She entered the room and looked at the Duchess, as well as her colleague, Zita.

Rebecca was seated at the dressing table and was writing a letter. She had already started and was about to conclude what she had intended to tell her receiver. She quickly added the closure and folded the paper. She kept the letter in the envelope and stood up from the chair. She walked towards Zita.

"Please give this to Thomas. Let him deliver this letter discreetly without my husband knowing." Rebecca instructed Zita.

Zita collected the letter from her and nodded. She curtsied and left the room. Rebecca had briefly narrated her experience of being married to the Duke to Crystal. She sought to be relieved as she shared her feelings with her best friend. She turned to her side and saw the other maid.

"Yes?" Rebecca said plainly, with her gesture partially friendly.

"Your grace, I had told the Duke what you said but he ordered that you should come down and have breakfast. Even if you intend not to." The maid answered.

Rebecca listened to what she had said and rolled her eyes.

"Just because I let him insult me last night, doesn't mean I'll let him force me to do things I choose not to." She gabbled,

"I stand by what I had earlier. I'm not interested. And if he persists, he would have to come and tell me to my face. That's if he is not scared of me."

The maid was surprised at her attitude. She had thought the Duchess was the weak type but never knew she was this bold-not the type to be easily intimidated, not even by the Duke.

"Go on! Tell him what I've said." Rebecca said.

The maid stalled for two minutes, eager to know if she would change her mind and regret what she had said. Rebecca stood firm on her decision. The maid curtsied and left the room. She returned to the dining table.

Williams had lost his appetite and waiting for Rebecca to come downstairs. He furrowed his brow when he saw only the maid. She knew what she was about to say would definitely upset him and had her gaze on the floor.

"So, where is she?" He asked icily, raising his voice at her.

"The Duchess has refused to have breakfast with you. She said if you insist, you should go and tell her yourself." The maid said plainly.

"She said all that?" He thundered, slapping his hand on the table. He angrily stood up from his chair.

"Yes, Your grace!" She replied frighteningly.

Williams pursed his lips.

"You may leave." He said dismissively, pissed off by the Duchess attitude.

The maid left the room. Williams walked out of the dining room and went straight to the staircase. He had climbed a stair.

"Your grace?"

The Duke turned his head round and looked at the person who had called him.

"A letter came for you." A steward said, showing him the letter he was holding.

Williams looked at the stairs. He heaved angrily and retreated from his proposed plan. He took the letter from him. He looked at the envelope and saw the royal stamp on it.

"You may go!" He dismissed the steward.

The steward nodded and returned to his position, at the front door.

Williams quickly opened the envelope and took out the letter. He opened it and read the content.

"Williams, My beloved,

How are you? Surely, you're still disappointed by my absence all these months. I hadn't notified you of my travel which His Majesty had ordered that I do. He wanted me to be acquainted with my cousins who lived in the south of Scotland. I'm deeply sorry if you felt angry by my disappearance. But I write to let you know that I've returned from my unplanned trip.

Please, do come and visit.

Yours affectionately,

 Princess Fiona II."

Williams was surprised at the letter. He reread the content, to be sure he hadn't assumed anything.

"Fiona is back?" He muttered in disbelief.

Thomas entered the room and saw the puzzled look the Duke wore.

"Duke Williams,"

The Duke looked at him and put the letter back in the envelope.

"Are you-?" Thomas asked but was cut off.

"Have the horseman get me a horse. I'll be leaving soon." Williams said plainly. He quickly handed the letter to Thomas.

"Keep it in the stateroom and keep an eye on the Duchess."

Thomas glanced at the envelope in his hand and then, the Duke.

"Is it after or before I tell the horseman of your impromptu departure?" Thomas asked confusingly.

"Don't be a fool. Go and meet the horseman first." Williams replied harshly, not in the mood of his stupidity.

Thomas nodded and did as he was told. The Duke looked at the staircase again, hoping to vent his anger on his wife, whom he felt insulted by her disobedience. He stalled a little and left the room.

