Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

"My lady, his highness is calling you.'' The maid came and bowed and Evangeline finally moved her gaze away from the window. It had been hours yet she did not go out even once. She had called for breakfast and lunch also in her room as she did not want to cross paths with Evelyn again.

She was only expecting to be called for the party, so she was surprised that the duke had called her. She had thought that he would be very busy because of the guests.

She nodded and followed the maid who was looking more disciplined than usual. Though the palace was grand and beautiful, its splendor was at another level today. She couldn't help but look at the decoration mesmerizingly.

The maid knocked the door and turned aside after getting the reply from inside. Evan entered alone only to look at the man who was wearing a formal uniform. Age had hardly left an effect on his face. He was looking regal and his authoritative aura was stronger than usual.

"Evangeline." his face softened when he looked at the young girl who was dressed in a royal gown. For a moment, he felt that he had seen a glimpse of someone else on her face.

"Yes, your highness." she bowed as others do yet she kept her tone haughty. She had planned to deny and show defiance on everything the man would order her. She had to show how wicked she was from here.

"I know that you have a lot of pressure from everyone. But I wanted to tell you that you do not need to change yourself. You can be the way you want. We are noble enough to deal with small criticisms.

There would be women who would try to analyze you and pass criticisms but you do not need to fear them or feel embarrassed because of your origins. You are one of the highest noble now as the new duchess of the palace and they all are beneath you.

So, you do not need to bow in front of anyone. They would be the one who would bow in front of you." to say that i was shocked would be an understatement. Shouldn't he be telling her that she should behave properly and behave well in front of everyone.

She was in a daze hearing his haughty statements. It made her wonder if her plan to behave haughtily would even work!? So, she just nodded on everything he told her to do.

She took a breath of relief when the door finally knocked and he asked her to excuse him.

She walked out when she noticed the servants walking hurryingly. Then she heard the sound of trumpets.

"His royal highness is here. The crown prince has arrived.`` She followed the servants to see what the commotion was about when she saw a grand carriage entering.

She had always thought that the knights in the palace were exaggerating but she was dumbfounded when she saw a long line of knights that had already covered the whole carriage. She wanted to see the crown prince but he was completely hidden by the knights.

Soon, other carriages started arriving. All the maids were standing in two lines on both sides to welcome the guests. While Evelyn and Elizabeth were standing inside and talking with the noble ladies. Their faces were demure and serene. Even the bubbly Evelyn was looking serious today.

When Evan entered the garden, many eyes turned towards her direction.

"Evangeline! You are finally here. Come, I will introduce you to everyone." Elizabeth passed her the best smile she had ever passed to Evan as all the eyes were on them. Evan nodded and walked towards her.

She wiped her sweaty hands from her dress. A habit she had developed whenever she was nervous.

"Evangeline, she is Lady Meredith, one and only daughter of Marquees Cariando. And she is lady Isabella daughter of marquees Herbrewgrim. Both are very famous in the social circle for their benevolent nature and strong connection." Both girls looked at Evan curiously but bowed their hands as the daughter of the duke was giving Evan so much importance.

"And this is…'' the introduction continued, as Eli introduced Evans with every guest. Though Evan had learnt the names of many, it was still different to meet them personally and see their faces.

"Now you know all the noble ladies. I hope you get along with them well." Evan was about to nod when they heard the sound of high heels behind them then a chuckle filled their ears.

"I think you forgot one person, lady Elizabeth." The voice was full of pride and arrogance yet it sounded sweet to the ears.

Evan turned to look at the girl who had a fairy face. Her silver locks were tied in a beautiful bun and her blue eyes were deeper than the ocean. Her heart shaped face was so soft that she was looking no less than a fairy with a mole near her lips. Her hourglass figure and full breasts were getting all the attention for both the same and opposite gender. Her ruby lips had a smirk adorning them.

"Did you forget me or you are still ignoring me, lady Elizabeth?" she asked as she fluttered her eyelids. Then her eyes moved from Eli to Evan. there was a smirk full of disdain on her face.

"So, you are Evangeline?" the way she called the girl, it was visible that she already knew about her which worried Eli who had still not told anyone about Evangeline. She wanted to make a good impression of her first before everyone knew about her humble origins. Or else she was sure that she would receive biased behavior.

"Hello, I am Olivia Grasitias. Nice to meet you Evangeline..'' A deep breath of relief was taken by Eli in her heart when she saw Olivia behaving nicely with her but it did not stay for long.