Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 82: I like you

Chapter 82: I like you

Mia stood at the grand gates of the Duke’s estate, her fingers brushing her lips in an absent-minded gesture as she wrestled with the weight of her decision. To retreat now would be an act of cowardice, unworthy of her spirit. She must confront the truth and accept whatever consequence lay ahead. After all, there were many men in the world, surely, if fate proved unkind, she could find another to love.

With a final deep breath, she raised her hand to knock. Yet, before her knuckles could meet the iron, the gates groaned open, revealing Klaus and Ray astride their horses, looking prepared to depart.

"Mia!" Klaus exclaimed as his gaze alighted upon her. Without hesitation, he dismounted and approached with haste.

"Klaus," she murmured, her voice scarcely audible. She had not anticipated meeting him so soon. Her heart wavered, unsure of how to proceed now that he was striding toward her with such purpose.

"What brings you here? Has something happened to the Duchess...I meant your lady?" He inquired, his tone earnest as he halted before her. His presence alone seemed to dismantle her resolve. How could she not fall for him? Klaus, with his unwavering care and noble heart, was every inch the man she had dreamed of. If he was not her destined mate, what hope had she of happiness?

"No... Nothing has happened to my lady," she began, faltering. "But something has happened to me."

Sensing her unease, Klaus placed a steady hand upon her shoulder. "Take your time, Mia. I am in no haste," he assured her, his voice a soothing balm to her nerves.

"I... I must speak with you, Klaus. Might I have but a few moments of your time?" She said at last, her voice trembling yet resolute.

His expression softened. "Of course. Allow me to bid Ray depart so that we may speak without interruption."

"No," she interjected quickly, halting him before he could turn away. "I doubt Izabella would take kindly to my presence. We can speak here, it is not a matter that requires privacy within the estate."

"You are unaware, then?" Klaus began, his brow furrowing slightly. "Much has changed since..."

"Shall I take my leave?" Ray interjected coolly, cutting through Klaus’s words. "I have other matters to attend to."

Klaus turned toward him, leaving Mia’s side momentarily. She let out a frustrated breath, muttering under her breath, "That annoying man." But as though he had heard her, Ray’s sharp eyes flicked toward her. Her breath caught, and she quickly averted her gaze, her pulse quickening. Could his hearing truly be so keen?

"I will meet you in town," Klaus said to Ray, though his words trailed off as Ray turned his horse and rode away without a glance.

Mia clicked her tongue in annoyance, watching him disappear. How had the moon goddess bestowed such a flawless form upon a man so insufferably cold? His bearing was regal, his strength apparent, yet his manner was enough to set her nerves on edge. She shivered, a chill creeping over her as she recalled the unnerving sharpness of his gaze.

"Forgive me for keeping you standing," Klaus said, his voice steady but warm. "Izabella no longer oversees the estate. Much has changed, so there is no need for concern about following me in."

Mia’s eyes widened in astonishment. She stood frozen, struggling to comprehend his words. Could this turn of events possibly be her doing? The idea seemed unthinkable. Never in her wildest imagination had she envisioned Quinn dismissing Izabella. It was, without question, the most thrilling news she had heard in some time.

"How is it that rumors of this haven’t spread?" She asked, knowing well how swiftly news traveled within the Duke’s estate, particularly given his standing in the kingdom.

"It was handled with great discretion," Klaus replied. "It was a private investigation, and the matter was resolved within a single day. Few servants were present, and any potential gossip was silenced before it could take root."

Mia nodded slowly, beginning to piece it all together.

"Come," Klaus said, gesturing toward his horse. Without another word, they walked to the horse, mounted it together, and began their journey deeper into the Duke’s estate.

As they rode through the grounds, Mia couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer grandeur of the estate. She had forgotten just how vast and luxurious it was. With its expansive grounds and towering structures, it could easily be mistaken for a small village. Yet, despite its magnificence, it seemed emptier now, almost desolate. Many of the grand buildings appeared unused, their silence adding an air of loneliness to the estate.

Upon reaching the guards’ quarters, Klaus guided the horse to a stop and dismounted. He led Mia through murmurs and curious stares from the guards as they passed.

Mia recognized a few familiar faces among them, though many were strangers...new recruits, no doubt.

"Here," Klaus said at last, gesturing toward the entrance to his chambers. She stepped inside, and he shut the door behind her.

"Please, sit. I am listening," he said, motioning to the couch as he took a seat beside her.

Mia hesitated for a moment, her gaze lowered as she nervously played with her fingers. Finally, she sighed and looked up at him, her heart pounding.

"I have been thinking about this for quite some time," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "Someone told me it would be better to say it aloud than to keep it buried."

Klaus’s expression grew serious as he leaned in slightly, silently urging her to continue.

"I... I like you, Klaus," she confessed, the words tumbling from her lips in a rush. "It didn’t start recently, and it hasn’t stopped growing. I can’t explain this feeling, but whenever I see you, I can’t seem to control myself. Sometimes, I think you might be my mate, though I know nothing is certain unless it’s confirmed."

Her words spilled forth without restraint, leaving Klaus momentarily stunned. His eyes widened, his expression unreadable, and a chill of fear crept into Mia’s heart. Was this the look of rejection?

"I am not forcing you to feel the same," she added quickly, her voice trembling now. "I just needed to know if..."

Before she could finish, Klaus leaned in and captured her lips in a fervent kiss. His touch was intense, almost wild, as though he had been holding back for far too long. Mia gasped, her eyes wide in shock, but soon melted into the kiss, tilting her head back and allowing him deeper access.

"Klaus!"

The loud, piercing scream shattered their moment, and they broke apart abruptly. Both turned to see a furious woman standing at the door, her fair complexion flushed with anger, her hands clenched into fists.

"How dare you betray me?!" She shrieked, her voice trembling with fury as she hurled a bouquet of flowers toward them. The petals scattered across the floor as her rage filled the room.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.