<<THE ROYAL PALACE>>

Princess Fiona was seated at the dressing table, looking at her reflection in the mirror as she brushed her hair. She could see the maid, whom had often accompanied her everywhere as she stood at the door, through the mirror. There was a knock on the door.

"Do come in!" Fiona said in high spirits. She had a warm smile. She knew that the Duke would be eager to see her and happily waited for him.

"Your Highness!" The butler said with a bow.

Fiona excitedly kept her hairbrush on the table and stood on her feet.

"Tell me you have news about the man whom my heart beats for?" She asked eagerly.

"Certainly, I do. The Duke has just arrived and is waiting for you in the drawing-room. He wishes that you should be in a haste as he is very busy." The butler said plainly.

Fiona smiled and left the room. She climbed down the stairs and went straight to the drawing-room. She had seen him; he had his eyes at the window as he gazed the view of the stable from there. She crept towards him and hugged him from behind.

"I knew you would come." She said happily, resting her head on his back.

Williams felt her embrace and turned his head round. He glanced at her and diverted his gaze back to the window. He instantly broke the hug. Fiona was stunned at his disapproval and perplexed. She stood beside him.

"I understand that you are still angry about my disappearance. I had intended to let you know about it but His Majesty insisted that I must be discreet about my holiday. My brother can be demanding sometimes." She explained, with hopes he would forgive her,

"I had written the letter to explain myself. I wish you let not your anger ruin our relationship, Williams."

Williams sniggered at her and found her words amusing. He turned to his side, facing her. Fiona couldn't still apprehend his cold gestures.

"I didn't come for your apology nor am I angry with you. From the start, there hasn't been an us nor will there be. I had put up this charade long enough because my mother had begged me to." He replied coolly,

"Williams?" She said doubtfully. Her initial expectation was suppressed by his attitude.

"You've obviously bribed my mother with every gift you could think of-expensive jewels, land, maids and others which I have lost count of. I had always disliked your presence in my life from the very beginning. I had made it known to you but your stupid love wouldn't let you see it."

"Your Highness, I didn't come to insult you or make you see your foolishness in your fantasy. I had come to tell that I belong to another and I don't want you to bother me no more. I'm contented with the woman I have chosen, though it might displeased my mother-your best friend. I have no plans of including you in my life, not even as my second choice." He said bluntly, not hiding his marriage with Rebecca.

Fiona's eyes leaked but she quickly wiped off the tears on her face. She scowled at him.

"Who is she?" She asked him, gritting her teeth.

Williams smirked at the sight of her anger. He remained silent.

"Tell me, who is it? An Emperor's daughter? Another princess?" She asked him angrily.

Williams persisted in his silence and walked few metres away.

"Don't tell me it's a commoner?" She assumed, with her nose wrinkled in disgust.

Williams stopped but didn't face her. Fiona nodded to her suspicions and walked towards him. She stood in front of him. He looked plainly at her.

"Wait!" She slung him off,

"You saying you chose some filthy commoner over me? Someone, who clearly smells like worst than a horse dung? Am I right?"

Williams rolled his eyes and shook his head disappointingly.

"I should've known a man like you had no decent taste. You're clearly the type who spits out sugar and goes for lime instead. How pathetic!" She said scornfully.

"Beauty without brains; that's what you are! Arrogant, rude, an egoist; I can't live with someone like you. At least the Duchess has some good qualities in her. You might learn a thing or two from her." He said smugly, satisfied in his mission.

"His Majesty won't spare you." She threatened him.

Williams took a step forward, standing very close to her. He looked at her directly her eyes. Fiona didn't back out from the stare.

"I never asked for any of these." He muttered, in a low voice. His words were firm and unmoved.

Williams left the room. Princess Fiona watched him and slowly returned to her distress-tears had race down her cheeks the minute he left.

<<DUKE WILLIAMS' HOUSE>>

Rebecca had come downstairs the moment Zita had told about the Duke's departure. She ate breakfast peacefully, hoping it wouldn't be interrupted by her husband. After she was done, satisfied with what she had, Zita offered to show her round the house as well as the field close to the house.

