Chapter 164 - A Knight

Instead of writing, Victoria focused on exercise, learning the etiquette of being a lady, and somehow, the King mentioned that she had to start learning the Queen's etiquette which is a big surprise. She doesn't want the title of a Queen. It'll be hard for her to shoulder being a Duchess is already a big thing for her. Once she becomes a Queen, they have to appoint another Duchess of Westeria. Somehow, she doesn't want to leave the house where her husband was born and raised. 

"Again," The female trainer said as she focused on punching the pads. The woman smacked two pads in front of her and she punched and punched again. "Kick!" 

She kicked sideways as the trainer covered her side of the pad. 

"Good. Let's take a break." 

Victoria felt so intense as she caught her breath then her assistant approached her with her bottle. She thanked her and sipped on it. 

"Why are you training so much?" Pauline asked. 

"Well," Victoria smirked at her. "So, I'll beat up anyone who would try to steal my husband from me." 

Pauline giggled. 

"You are scary, your grace." 

Victoria sighed. 

"I wish I was scarier," Victoria said and took the towel from Pauline as she wiped her sweats. 

"Your grace!" The maid entered in a rush. "Isn't it the time?" 

Victoria creased her brows, confused. 

"The time for what?" 

The maid approached her and whispered to her ear. 

"Party," 

Victoria nearly smacked her face so she nodded. 

"Miss May," Victoria called her trainer. "I think I have to cut our time." 

"Yes, milady. Call me anytime." 

"Send me warm-ups," Victoria told May and she left as the servant's bow. "Pauline, you are now dismissed." She waved at her. She somehow feels cool. 

"Y-yes, your grace." 

Victoria noticed that Pauline was clingy toward her. Maybe because Pauline was used to Victoria being too friendly and bossy at the same time. But since this is an engagement party that will be held in the Aqua Castle, no servants from them are welcome except Secretary Bryan who becomes Kenzo's secretary. She also had changed her phone and number. Somehow, Secretary Bryan brought the latest types of phones and she can also customize her number. 

"Babe!" Victoria called and Kenzo stopped from entering the office and turned to her. "Let's take a shower together." She grinned at him. 

Kenzo frowned and gave the papers to Secretary Bryan. 

"Take care of others," Kenzo told him. 

"Yes, sir." 

Victoria grinned and approached him. Then, Kenzo quickly pulled her up and threw her in his arms like a sack of rice. She squealed and smacked his butt. The time that they reached the room, he put her down, scooped her face, and devoured her mouth. 

"I missed you. It's been a long time since we last~~you know." 

She giggled and helped him with his clothes. 

"I like this brooch." She said as she took it that it was attached like a bow tie. Then, she put it on the jewelry box nearby. 

"You've been busy," Kenzo said as he removed his shoes. 

"Well, I am practicing my martial arts. So, any woman who would flirt with you will have broken bones." 

"You are so harsh." He laughed. "You smell good." 

"I smell bad." She rolled her eyes. 

"You've been eating vegetables rather than meat, huh?" 

"Yeah," 

"You need meat too." He said.

"Yeah, I will set that up." She smiled. 

<><><><><> 

It's their engagement party, but Maverick was still drowning at work. If it wasn't for Stacey who dragged him to get dressed, he'd be still in his office. Now, he made her mad. He had lots of things to do with lots of cases. But somehow, his Butler and fiancee reminded him that he's a Duke and not an employee. So, he swallowed his pride a little and sent it out to his people. He will also have someone close to monitor it. 

"If I don't force you, you'll be still in your office and I'll celebrate our engagement alone," Stacey said finally after they entered their van. Maverick chuckled and patted her head. Stacey smiled. "Now, love. Sleep." 

Maverick felt relieved that he had a loving fiancee. Maverick adjust his seat and put his seatbelt on. He closed his eyes and hold his beloved's hand. Stacey relaxed and keep her eyes on the road while the bodyguard that Maverick's mother appointed was driving and Butler Paul was just on the seat in front of them. 

"Would you like any drink, milady?" 

"I'm fine, Sir Paul." She spoke softly. "Thank you." 

"Please let me know if you need anything." 

"I will." 

