Chapter 79 - They're going to offer me all the hunting.

Isabela

The duke approached meekly, with that narrowed, worried look, as if he knew that Ana was nothing new in my life. Wearing his thick clothes, he had an irresistible charm, worthy of being the protagonist of a book. Meanwhile, in the distance, I saw Raul getting ready, organizing the materials and weapons they were going to carry, and throwing everything on the horses' backs.

"Who was with you before?" He asked, enveloping me in a hug.

"Who else could it be but Ana de Hanover? That woman must love me, she has no other reason to pursue me like that."

"What did she want?"

"She said something silly, as usual."

"And what else?"

"Nothing. I agreed to her proposal. You have the order to win this hunt; otherwise, I'll have to let you go."

The duke turned away from me and looked at me, confused.

"What did you say?"

"Your Grace promised me that you would win this hunt. I'm throwing the responsibility on the shoulders of my beloved nobleman, indeed, my beloved duke."

"And if I lose, will you leave me?"

I smiled.

"What are those drops in your eyes?"

"What?"

"Are you crying, my duke?"

"I'm not crying."

"All right, I don't want to worry your mind. I only accepted her conditions to get that woman away from me; whatever happens, my love for Your Grace is not for sale. I'm only yours, and it won't be Ana who separates us."

"I leave today with a clear mind and an immense feeling tightening my throat. I already miss you."

"I shall look forward to your return, my duke."

"For your loyalty, I'll make sure you win." He took both my hands and squeezed them lightly. "Ana will know her place."

I nodded positively, feeling proud.

"You'd better go; most of the nobles have already gone into the forest. Don't you want to win and keep Ana away from us?"

He kissed my forehead, showing that he was a little worried, after all, they were going after wild animals, and anything could happen. Even with the experience these guys had, hunting wolves could be dangerous.

"Take care, little one. Anything that happens during my absence, let me know immediately when I get back."

"Okay, I'll take care of myself. Wait a minute, I made you a scarf. I know you don't believe me, but it's for good luck."

"All right. I'll feel protected with this scarf." He took the piece of fabric and put it away, making me happy with the broad smile he gave me. "Lady Isabela... well, wish me luck."

"Good luck, my love."

With a final nod, I watched the duke disappear from my sight. I would spend three long days without seeing him.

~

From the small open balcony in one of the library towers, I could feel the duke's absence filling me with longing. In the distance, clouds were gathering, making it clear that there would be a storm like this in the evening; at least it wasn't snow.

"Duchess Casanova. Please come and sit with us, it's time for tea."

I've gained a new best friend, and I didn't know it? The kind who cares if it's teatime?

"I appreciate the offer, but I humbly decline. I don't even like tea."

"No problem, there's chocolate too." She replied, her fingers intertwined and her hands resting on the red fabric of her dress.

Does Ana think I'm stupid enough to sit next to her?

"Well! I won't take any from you; I could hear your stomach from here. You're hungry; please come."

She approached me as if we had been best friends since childhood, entwining her arm in mine and leading me into the living room, where some ladies were gathered, probably gossiping about other people's lives.

"Look, ladies, the Duke's bride is here!" exclaimed a red-haired woman with eyes as blue as the sea, who gave me a disapproving look without even knowing me.

"I brought her, ladies, so let's avoid certain subjects. The Duchess was alone in the library, I took pity on her and invited her to join us in the center of the table, of course," Ana said with an air of superiority, leading me to a chair. "Sit down, the maids will bring tea and chocolate."

"Your kindness delights me, Ana," I forced a smile and settled into the comfortable padded chair.

"What was the Duchess doing alone in the library?" Ana asked, looking at me meticulously.

Soon, two women emerged from the back of the room, each carrying a tray of chocolate and coffee. Unlike the middle-aged women, who laughed for no apparent reason, the maids remained focused on serving us. Then they moved away and stood in the corner, ready for any request.

"I was bored and wanted to pass the time."

"I completely understand. Well, don't be alone anymore, and don't wander around the mansion looking for old things, at least while we're here, we can avoid the monotony." What a wonderful suggestion!

"Forget those old books, leave that to the men." Another woman, the one with tanned skin and big brown eyes, from the other side of the table. "Did the Duchess know that on her last hunt, Miss Hanover was presented with fifteen wolves?" I looked at her, who slowly brought her cup of tea to her mouth.

"Miss Reyes, don't lie in front of my guest; it wasn't fifteen, it was twenty-two wolves."

What an idiot! What a pathetic woman!

"I don't have a good memory, but that's what happened."

"But this year is another year, isn't it, girls?" I felt light as a feather with this opportunity; even the taste of genuine chocolate was better. "The Duke will win." I spoke my mind; maybe that would diminish the ego of that stupid, arrogant woman.

Ana smiled from where she was sitting.

"Your faith is unshakeable, isn't it, miss? While the Duchess worries about victory, I only pray that no one who is hunting is in danger."

"What an admirable and benevolent soul you have, Miss Hanover."

"Oh, it's nothing."

"You're happy now, aren't you?" I drank the rest of the chocolate in one go. "But I'm sure the duke will win."

"We'll see."

I've had enough of this lemon-flavored woman.

"The chocolate is delicious, but I must retire to my chambers; it was a pleasure meeting you ladies." I nodded to them and stood up.

"Oh my God! Didn't you know that the Duke has never offered a wolf to anyone before? How can you be sure he'll win? The competition is great, and the noble who is with me is a good hunter."

"If they really hold me in such high regard, both the duke and my faithful bodyguard will offer me all their hunting."

"Does the duchess really think that two men..."

"Sharing victory with those who love me is much better than winning alongside a dozen others who don't even have feelings for me."

"Lady Casanova?" I heard the redhead's voice.

"Why did you say that, Joana?"

"I assumed that you would understand better than all the other ladies what it means to spread your legs for anyone. Now I'm going to leave, I don't want to seem rude or impolite and disturb the dignitaries' meeting. Have a great afternoon."

I'm sure Ana de Hanover wants to kill me after hearing that. But let her blow herself up wherever she wants, preferably as far away as possible.

~

Three days later.

The anguish of not hearing from the duke was like a disordered gale, shaking my little boat every which way. While my fiancé wasn't back, I decided to sit on a rock outside the mansion and pass the time. It was still about six hours before the hunters returned.

To distract myself, I started combing my hair, which was longer and easier to style. Suddenly, I heard something approaching from the other side. It was fast and loud, growling ferociously. But what could I do apart from stand there? There was no time or space to act or run. I decided to take the risk and wait for the unknown.

"What's that sound?" I asked myself, focusing all my attention on what was to come. My heart felt like it wanted to jump out of my throat.