At the duke's word, within moments two maids came inside. They were carrying large, well arranged trays in their hands. They entered silently and began to lay out the food neatly on the table.
On the plates were all kinds of dishes: roasted meat, chicken cooked in spices, steak drenched in thick gravy, fish with a golden crust, and a roast dressed with sauce. Alongside, there was buttered bread and a thick soup as well.
Standing to one side, Elena's gaze got fixed on the table. She was hungry. The aroma of the food kept pulling her attention there again and again. She had only ever heard the names of such delicious dishes, but had never had the opportunity to eat them. Her family led a very simple life. The household income was limited, and expenses were often confined to basic needs. They did not have enough money to buy expensive food, good meat, or special dishes. Their everyday meals were plain.
Because of her hunger, Elena took a step towards the table, as if she could no longer stop herself. But as soon as she reached out her hand, the duke said, without looking at her, "Stop."
"I will eat first, then you will get something." he said in a flat voice.
Elena's hand stopped right there. She remained standing silently; now both her hunger and her discomfort were clearly visible on her face.
The duke sat down on the chair at ease. He unfolded the napkin and placed it on his lap. Then he removed the silver cover. On the plate there was roast meat soaked in thick sauce, lightly sprinkled with herbs on top. Beside it was golden, crispy grilled chicken. On another plate lay fish fried in butter, its surface gleaming. On the side were warm buttered bread, thick soup, and vegetables cooked with spices.
The fragrance of the food was strong and tempting. It was becoming hard for Elena to control herself. Her hunger was clearly visible on her face and she was feeling uneasy.
The duke picked up the knife and fork. Calmly, he cut a piece of meat, dipped it in the sauce, and began to eat without any haste. There was no particular expression on his face. He was eating peacefully, slowly savoring each bite.
Right by the same table, Elena was standing. Her eyes would unknowingly settle on the plate, then immediately drop down. She was trying to stand straight, but hunger was making her unsteady.
The duke ate the last bite with the same calm expression. He folded the napkin and placed it on the table. Then he stood up straight and, looking sternly at the servants, said, "Clear everything away."
At the duke's words, the maids silently removed the plates and the remaining food from the table, placing them on the trays and carrying them out.
After the maids left, Elena stood there for a few moments. She still did not understand why the food had been taken away. She had not eaten anything yet. She was very hungry.
Her surprise was plainly written on her face. Her brows were slightly furrowed and questions were visible in her eyes. Gathering courage, she looked at the duke and said in a stunned voice, "I haven't eaten yet… then why was it taken away?"
Walking towards her, the duke said, "You don't get everything just because you want it. To get something, you have to prove yourself."
Saying this, the duke caught her chin and lifted it up, bringing his face very close to hers. "And you have greatly disappointed me. You even tried to attack me; for that, you deserve punishment, not a reward. What did you think, that we would listen to you and so quickly give you something to eat? No! Until we reach our castle, you will not be given anything to eat. And this is only the beginning. Once we reach the castle, you will certainly be given the punishment for your mistake as well."
Hearing his words, Elena's face grew even more serious. She looked fearfully into the duke's eyes.
The duke's face was grave and cold. The hardness and control in his eyes were clearly visible.
The duke's purpose was to teach Elena discipline. To do this, he wanted to make her understand her mistake by imposing even stricter rules on her. After that, without saying anything further, he turned and walked out. He did not look back even once as he left.
After the duke left, Elena sat down on the floor in despair. There was fear in her heart. Her life had fallen into the hands of a strict and controlling man. She was anxious about the future and tormented by the thought of what would happen to her next.
After two days of continuous travel, their ship finally reached near its destination.
It was morning. The sky was slightly hazy and the sea waves had now become calmer than before. Far away on the horizon, a faint line of land became visible. As the ship moved forward, that line became clearer. Tall stone walls, watchtowers, and large iron gates came into view. It was a private harbor that was directly connected to a vast castle.
Along the harbor's edge, a strong stone jetty had been built. Guards were already standing there. The ship gradually slowed down and came to a stop near the jetty. Thick ropes were thrown and tied to iron posts. On the other side of the jetty, steps led upward, going directly to the castle courtyard. The castle was tall and magnificent.
As soon as the ship stopped, the duke was the first to move towards the stairs. He stepped down without looking back. Behind him, his brother Lucian disembarked. Lucian's eyes were alert, as if he were inspecting every direction. The guards immediately bent, standing in respect.
A few moments later, Elena was signaled to come down. She had not eaten anything for three days, so she had become very weak. Holding the railing, she slowly began to descend the steps. Her hands were trembling. Every step felt heavy for her. Her steps were slow and she was barely managing to keep her balance.
She had already been extremely weak. As soon as she took the next step, her leg gave way. Her balance suddenly broke. Her grip on the railing slipped. Her body tipped forward and she began to fall down the stairs.
The duke, standing below, was watching all this. Within a few moments Elena would have crashed against the stone steps. In that instant, his eyes hardened. The duke immediately stretched out his hand. Elena's falling body suddenly stopped mid air. She remained suspended just a little above the steps, as if some invisible force had caught her.
The duke walked forward with calm steps. He lowered his hand. Elena's body slowly drifted through the air towards him. In the next moment, he caught her in his arms and held her firmly. As soon as Elena came into his arms, she barely managed to open her eyes. Her gaze met the duke's eyes directly. Weakness and exhaustion were clearly visible in her eyes. She wanted to say something, but her lips did not part. Elena's eyes slowly closed. Her body became completely limp and she fainted in the duke's arms.
At that moment, the castle's chief steward, who was standing nearby, stepped forward. He looked towards the duke. There was respect on his face and concern in his eyes. He knew that it was not normal for a person of the duke's high rank to personally carry someone. So he came forward hesitantly. Bowing slightly, he said in a low voice, "Master, please allow us. We will take her to a room."
The duke's face was completely expressionless. He said in clear words, "There is no need."
His voice was so stern and definite that the steward instantly lowered his head and stepped back.
The duke adjusted Elena in his arms and walked straight ahead. Climbing the wide stone steps, he reached the main gate of the castle. The guards immediately moved aside. The large doors were opened. The duke entered without stopping, Elena still unconscious in his arms.
As he passed through the inner courtyard, a young woman appeared from the front. Her name was Vaira. She had been living in the castle for a long time and was considered an old friend of the duke. She knew the duke's nature and his rules very well.
The moment Vaira's eyes fell on the unconscious Elena in the duke's arms, her steps halted. First, surprise flashed across her face, then that expression quickly changed into a burning jealousy within. Her eyes hardened. She looked Elena up and down. Her lips pressed together slightly.
The duke himself carrying a girl in his arms this was something she could not accept.
Vaira tried to compose herself and appear normal, but the jealousy in her eyes could not be hidden. She silently moved out of the way. Her eyes remained fixed on the duke until he turned towards the private chambers with Elena in his arms. The duke did not look at her even once. He walked straight towards his chambers.