The Guardian of Hope -- Part I --

The Duke smiled as he watched his dinner guest exit the lavish carriage. He had worked tirelessly for the moment, several months of careful maneuvering finally coming to bear fruit. If things went well with this encounter, he would ensure the nobility of his lineage for generations to come.

The only problem he could foresee was his oldest daughter, his hand tightening its hold on the expensive draperies. Where the girl had inherited her willful spirit, he would never know. Her mother and her younger sister had been easily to manipulate and control. In fact, if he could marry the unruly girl off, he could precede to her sister’s more profitable marriage.

His smile grew as his thoughts turned to his former mother-in-law. Her influence was the one most likely cause for his daughter’s persistent disobedience. She had probably gone to her grave believing she would make him suffer for Catilia’s demise.

‘The old fool,’ he thought, watching the guest walk up the drive to the main entrance of the house. He had never felt remorse over the demise of his wife. Catilia had failed in her duties by not producing sons, instead only giving him two daughters. Although his family name would fade from the ranks of nobility, he was ensuring the future nobles of Cignus would carry his blood in their veins.

“My lord,” the maid said, dipping into a deep curtsy, “your guest has arrived.”

“Saw him into the receiving room,” he ordered crisply, not bothering to face the older woman. “Give him anything he desires. I will be there shortly.”

The maid dipper lower and rose to do her master’s bidding. Finally turning from the window, the Duke could hardly hide his smile. His efforts would prove successful tonight. He was certain of it.

* * * * *

As the final course was served, the Duke turned to his guest with a gracious smile. “I hope that everything was to your liking, my lord.”

“Indeed, quite satisfying,” the guest replied. “You have much to be proud of in your household, Duke Terio.”

“You are too kind, my lord,” the Duke stated. “While we finish, I will send for my daughter. She is eager to make your acquaintance, since she has regrettably be unable to attend the Court.”

An almost predatorial gleam flashed in the guest’s eyes. “I have heard much about your daughter, Duke Terio. I am eager to make her acquaintance as well.”

* * * * *

“My lord,” the young housemaid said, stammering, “she is not in her chambers. She is gone.”

The Duke slammed his fist against the table’s surface, his fury threatening to send the dishes crashing to the floor. His hazel eyes bore into the servant’s frightened brown ones. “What do you mean that she’s gone?” he asked coldly.

“I went to her chambers to retrieve her, as you commanded, my lord,” the young woman stated nervously with a deep curtsy. “However, she wasn’t there when I arrived.”

“Where was Bitge?” the nobleman demanded.

The servant shook visibly. “I know not, my lord. By the Throne of Cignus, I promise that my lady’s chambers were completely empty. No one seems to know where she is.”

The Duke eyed the young woman critically. Usually he would enjoy the servant’s discomfort, but his irritation due to the disappearance of his unruly daughter was tainting the experience. He required absolute obedience from his servants, dealing out harsh punishment for those who failed in their duties. Apparently, the girl had heard several of the stories. While he commanded respect, the Duke delighted whenever he inspired fear in another.

“You are dismissed,” he said curtly, waving his hand absently. “Return to your duties.”

The servant curtsied deeply. She rose quickly and almost tripped over the hem of her skirt as she fled back to the sanctuary of the kitchen. The Duke’s raging thoughts were cut off by laughter.

“I admire the absolute obedience of your household, Duke Terio,” the guest stated, still laughing.

“I’m afraid that the obedience of my household is not entirely complete, Your Highness,” the Duke said, bowing his head slightly. “I must apologize for my daughter’s rudeness.”

“No need, Terio, no need,” the other nobleman replied good-naturedly. “I do understand some things about vibrant young women. From what I have heard, your eldest daughter is a lively spirit indeed.”

“Yes, my oldest daughter is rather spirited,” the Duke replied. “However, I’m sure that a man such as yourself will be able to tame her, my prince.”

With a smug smile, the guest replied, “I am looking forward to the challenge, Terio.”

The two men sat in silence as the prince finished his wine. After a pause, the prince turned to his host. “Do you have any idea where your daughter has gone?”

“I have some idea, Your Highness,” the Duke answer dourly.

The prince rose from his seat, his eyes gleaming. “Then, shall we go and find her?”


