Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

Marques gritted his teeth but he had no way to retort to the statement. His father was a perfect and excelling knight who was famous all over the empire. Though he had received the title of marquess, he had not advanced much in his military career. Thanks to the taxes he received from his estate, he was still able to maintain his lavish lifestyle but his career as a knight was his sore point.

"Duke Thawyne! Have you called all of us here to insult us?" he asked through gritted teeth while the man in question only smirked.

"Are you trying to complain to my father, marquees? Even kids do not do that these days." Leo chuckled softly as if he was joking yet his eyes were filled with sarcasm. Many other nobles laughed at his statement while William looked at the man apologetically.

"Leo. you should not behave that way with our esteemed guests." Though it looked like the duke was reprimanding Leo for his misbehavior, his tone was light and lacked sincerity.

"I will see that he behaves nicely next time, did you have a meal? The cream pie was specially chosen by my daughter in law Evangeline." Duke William's words worked as salt on the wound of Marques Wahimilton who was red from anger and embarrassment at the same time. Duke Thawyne had clearly declared that Evan was already his daughter in law and she even had decision making rights in the palace. It was confirmation of the lies Evan had spouted in the party.

Many nobles who were still thinking that the girl was just exaggerating her position realized that her position was stronger than she had told. Those who were waiting to inform duke Thawyne about how Even have behaved rudely and haughtily in the party, swallowed the words down their throat and brought a bright smile on their faces when they came to bid goodbyes to the family.

Evan continued to look at the guests with hope that they would point out how she had taken gifts from them and how she had misbehaved with a few of them, but all she heard was her praises. How well she sang and danced and how she matched Leo perfectly. Slowly she gave up hopes of getting the title of wicked today! 

Her face turned exhausted and she took a deep sigh. Slumped on her chair with defeated expressions, she looked at Leo. She was hoping that he would have an idea but he had pulled a long face as if the whole party owed him an apology. 

Another glass of wine was in his hands which made her wonder how many drinks did he take in a day. She was sure she would have been tipsy and lost her composure if she had drank this much. No! Even a glass would have been enough as she had never drunk wine. Yet Leo was standing there majestically. His face was glowing with a regal aura like always and his eyes, though they were still cold and brooding yet looking clear. His posture was upright, and his wordings were still sounding like music. No one would believe that he was drunk. But she still did not understand why he was so furious. 

Was it because the plan had failed? But it happened because he decided to win the contest at the end time.

Even with marquees Wahimilton! He was the one who took her side. If he would not let the nobles speak ill about her, then how would she be disqualified as her wife. Another big sigh escaped her lips. The task she was taking as a rat hole, suddenly felt like a mountain hill to her.

She did not realize all this time she was staring at Leo when she was lost in her thoughts. But Eve's eyes were sparkling. If she had any doubts before, now she was sure that they were in love. Evan was looking at Leo with dreamy eyes for minutes now. She elbowed her sister to show that she was right! And even her father noticed the way Evan was looking at Leo all the time without even blinking. A flicker of light passed his eyes and he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

From the start he knew how stubborn his kids and Leo were. So he was afraid that the plan would not work. But all went more smoothly than he had thought. Now all he had to do was to find a date of marriage and tie them forever. 

"Young lady, I must say that you have exceeded my expectations. I have never seen someone dancing this elegantly in a while." When most of the guests had left and the family lost their own thoughts, finally Monique Elfreazado walked towards the table. But instead of addressing Duke Thawne or Leo. She walked straight to Evan and congratulated her.

"The party forgot that you were having a competition but I did not. Since I had decided on the song, I wanted to take the honor of announcing the winner too. I am glad to meet you Evangeline." her face was blooming like an excited teenager who was meeting with her long lost friends. This was the first genuine face Evan had seen in the whole party, it brought a smile on her face unconsciously too.

"Have you ever taken dancing, Evangeline?" asked the lady when the initial excitement died down. Evan shook her head. She was sure that her mother was not a dancer but a housewife, so learning dance from her would not be called professional training. Right! But the face of Monique confused her, who was looking at her with pensive eyes.

"It is hard to believe what you said. The steps were perfect and detailed. But if you are telling the truth, then I can only say that you are highly talented in this field and lord Leo is a great master to instruct you perfectly while missing one beat himself. Anyways, I did not dwell on the personal lives of others.. I am here because I have an offer for you."