The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 57.1

The flag with the image of a sword and wings fluttered strongly in the wind. The nobles who stood at the entrance and waited for their turn reacted differently to the appearance of the Duke. Some could not take their eyes off, while others covered their mouths with fans, discussing his funeral.

They all had only one thing in common – a universal obsession with one person. As the carriage slowly stopped, a man and a woman in impeccable looks stepped out. Derrick put on a neat tailcoat, which attracted the attention of many women. Judith was in a beautiful and elegant dress, forcing men to stare at her, straightening their ties.

The couple seemed perfect. Holding hands, they headed towards the entrance. Judith held her breath.

– Cold?

Suddenly, the Duchess felt that her husband lightly squeezed her palm.

– Everything is fine.

However, Derrick did not believe it and put his palm to the girl’s cheek in order to measure the temperature. Judith froze and did not breathe at all, not knowing how to react to such behavior. After all, everyone around also watched with bated breath the picture – two tender lovers having mercy.

– Everything is really good. I’m just nervous.

Derrick actually felt agitated and anxious, like a wild animal reading emotions.

“Let’s hurry up,” Judith realized that they had lingered too long at the entrance, attracting unnecessary attention, so she hurried to enter.

Derrick, hugging his wife, followed her, still trying to take her pulse.

Everyone in the room watched with interest the couple, in whose relationship there seemed to be complete discord before. Now – even after the tea party and the consecration ceremony – many nobles realized: now there is a complete idyll between them. However, many said that this was just a rumor until they saw it with their own eyes today.

The reason for the mistrust was the disagreements and conflicts of the spouses over many years. But now the cold attitude has disappeared: the couple walks together, always holds hands and hugs even at official events, without hiding their feelings. And this undoubtedly amazed the minds of those around him.

The spouses exuded love and tenderness. But the nobles seemed a little sad next to them: most of the marriages were concluded only for political purposes, but not because of feelings. Now the Duke and his wife seemed to be violating all generally accepted norms and rules.

Judith was quite popular enough to be considered the best woman in the social world – even before her marriage. And when the girl met Derrick, known as the local playboy, their couple became a tasty morsel for discussion. And then the Duke chose a rural girl who had just arrived in the city.

And the people who spread rumors for two years would never have thought that the couple’s relationship would improve dramatically and become stronger. That is why no one, without seeing love with their own eyes, could believe in the new gossip floating in high society.

The scene played out by the spouses today seemed to be a simple mockery of the saboteurs and gossips that in every possible way denied their relationship. Derrick smiled sweetly and laughed, while Judith held his sleeve tightly and also happily carried on the conversation.

To those who did not hear what they were talking about, it seemed that these were just whispers of lovers. When the Duke touched his wife’s cheek, many turned away with bated breath. They could not bear to see such childish and inappropriate behavior in high society.

Derrick had long noticed the gossiping crowd and tried not to pay any attention to them. However, it was still annoying. Deciding to make sure whether his thoughts were truly correct, the demon stroked Judith’s cheek again, as if deliberately provoking those around him.

As expected, everyone turned their gaze to their spouses.