Chapter 36 - A Lingering Gaze

Chapter 36 – A Lingering Gaze

Gris was so nervous that she couldn’t even breathe, though she was just talking to a butler. Her uneasiness came from that fact that she knew Bram — he was the servant who served as the eyes and ears of Vianut.

Gris bowed her head in hopes to conceal the subtle anxiety she was feeling, her thoughts were in turmoil, and she was filled with worries. She wondered what will happen if Vianut discovered her sister’s identity and called her to answer?

She wanted to ask Bellin if there was any news of importance because she knew the latter was knowledgeable of the gossips surrounding the mansion, she wanted to ask her because she suspected something must have happen for Bram to visit her, but she was frustrated because she could not ask Bellin in front of the Vianut’s servant. The room was filled with awkwardness.

Finally Bram opened his mouth.

“Your Highness has suggested having breakfast with him.”

Gris’s eyes popped wide open. Those words were like lightning that came from nowhere.

Why did he want to have breakfast with her? This news was sudden. Breakfast with his Highness? There seems to be no reason for her to eat with him. Was it because of the lullaby?

Gris hesistated before answering, she thought that perhaps there was away for her to turn down this request.

“I’m sorry but my stomach keeps on aching. I don’t have an appetite today.”

It was rather fortunate that Gris did look sick that day, her complexion was pale as she has not been sleeping well lately. The butler seemed to believe her words, but he did not drop the request.

“Would it be okay if you would come with me to explain directly to him?”

Even if she will not eat with him, it still meant that she needs to see Vianut. Bram was at the door as if his master urgently needed Gris to come with him and she realized Bram was not going to leave the room without her.

In that short period, she tried to think but no idea came across her mind, it seems she had no excuse. And so, she had no choice but to come with the servant. She went with Bram and walked in silence until they arrived at the second floor where Vianut’s room was located.

“Your Highness wanted to eat his meal silently in the office. Please come in.”

The servant spoke in a low voice to Gris as he stopped by the first bedroom on the left side of the hall. Bram then opened the doors gently to allow her to step inside. As soon as she entered she noticed that there was a desk in front of the window and the walls were filled with books.

Hanging from the wall she found a wolf’s head which served as a decoration above the window. The smell of warm food that came from the room did not seem to match the cold atmosphere that covered its walls.

The servant that had been with for Gris, opened another door that led into the bedroom and spoke to her in a low tone..

“This is the place where Your Highness likes to eat when he is busy. So that he won’t have to waste time going around.”

The servant entered the are first and settled at the corner of the room. Gris could her Bram’s deep voice from within the inner room.

“Your Highness. Lady Yuliana is here.”

In contrast to the first floor which was always noisy, filled with the presence of servants, the second floor was eerily quiet, Gris noticed.

“Come in.” Vianut had told her and Gris nervously followed his instructions.

From the corner of her eyes she spotted Bram opening the curtains upon receiving orders from his master to open them and let the sunlight in. Gris looked up and notices that there was a chandelier on the ceiling that seem to be reflecting the light that filled the room. There was a table filled with food too.

Similar portraits in galleries a handsome man was erectly seating beside the table. He slowly turned his head to her and spoke in a low tone.

“Sit.” He told her.

Gris carefully greeted Vianut, she had practised that greeting before coming, after she greeted him she begun to tell him of her desire not to have breakfast with him.

“I’m sorry but my stomach does not feel good today. I am afraid I cannot dine with you.”

As Gris explained she noticed that Vianut’s expression remained unchanged. He seemed disinterested with her excuse.

“Sit.” Vianut merely repeated.

At first, it was just an excuse but soon after, she spoke those words her stomach indeed felt upset. It was because his cold gaze strangled her like a rope and she started to feel sick. The longer she endured his presence, the more she felt like it will be her last breath, but to avoid earning his ire, she forced herself to sit across him.

Vianut glanced at his side and looked at his servant meaningfully. The standing servant then placed a plate of steak and mashed potatoes in front of her and scooped out a salad. He also poured a ginseng tea on her cup.

Vianut watched the trembling girl with his blue eyes. She thought his scrutinizing gaze was akin to those of doctors when investigating over small animals who were unfamiliar to them.

Duke Vianut gradually raised his gaze and landed on Gris’ eyes, he had been staring at her bony fingers. Gris looked down to avoid his gaze and Vianut then turned to glance over her slender wrists and forearms. Then his eyes traveled from her arms to her voluptuous chest.

His muscular nape stiffened as his veins distinctly protruded from his neck. His gaze then lingered over her collar bones, noticing to himself that he had been staring at her for too long he shifted his gaze and looked down on his plate as if he had seen something he should not have seen. He then spoke to her.

“Eat.”

She held the fork heavily, feeling choked by his endless gaze. She knew she’ll end up eating with Vianut anyway, even if she had wanted to refuse. There was no escaping him.