Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

  "Anyways, I did not dwell on the personal lives of others. I am here because I have an offer for you." She waited till her words sank in the mind of the young girl who was looking at her with a confused face.

When she was sure that she had gained the attention of everyone on the dining table, she continued, "As you know that nobles believe in the bloodline. Your unknown origins could not be hidden just by a single dance performance. As you have seen, no matter how much they were awestruck with your performance and spellbound with your beauty, when the dance finished they only remembered that you are a commoner."

"That was the reason that no one even once took the initiative to congratulate you on winning the contest. And I am sure if Olivia had not left by her own will, there was a chance she still would have been announced as winner.`` Though bitter, everyone knew that her words were true. It was not that easy for a commoner to be accepted by the nobles.

Even if they accepted that she was a talented person, that did not mean she would be accepted as one of them or else all the singers and dancers would have been announced as the nobles in the empire.

"Everyone will recognize her as a higher nobles after her marriage with Leo." interrupted duke Thawne. He was not sure if he wanted Evan to accept any offer that came from the mouth of nobles. As a noble himself, he knew how cruel and deceptive they were. Their intentions could not be understood so easily.

Monique tilted her head and looked at duke Thawne. Her eyes were filled with mirth and a subtle smile formed on her face, "I must say that Duke adores the young lady more than I have expected. But are you sure that she would get the same respect as a higher noble after getting married to your son. Even when they treat her nicely on her face, she would only be the receptor of sarcasm and disdain behind her back.`` Before she could speak further she was interrupted again by the cold chuckle of Leo who was silently drinking all this time.

"Isn't it common, My lady. don't we all have nobles that hate us yet flatter us all this time." Evan blinked as her eyes fell on Leo again. She could understand others who were talking about including her in high society. But why was he talking about that too? Wasn't she going to leave the palace in a few days after proving that she was not a good choice for him? Then wasn't it better that they did not recognize her and continue to hate her? She could not understand why Leo was behaving so strangely!! 

Monique Elfreazado was amazed at how the whole family was trying to protect her but she did not understand why they were treating her like an enemy. She shook her head, "protecting family is good lord Thawyne. But overprotecting to a limit that it starts affecting the person negatively is foolishness and it would only harm the family." she remarked bluntly as she looked at the dumb man who did not understand how difficult it was for a woman to make her strong position in the social gatherings. 

"I agree that we all are mocked behind our backs. But we all have a few whom we can trust. Do you want to isolate her completely in society? How would she survive the mental attacks in the social gathering then? Or are you going to lock her in the palace forever?" her question made both men silent. Of course, William wanted her to get strong standing like Eli and Eve. while Leo was lost in his own thoughts once again. He looked at Evan who was looking like a lost child. Her face had nothing but confusion as she looked at him. She was looking so innocent that he did not believe what he should believe. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. And then without adding another word, he left the table. He needs some cold air to clear his mind and make a decision.

"I agree with you, Monique Elfreazado. But is there a way to get her recognition?" asked Eli this time cutting her father. She was sure that Leo did not like Evan but now when she saw them dancing together and the way they looked at each other, she was not sure anymore. 

Even her father wanted to include Evan in the family so badly. So, she did not want to take a chance. The men may not understand but she knew how society worked for women.

"At least I have one smart person sitting here. Yes, I have a way for her to get recognized. But for that she had to work hard." replied Monique Elfreazado with a relieved smile on her face.

Then she looked back at Evan to see her reaction but she was surprised to see that the girl was not even listening to them. Evan's eyes were still staring at the way where Leo left. She was looking like an abandoned puppy who was wronged by the whole world. Elfreazado shook her head. Those new lovers could not see anything else except their partner. 

"What is that?" asked Eli again and William looked at Monique Elfreazado too with curious yet defensive eyes. 

"I am not asking him to be a knight and serve the empire, duke Thawyne." though she chuckled, the sarcasm was clear in her voice. 

"I want her to join the academy. She is talented in dance and music. If trained properly she could do wonders. And there are many young girls in the academy who are mad for the music. Her continuous progress will win their hearts and help her in making a few real friends who share the same passion and slowly she may get the acceptance of others too.. maybe she even take my position one day."