Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

Evangeline looked at the new maid who was stiff and strict. She did not even look towards Evan as she helped her in dressing up. Her movements were rough too as she almost pulled all the hair of Evan while combing them.

"Hey, gently." Evan complained as she rubbed her forehead.

"I apologize, my lady." came the curt and sharp voice which did not have an iota of regret.

"It is alright, I will do it myself." Evan was afraid that she would go bald if the maid continued to comb her hair. She had never liked being served like this in the first place, she always felt awkward and stiff when these girls touched her or helped her in basic things.

The maid nodded and left her alone. Evan looked at the mirror and sighed. She was back to where she had started but this time they were not welcoming to her like before, yet they did not let her go! This was something she couldn't understand no matter how much she thought about it. It was not like the nobles have never been saved before. Didn't knights give their life to save them?!

A knock on the door broke her reverie and she looked back only to see that the maid had returned with her breakfast.

"Thank you." no matter how others behave with her, she always behaved respectfully as this was embedded in her mind by her mother.

The maid bowed and left her alone again. Taking the bite of the pie she thought about what others would be doing in the dining room. Were they still talking about her?

William walked to the dining room only to see all his children were sitting there but there was no sign of Evangeline.

"Is Evan sleeping?" he asked as he sat on the chair.

His question not only surprised Leo but both sisters looked at their father with surprise too. It was not a hidden truth, that their father has always loved and cherished Leo most. In a world where men are treated as higher beings than women, that was something normal to happen. Yet he has sent Leo to search for a girl of unknown origin the moment he entered the palace after so long and even now when he finally returned back, instead of asking how he was. The first question their father asked was if the girl was sleeping? What kind of magic has the girl done on her father?

"She is Evangeline, not Evan, father. And no, she is not sleeping. I have asked the maid to take her meal in her room.`` William did not need to know the reason as the cold voice of Elizabeth had cleared that she was still angry with the girl.

He sighed, no matter how much he tried to bring them closer the childish acts of Evan was creating distance between them.

He decided to not press the matter further as it will only irk his kids more.

"Very well. So, how is the preparation for the tea party going?" Finally the tension in the air lessened.

"Everything is prepared well father. Invitations have been sent and the decorations have been done. The menu is decided and the sitting arrangement is checked personally by me." he nodded with satisfaction as he looked proudly at his daugher.

"Eli.."

"Yes, father."

"His majesty has sent the letter. They wanted to know your final decision." Elizabeth's hand on the spoon tightened as she heard his father's question.

A bitter taste filled her mouth.

"Father!" came the voice of Leo and Evelyn in unison as they glared at their father.

"I am bound too. But if you are still adamant to your decision, I will support you." Though he knew that it would be impossible, he did not want to force his daughter to do something she did not want.

"But then, you have to let go of him completely and choose another man for you. I can not marry Evelyn or Leo before you, darling." Elizabeth closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. This was not the first time and not the last time as the matter was raised and no matter how many times she thought about it, she did not know what to reply.

"Give me the time of three days, i will give you my final reply." Evelyn and Leo both stood up and held her shoulders but she shook her head.

"I am fine. I need to see the gifts for the guests. Please excuse me." She stood up and left the room without even touching the meal that was served to her.

"You could have waited a bit father." came the accusative voice of Evelyn and William sighed.

"She had to either accept or let go of the matter. The more time she would take in making a decision, the more difficult it would be for her to make a decision and do not forget that the crown prince would be attending the party too." he pointed only to make his both kids furious.

"I can not believe that the man still has the audacity to enter our palace. Did he not have any shame." if he would not have been the future emperor, Leo was sure he would have killed him a long time ago.

"Leo! You could be hanged for treason if others heard what you were saying. Do not forget that there are many nobles who are jealous of our positions." Leo just sneered at his father's reply. He did not care who wanted his position because he was sure that was irreplaceable.

"I only know that my sister is hurt because the crown prince suddenly fell in love with the princess of the other nation and forgot that my sister was betrothed to him since childhood.. And now he has the audacity to ask her hand as her concubine. And I am amazed at how you are asking Eli to take the decision even after knowing how much she is hurt!"