Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

As the carriage entered the grand door again, Evangeline's heartbeat increased. She started feeling restless. The carriage finally stopped in front of the palace and two long rows of maids stood bowing their heads on both sides.

In the middle stood the man who had brought her here for the first time. She remembered clearly that the maids were looking at her with disdain and disgust but right now, everyone's face had a sweet and shy smile. They were looking too feminine and frail while standing there.

She rolled her eyes when she saw that Leo did not even look at the girls who were dying to get a compliment from him. When she entered, her face drained color as her eyes met with Elizabeth who was looking at her coldly. She wanted to hurt Elizabeth, but she had wanted her freedom.

Since she had decided she would never meet them again, she never cared how they would feel but now that she was standing in front of them, she could not help but feel a lump forming in her throat.

"Eli.."

"Brother, you must be tired. Shall I ask the chef to cook a meal for you or you would like to rest first.`` Before she could call her or talk to her, she walked past her and asked Leo as if she did not even see her.

She looked at Evelyn who was standing a bit far away, who silently shook her head.

"Meal would be appreciated. But I want to meet my father before that." he replied with a nod and Elizabeth sighed.

"At least, take some rest before that. Father is in his study. Barron Valdemier has come to meet him."

"I will take care of that, Eli. you do not need to worry. Are you not going for the tea party preparations?" His tone was strong and serious, he was looking authoritative just by standing there and Evangeline could see respect in everyone's eyes around him.

"I have already done that so i could spend some time with you when you come back." she replied in an affectionate tone.

"Martha, help the lady in the bath and serve her meal so that she can take a rest." When Leo realized that his sisters had no intention to talk or greet the girl, he looked at Evangeline whose face was distorted. She was standing there awkwardly as they all treated her like thin air.

He knew this was going to happen since she had broken their trust and Elizabeth was a person who did not believe in giving second chances. Yet he felt bad for her.

Evangeline understood that they did not want her there. Since the time she had spent, she was never served meals in the room. She was told that it was the rule of the palace that everyone have meals together. Yet now, she was asked to be served in the room only. Have they only brought her to neglect her? It was not like she wanted to eat with them anyway. She would not behave weakly. So, she turned and left for the room silently.

"I will come to the dining room after taking a bath too. I will see you there." Elizabeth nodded and Leo turned and left too.

Only then did Evelyn come closer to Elizabeth and patter her shoulder.

"Do not be too harsh, Eli. she is going to be family.`` Her voice was soft as she was also afraid of her elder sister but at the same time she knew that her anger needed to be subsided.

"And she did not appreciate it. Even when she is just a commoner. In Spite of being thankful, all she created was trouble and yet you are taking her side.'' The sharp look in the eyes of Elizabeth told Evalyn that this was not the right time for this topic. Now only Evangeline could improve her impression and make Elizabeth calm down. So she only nodded and left before she would become the receiver of all the anger.

"Prepare all the favorite things of the master and serve that girl in her room. Make sure that all her demands would be fulfilled there, and ask two knights to guard her room all the time." the servants nodded to their mistress and walked hurriedly to fulfill the orders while Elizabeth moved to her father's study.

She nodded at the man who bowed looking at her.

"Lady Elizabeth is turning more and more beautiful everyday. It is time for her to get married to a fine gentleman." Elizabeth felt a bitter taste in her mouth as the man complimented her. Yet she maintained her calm posture.

"Father, brother is back. Shall I wait for you at the breakfast table?" she asked, as she ignored the man who was waiting for the invitation too. She would have if he had not asked about her marriage.

William looked at the man who was standing there awkwardly and then at her daughter who was too rigid for her own good.

"I will have my breakfast with all of you." the girl nodded and left the study while he looked at the baron apologetically.

"I will talk to his majesty regarding your problem. And I will try my best to take the decision in your favor.`` The man finally took a breath of relief as getting the promise from the duke was no less than getting the promise from the emperor.

"But never in your life, talk about the marriage of my daughter again or I am afraid that I would be the first person to stand against you and you will not realize how you got destroyed."

"........."