Everyone was exceptionally kind to her. She also caught Butler Paul scolding maids who were spewing nonsense toward her. She knew that it's hard for everyone to accept that a commoner would become Maverick's fiancee. But it's a modern generation and everyone doesn't believe in arranged marriage now. But somehow, with Victoria's case, it was once an arranged marriage and she was tricked. It's also a good thing that Victoria didn't give herself to that man. 

Now, with the current condition. Lots of people will go after Caleb. She sighed by just thinking about her poor cousin. But she'll help him if she must. It was peaceful on their way to the Aqua Castle and as expected, the others hadn't arrived yet. Also, the King was currently so busy with Prince Philip. She wondered if they could make it. 

"Sir Paul," Stacey called and the Butler peeked at her from his seat. "When Mave was young, what kind of foods did he like?" 

"Well, he liked beef steak that was marinated in red wine, your grace." 

She nodded and sighed. 

"Anything else?" 

"He's not a picky eater, Madam." 

"Great." Stacey now thought about how to make that specialty. She still holds her beloved's hand until they reach the Aqua castle. She escorted Maverick to their room since he looked so groggy. 

Their room had changed. They are in the west wing. It was finally open! Stacey was excited but she helped Maverick with removing his shoes and his coat and his belt. Then, she let him sleep. She rushed outside as Butler Paul already had something for her to drink. She took it and thanked him. She walked in the corridor to the game room and her eyes widened. 

"There are balloons!" She said excitedly. 

"Yes, Madam." Butler Paul was puzzled as she checked everything like a child. Then, Lady Vanessa entered as Stacey didn't notice it. 

"I am glad that you like it," Vanessa said. Stacey turned around and she curtsied. Then, she smiled at Vanessa sweetly. 

"Everything is perfect! Not to mention that there was expensive champagne." 

"They were reserved for special occasions." 

"I am very much ecstatic right now. I can't believe I would be having such a party. Although from my imagination, beers and simple barbecue are enough." Stacey said with a flushed face. She never thought that the Grand Princess would be like this to her. 

"My dear, your fantasies will come true. As long as you have Mave, me, and the Royal family." 

Stacey sighed and nodded. 

"I know that it's very stressful for you to be a Duchess, but there's one thing that I would like you to do. This is a must." She moved closer to her. "I will send one of my best guards. It's a female. I want you to learn how to defend yourself." 

Stacey looked at Vanessa's hand and held it. 

"I will do it," Stacey told her. 

She does weights, yoga, cardio, and other gym exercises, but never self-defense. It's time for her to do something. 

"Don't worry, my dear. You'll only attend a few gatherings as a Duchess. Also, this self-defense won't be intense on your abdomen." 

"Yes, mom." 

"Good," Vanessa smiled. "Let's check the food, Duchess." 

Stacey held Vanessa's hand like a little girl as the two went to the kitchen and Butler Reinheart followed them. The chef in the kitchen was busy with the preparations since the King and the highnesses will be here together with the Duke and Duchess of Westeria. She tasted the barbecue that they are making and hummed as the flavors exploded in her mouth. 

"Do you like it?" Vanessa asked. 

"Yes, it's amazing." 

The maids and cooks bowed to them quickly. She smiled and waved at them. 

"Well, we have refreshments. Healthy ones." Vanessa told her. 

"I can't wait for the party." 

"Yes, so let's head back to your room so you can nap and have a party later." 

"Yes, mom." 

The two went back to Stacey's bedroom. They found Mave with his shirt open and sitting on the bed with those dark circles. Vanessa sighed and shook her head. 

"What did I tell you about working so much, Maverick?" Vanessa scolded. Maverick stood and greeted his mother with a warm hug. "For this weekend, you won't touch any work. Understand?" 

"Got it. I'm sorry." He grumbled. 

"Let's take a warm shower, love," Stacey told him. Somehow, she stopped when she caught a beautiful mini dress and a tuxedo. "Wow," She walked forward to it. Just a while ago, it wasn't there. "I'm in love right now." 

"Aren't you in love with me for a long time?" Maverick frowned as he watched his darling, caressing the dress lovingly. "Ugh, come on!" 

"I love you," Stacey said to the dress with sparkling eyes. 

Maverick frowned and gave his fiancee a deadly look. 

"Yeah, good luck on marrying that dress." 

Vanessa only giggled.