Fated Eclipse: The Illegitimate Princess And Her Alpha Suitors

Chapter 282: The Boat Date With Duke Frostmere

Lyria’s POV

It was the next day, and I was on my date with Duke Marcellus Frostmere.

We were on a boat.

That was the only thing that made this entire experience bearable. The lake stretched out before us, calm and still, its surface catching the pale morning light. The boat glided across the water with an easy rhythm, the oars dipping in and out.

I had never been on a boat before.

The last time I had even been near this part of the palace, I had been fourteen. I had hidden here to cry after one of the Queen’s particularly cruel punishments. And I remembered the way the reeds had swayed at the water’s edge, the way the trees had bent toward the lake as though they were listening. I had sat upon the bank and let the tears fall, and only after I had cried my heart out did I leave.

That had been years ago.

Now I was upon the water itself, the boat rocking gently beneath me, the breeze cool against my skin. I should have enjoyed it. And I would have enjoyed it, if only my companion were different.

But I had no choice in the matter, and my date had very little interest in me.

He was interested in Princess Jacinta.

”What was she like when she was younger?” he asked, leaning forward with an eagerness that made my stomach turn. ”She must have been quite adorable, yes? I have always imagined her with those golden curls and those bright blue eyes.”

I smiled.

”She was... as she is n-now,” I said carefully.

The Duke nodded, as though this were a profound answer.

”And her mannerisms?” he pressed. ”Does she still possess that same charm she had as a girl? I have heard stories of her grace, her poise. They say she was always the centre of attention. And having met her now, I must say it appears to be true.”

I took a bite of the small pastry upon my plate. The sweetness was welcome, a small comfort in the midst of this tedious conversation.

”P-perhaps. But as Your Grace says, she does h-have a certain charm to h-her.”

”That is true,” Duke Frostmere said. ”What are your memories of her when you were both younger? Was she kind? Warm? I imagine she was greatly beloved.”

I almost laughed.

Beloved.

That was not the word I would have used.

But I said nothing. I simply took another bite of my pastry.

The Duke continued his interrogation.

”Tell me,” he said, ”does she enjoy music? I have heard she possesses a lovely singing voice. Is that true? No, yes, I know it is true. She does enjoy music. That is the reason she selected me among her top three, after all. I should very much like to hear her sing one day.”

I only smiled at him as I ate.

The Duke sighed happily, as though my non-answers had somehow confirmed his hopes.

”I have looked forward to this date for so long,” he said. ”I knew that if I could but speak with someone close to her, I might learn more about her. The date we shared yesterday was far too short. I am glad I have been granted the opportunity to spend time with you today and learn more about her.”

What a surprise.

I was not glad that I had to spend my time being interrogated about Jacinta.

He launched into another question, and I let his words wash over me, my mind drifting to other things. Thankfully, there were snacks to keep me company.

I was also glad I had not dressed too elaborately for this date. The gown was simple, the shoes comfortable, and I wore no jewellery save for my earrings.

And this time, I was going to follow the Queen’s rule to the letter.

Five minutes.

No more.

But if I had the opportunity to make it less—which I did—I would make it less.

Why was this date not with Duke Thorncrest or Duke Valenridge or even Lucian?

This truly was not how I had planned to spend my time.

”I m-must excuse myself,” I said suddenly, setting down my pastry.

Duke Frostmere blinked.

”What is wrong?” he asked. ”We were having such a delightful conversation.”

I almost asked him who, precisely, had been having a delightful conversation.

But I held my tongue.

”I have to p-powder my nose,” I said.

The Duke frowned.

”Surely you can remain a little longer,” he said. ”The date has only just begun. We have hardly spoken at all.”

”I am afraid s-something I ate has u-upset my stomach,” I said, pressing a hand lightly against my midsection. ”I r-really must go.”

The Duke sighed, clearly disappointed.

”Pray remain,” he said. ”I am sorry for your discomfort, but surely you can stay a few minutes longer. We are already upon the lake. It will take time to return.”

I smiled sweetly.

”I c-cannot,” I said. ”I would not wish to leave Your Grace with s-something unpleasant to remember. Or worse, to witness.”

The Duke’s shoulders sagged.

”Very well,” he said, turning to the man rowing the boat. ”Take us back to shore.”

The oarsman nodded and began to turn the boat.

When we reached the shore, I climbed off without waiting for the Duke to extend his hand. My feet touched solid ground, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

”I am s-sorry,” I said, ”but I r-really must go.”

The Duke rose, attempting to follow.

”Allow me to escort you—”

Before he could finish, I was already walking away.

”Perhaps n-next time,” I called over my shoulder. ”I will t-tell you more. But I have t-to go now.”

I did not look back.

My maids and guards fell into step behind me, their footsteps quick and light as we made our way back to the palace.

The moment I entered my chambers, I began to laugh, the absurdity of the date washing over me.

My maids chuckled too, their voices mingling with mine.

The Duke may have been the worst date companion imaginable, but at least he had never mocked my speech. That alone earned him a little goodwill in my eyes.