Part I The Duke smiled as he watched his dinner guest exit the lavish carriage. He had worked tirelessly for the moment, several months of careful maneuvering finally coming to bear fruit. If things went well with this encounter, he would ensure the nobility of his lineage for generations to come. The only problem he could foresee was his oldest daughter, his hand tightening its hold on the expensive draperies. Where the girl had inherited her willful spirit, he would never know. Her mother and her younger sister had been easily to manipulate and control. In fact, if he could marry the unruly girl off, he could precede to her sister’s more profitable marriage. His smile grew as his thoughts turned to his former mother-in-law. Her influence was the one most likely cause for his daughter’s persistent disobedience. She had probably gone to her grave believing she would make him suffer for Catilia’s demise. ‘The old fool,’ he thought, watching the guest walk up the drive to the main entrance of the house. He had never felt remorse over the demise of his wife. Catilia had failed in her duties by not producing sons, instead only giving him two daughters. Although his family name would fade from the ranks of nobility, he was ensuring the future nobles of Cignus would carry his blood in their veins. “My lord,” the maid said, dipping into a deep curtsy, “your guest has arrived.” “Saw him into the receiving room,” he ordered crisply, not bothering to face the older woman. “Give him anything he desires. I will be there shortly.” The maid dipper lower and rose to do her master’s bidding. Finally turning from the window, the Duke could hardly hide his smile. His efforts would prove successful tonight. He was certain of it. * * * * * As the final course was served, the Duke turned to his guest with a gracious smile. “I hope that everything was to your liking, my lord.” “Indeed, quite satisfying,” the guest replied. “You have much to be proud of in your household, Duke Terio.” “You are too kind, my lord,” the Duke stated. “While we finish, I will send for my daughter. She is eager to make your acquaintance, since she has regrettably be unable to attend the Court.” An almost predatorial gleam flashed in the guest’s eyes. “I have heard much about your daughter, Duke Terio. I am eager to make her acquaintance as well.” * * * * * “My lord,” the young housemaid said, stammering, “she is not in her chambers. She is gone.” The Duke slammed his fist against the table’s surface, his fury threatening to send the dishes crashing to the floor. His hazel eyes bore into the servant’s frightened brown ones. “What do you mean that she’s gone?” he asked coldly. “I went to her chambers to retrieve her, as you commanded, my lord,” the young woman stated nervously with a deep curtsy. “However, she wasn’t there when I arrived.” “Where was Bitge?” the nobleman demanded. The servant shook visibly. “I know not, my lord. By the Throne of Cignus, I promise that my lady’s chambers were completely empty. No one seems to know where she is.” The Duke eyed the young woman critically. Usually he would enjoy the servant’s discomfort, but his irritation due to the disappearance of his unruly daughter was tainting the experience. He required absolute obedience from his servants, dealing out harsh punishment for those who failed in their duties. Apparently, the girl had heard several of the stories. While he commanded respect, the Duke delighted whenever he inspired fear in another. “You are dismissed,” he said curtly, waving his hand absently. “Return to your duties.” The servant curtsied deeply. She rose quickly and almost tripped over the hem of her skirt as she fled back to the sanctuary of the kitchen. The Duke’s raging thoughts were cut off by laughter. “I admire the absolute obedience of your household, Duke Terio,” the guest stated, still laughing. “I’m afraid that the obedience of my household is not entirely complete, Your Highness,” the Duke said, bowing his head slightly. “I must apologize for my daughter’s rudeness.” “No need, Terio, no need,” the other nobleman replied good-naturedly. “I do understand some things about vibrant young women. From what I have heard, your eldest daughter is a lively spirit indeed.” “Yes, my oldest daughter is rather spirited,” the Duke replied. “However, I’m sure that a man such as yourself will be able to tame her, my prince.” With a smug smile, the guest replied, “I am looking forward to the challenge, Terio.” The two men sat in silence as the prince finished his wine. After a pause, the prince turned to his host. “Do you have any idea where your daughter has gone?” “I have some idea, Your Highness,” the Duke answer dourly. The prince rose from his seat, his eyes gleaming. “Then, shall we go and find her?”


Part II The Guardian of Hope