Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

Evangeline looked at Leo and then at the horse. She was sure that the horse looked fine. If it would be having trauma, shouldn't it neigh or react differently when she sat on it. After all, the accident happened with her, not its master.

Yet she stayed silent. She knew that Leo was already irked and if she continued to blabber, he would really throw her away this time. But wouldn't it take hours for them to return if he continued to walk.

She shook her head and decided to concentrate more on her surroundings. If he was not worried about being late then why should she care. If she looked unkempt or lethargic, it would only improve her bad impression. Evan had never thought that she would do so much hard work in ruining her image.

A sarcastic smile bloomed on her lips as she thought about how life had become so adventurous since the day her father left her. He must have been furious if he would have seen her behaving this way. And she would have done anything he asked for, if he would have slapped her like before.

The cold breeze continued to blow caressing both of their faces, helping Leo in a way he could never believe and explain. He finally felt comfortable after walking enough in the cold night. But when he turned to look at her, she was looking hurt and upset. He frowned, as he was sure she did not get any injury except a bit of swelling and blisters in her feet.

Didn't she say earlier that it did not hurt much. Then why was she in so much pain now?

He sighed as he jumped on the horse behind her giving her a fright of the lifetime. She was already sitting on the horse very consciously, as she was afraid that even her small moment would be enough to scare the horse. So, when she felt the thump, her heart leapt out of her chest.

"Do not move." he held her waist, afraid that she would feel it again. She stiffened as her whole body turned hard like rock.

"We need to reach the palace soon, the sun is about to rise." she nodded as that was her thought since the start. She was just a bit surprised by the way he jumped suddenly.

Once again silence ensued. Evan didn't know why but she always felt a lot of pressure when they walked in silence but at the same time she knew that she would not be able to reply to his statements.

"The boy is searching for you." Thankfully Leo broke the silence and it took her a minute to understand who he was talking about.

A smile bloomed on her face when she reminisced the cute face of Stefan. He had always glared at her and always complained. He showed that he did not care, yet he was the only one who was worried for her in the whole world. The thought warmed her heart.

"How did you know that?" There was no way that Stefan was able to know his identity or search for her three to four towns away to cross paths with him once again. She had never told anyone that she was from Deristetia town. So, if he knew about it, there was only one way.

"I have sent him a letter from your name telling you are fine." They have investigated her stay there. Come to think of it. If they have investigated the place where she stayed only for a few days. Then they must have investigated her birth town too.

What would the people be thinking about her when the knights would be asking about her. She wondered if they would have taken her as a convict or criminal. Would she be able to live peacefully after returning there!

"I hope I will be able to live peacefully in my house when I return." she mumbled with a sigh as she looked at the distance. Her face was full of longing but he frowned when he heard her statement.

"You have no house to return to." his voice came rather cold, shattering her heart and making her panic.

She turned and looked towards him, silently asking him to explain further when he looked at her as if she was dumb.

"You didn't know? Your father does not have any son and daughters do not have the right to inherit the land and property. Your father's every property went to the royalty. If you want to claim it, you have to go there with your husband and then he would be able to transfer it only on his name."

As if the world went dark for her. His words broke her hopes.

"You mean to say I have nothing left in the town?" though she already knew the answer, she still asked with silver hopes only for him to shake his head mercilessly.

"Women can not have properties on their name." he repeated, what she knew already. It was not like she did not know. She just forgot that rule as she had never seen it applying nearby. It was only part of her distant memories.

Now she had no place to be called home. Though she was not thinking of returning there immediately, it was still her only home where she had spent all her childhood and time with her mother. That sweet memories when her mother used to hold her hands and sing a lullaby for her, even the time spent by kids when singing all morning made her eyes watery.

Why was the whole world conspiring to marry her? If only they knew how difficult it was to find a good husband! Better that she find a man.. Her eyes shone when the idea clicked her mind.

"If that is the case, what would happen if I find a man to act as my husband?"