The Duke had been given hectares land which he built his house in and left the rest as they were. They walked in the slightly overgrown grass.

"This has been peaceful morning." Rebecca said gladly. She had her eyes at the blue sky.

Zita felt otherwise. She knew her words would only cause problems later. She had the urge to tell her mistress about it but forcefully kept it to herself.

"His grace will certainly be furious when he returns." Zita said cowardly, unable to deal with the tension.

Rebecca looked away from the sky and had her eyes on Zita. Zita knew she had become the object of concentration.

"He was angry when he heard of your disobedience. You only escaped his wrath because of his departure. But when he returns, he won't spare you." She continued, without making eye contact.

"I have always respected His grace but after what he said to me, I'm only an object mockery to him. He hates me and only married me to make me suffer." Rebecca said openly, still affected by his description.

"Your grace, your husband doesn't despise you. He had carefully planned your arrival to the house. He had everyone on their feet and made sure the house was befitting for you." Zita explained, in favour of her master.

"Yes, he did all that to prepare me for the worst. He bluntly told me that he despises me. What's there to hope in marriage like mine?" Rebecca said airily. The breeze blew and had some strands of her hair in hair. She wore them behind her ear.

"A woman in love often do stupid things only to regret it later. She had hopes of a happy ending but got laughed at the end."

"Such a woman must have truly be loved in with the man whom she desired." Zita said, keen to the conversation.

Rebecca looked at her stomach and let a sigh. She had her hand on her stomach.

"But he never loved her back. She was left with what she thought would be happiness." Rebecca said wryly.

"Does Her grace refers to herself?" Zita asked curiously.

Rebecca replied in a nod.

"Your grace, would you be glad to share the journey your love with me? I promise to listen without judgement." Zita persuaded her, eager to know more.

"Probably when I've fully let go of the pain and shame I feel within." Rebecca answered calmly.

Zita didn't force herself and hummed. She got bitten by an insect-a little ant-and slapped it off her leg. She looked at her mistress and her eyes widened.

"Your grace!" She exclaimed fearfully.

Rebecca looked at her blankly. She had been lost in thoughts and snapped out when she heard her voice, slightly loud. She looked at the directions Zita's eyes were was surprised. Her water had broken.

Williams had returned home and entered the room. He had entered the living room and saw Thomas pacing up and down the room. He furrowed his brow curiously, puzzled on what was going on.

"Thomas?"

Thomas flinched when he heard the Duke's voice. He looked at him and saw the blank look the Duke had worn. He swallowed hard and suddenly began to sweat.

"Duke Williams, you-you are back." Thomas stuttered.

"Yes. I had no plans to spend the night there." He said coolly.

The screams as well as the cry of the Rebecca could be heard downstairs. This regularity of those sounds got the Duke's attention.

"What was that?" He asked Thomas frigidly.

"Um, um, that's-." Thomas replied nervously, scratching his head.

The loud groan interrupted him. Williams recognized whose voice it was.

"Would you just stop stammering and answer me clearly?" Williams asked icily,

"Why is my wife screaming?"

"I'm sorry, Your grace. You had given me instructions to watch over her but I was distracted and didn't know when she had gone to labour. It was Zita who had informed me about the present situation." Thomas answered timidly, with his head low.

"Labour?" Williams said in disbelief. He stood there, surprised and puzzled at the news.

"It can't be. She isn't due until the next two months."

"Your grace, I have no idea what childbirth feels like nor am I consistent to its timing." Thomas said openly,

"The midwife had believed Her grace must be troubled by something or someone to go into labour earlier than expected."

"I have to go there." Williams said firmly, taking a step.

"No, Your grace. The midwife has strictly forbade your presence. It was rumoured to  her you were arguing with the Duchess." Thomas revealed.

Williams refrained from going upstairs. He exhaled and sat down on the chair. He tapped his foot impatiently, anxious about the well-being of his wife. Soon, the screams died down and were no longer heard. The midwife climbed down the stairs and saw the Duke were he was seated.

