The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride - Chapter 435

Chapter 435: Claimed (3)
“I don’t like how the men are behaving now that my mother is here. I am the same woman I was before she was present. Somehow, it took her presence and Teo speaking highly of me to remind them that I am a princess. What do they take me for?” Rue asked.

“They don’t know how good you are at remembering the faces of people who bother you. Soon, you’ll be back at the border, where you will be at peace,” Elijah said, purposely drawing attention to their current issue.

“I must see the graves and speak with the families. I owe it to their families since they died protecting me. That and I want to see how my sisters are faring,” Rue said, desperately wanting to go home.

“I understand your duties, and I wouldn’t try to convince you against them. I know that I couldn’t. Everyone deserves a break from Lockwood,” said Elijah.

“Go be at peace with your family and people. I’m sure they miss you as well and want to hear all your tales. You’ll also get to see Quinn tortured. I heard your mother somehow managed to scare him,” Elijah said, glancing at Annalise, and to no surprise, she was eyeing them.

“I am quite surprised that you have not suggested joining me. You are quite welcome at the border. Your father’s name even reaches there,” said Rue.

“Let us be honest with ourselves. You want to be alone on your trip back to the border, and once my family leaves Lockwood this time, I have an estate to look after. Still, if you want me to join you, I can make arrangements,” Elijah offered.

“No, you should stay here. Now isn’t the best time to have you travel there with me, and there is one important part missing. We are not wed to make such a trip. Stay here and run your estate,” Rue said, certain this was the best decision.

“I need some distance to know if this was merely me enjoying breaking the hearts of the ladies around you, or if I have grown to have feelings for you. I know that you don’t have much time to find a wife for the estate, but I need time,” Rue requested.

Elijah looked away from Rue to hide his smile, but it was noticed. “I am not in a rush to find a wife. You might have heard what my mother wants. I have time, Rue. I hope it will not disappoint you to hear that I was not planning to propose anytime soon.”

Rue was not from Lockwood. She had a home far away and would need time to think about staying in Lockwood for most of her life.

Elijah planned to take it slow and wait for the right moment so he wouldn’t scare her away.

Rue sighed in relief. “Thank you. I am not ready to be anyone’s wife. Quite frankly, there is a lot I would need to learn to be with a man like you. I could do it,” she said with confidence.

“If you choose to stay, I want you as you are. I don’t need you to change who you are to fit in here. Stay as you are,” Elijah said, preferring the way Rue was now.

“Oh, I don’t intend to change for anyone, but I know there are a few things I couldn’t do if I were to be at your side. I could be the best mixture of the two kingdoms without losing myself. I must say that I am a little disappointed, though,” Rue said, feigning sadness.

“What happened to you courting me? Though I have taken a liking to you, it isn’t enough. I know that you have been sending away the men who now have an interest in me, but I could do that. I am quite capable of scaring men. When do I get the same treatment as other ladies?” Rue asked.

Rue hoped that because she wasn’t from Lockwood, Elijah wouldn’t think she shouldn’t be wooed like the ladies here. She was still a lady and wanted to experience what it was like to be courted by a man. Especially a man of Elijah’s status.

Elijah noticed Rafael coming toward them, most likely because they weren’t dancing, and leaned forward to whisper, “You must write to me about how you like the gifts awaiting you at home.”

Rue’s eyes widened. “What gifts?”

“Rafael,” Elijah said, letting go of Rue’s hand. “We just finished talking.”

“I see that. You should go be with your mother, Elijah. I want to dance with my daughter,” Rafael said, holding Rue’s hand. “If you are not going to dance with her, don’t speak to her when there isn’t someone at her side.”

“My apologies. I will leave,” Elijah said, excusing himself.

Rue frowned, forced to watch Elijah leave. “Father, did you need to come at this very moment? Now I must wait until we return home to know what he prepared. It isn’t fair.”

Rue looked up at her father, who was visibly puzzled. “Why couldn’t he give me gifts here?”

“It is coronation day. You shouldn’t take attention away from the royal couple unless you wish to place yourself as the topic of gossip. What gifts are you speaking of?” Rafael asked, paying close attention to where Elijah walked. “Is it true that you like him?”

“It is true. Do fear that I will jump to marry him anytime soon. I am taking time to understand my feelings and where I want to go from there.”

“There is much I would have to leave behind to be with him. I want to make sure my heart is in the right place before I make a decision,” said Rue.

“It is best to go slow. Fortunately, I have known him all his life to trust him. Now I know why your mother has been whispering with the duchess and Lady Hazel. You must avoid them,” Rafael advised Rue.

“Mother knows how to track someone, so I won’t be able to hide from her. Father, do you think I am suited to be a duchess in the future? I feel like it is different from my duties at home,” Rue said nervously.

Rue could do as she wanted with the Callahans, but what about the Collinses?

“There were many who didn’t think Alessandra was suited to be the duchess, but she proved them wrong. I don’t think there is a perfect way to be a noblewoman. Be yourself and continue to be wise. You would make a wonderful duchess if it is what you want,” Rafael answered.

Rue squeezed her father’s hand. “Thank you. We are not going to dance, right?”

“Oh, no,” Rafael replied. “Not a chance.”