Duke Williams stood on his feet and quickly approached her.

"How-?"

"She is fine." The midwife answered warmly, cutting him off.

"And the baby?" He asked eagerly.

"She is all right as well. The Duchess is tired; the childbirth took away most of her energy. She is asleep and doesn't need to be disturbed." She said plainly,

"I will take my leave now."

The midwife curtsied before him and left the house. Williams had his gaze at the staircase.

"The Duchess has given birth to a Lady. What will you name her?" Thomas asked him excitedly.

"That's not my duty. She's the Duchess' daughter. Her mother will take care of that." Williams answered curtly.

"But isn't she your daughter as well, Your grace?" Thomas inquired, curiously that his master he had his suggestion a cold shoulder.

"She is-."

"Thomas, why don't you go and do something else other than annoying me?" Williams said coldly. He scowled at him. He left the living room and climbed up the stairs.  

Williams got to the landing and walked towards the Duchess' room. He was about to get hold of the handle but stopped when he saw it turning. Zita came out of the room and was startled by his presence.

"Your grace!" She said softly and curtsied. She didn't make eye contact with him.

Williams ignored her and entered the room. He gently closed the door, not letting it reach its frame and walked to the bed. The Duchess was indeed as asleep. He stared at her for awhile and caught a glimpse of the cot.

He walked towards it and had his eyes on the baby. She was the healthy for a child who was born prematurely. Her eyes were closed but she wasn't asleep. She had a frown and often opened her mouth-she was about to cry.

Williams looked at the baby coldly; there was no cheerfulness in his facial expression. He glanced at her sleeping mother and continued looking at her. He wasn't excited about her coming and didn't hide. He seethed and left the room, without waking his wife up.

<<THE ROYAL PALACE>>

Fiona was in her room and was sad about the Duke's rejection. She had cried when he had left and stopped when she couldn't continue anymore. She sat down on her bed and mediated on what the Duke had told her.

"Arrogant, rude, an egoist..."

Fiona was distracted the creak of the door as it opened. She looked at the person at the door and purposely diverted her eyes. Her facial expression changed.

"May I come in?"

Fiona turned a deaf eye and intentionally cut her dead. Queen Violet knew from her gestures that she wasn't welcomed. She entered and closed the door behind her. She walked towards the bed.

"His Majesty wishes to know why you have declined to have tea with him?" Violet asked calmly, in a friendly tone.

"I'll like to keep my reasons to myself. My brother shouldn't worry much; I am fine and not ill." Fiona answered coolly, without making eye contact.

"But you don't look happy. Did something happen?" Violet asked worriedly.

Fiona rolled her eyes at her and stood on her feet. She looked at her coldly, with her arms folded.

"When you will learn to stop pestering me? Isn't it obvious that I don't like you?"

"I was only worried and wanted to know why you were sad. I do care about my sister-in-law." Violet answered frankly, being sincere about her feelings.

"I don't really need your care or your affection. You're just my brother's wife. No, I have to rephrased that." Fiona said scornfully, with a sneer,

"You're just a souvenir. The only reason you were given to my brother was to stop the existing war between your kingdom and mine. I never understood what my brother saw in you. You aren't that beautiful nor sensible."

"Clearly, you've been of no use to the royal family. It's been six years of marriage and you still can't give us a successor to the throne. My father's lineage will be erased because of you. You might've got lucky on your first try but it sadly left." Fiona taunted her, wearing a smirk.

"I've been trying my best to give His Majesty a child. I have no power of my own to bring forth a child. I'm not the one who gives children." Violet replied feebly, heartbroken by her insults.

"You've to try even harder. If this year passes and you're still unable to give me results, I wouldn't hesitate to tell His Majesty to look for your replacement. I might consider to let you to continue staying with us." Fiona said proudly.

Violet couldn't find her voice and stayed mute. She held back her tears.

"I will go and tell His Majesty that you won't join him."

Fiona smiled slyly. Violet turned round and left the room. As she closed the door, without blinking, tears leaked from her eyes.