The Duke's Masked Wife

"It's true the Duke got married to the late Baron's daughter."

"I didn't think they would show up tonight."

"How long do you think the Duke has left to live?"

Alessandra ignored the loud chatter as she and Edgar walked up the stairs leading into the palace. As she walked, Alessandra realized it wasn't hard to ignore the words and stares directed at her. There was so much more to focus on than the people around.

Everyone could spend the night watching her while she chose to look around the castle instead.

"Welcoming the Duke and Duchess, Edgar and Alessandra Collins!" A short man loudly announced as soon as they were going to step foot in the ballroom.

Hearing the call, the entire crowd of people already in the ballroom looked at the entrance to get a glimpse of Edgar and his new wife.

"You would think we were the king and queen," Edgar muttered as he led Alessandra off to the side to look for the private area Tobias was meant to give him. "I swear if he claims to forget about what I asked I'll leave the throne without a king."

"Duke Collins," a familiar voice called to Edgar. "I've been awaiting your arrival. How have you been, Alessandra?" Katrina asked.

Like everyone else, the Baroness had been patiently waiting to see if Edgar and Alessandra would attend the ball. Regardless of whether Edgar and Alessandra disliked her, Katrina planned to use Edgar to raise her status. Alessandra was still her step-daughter therefore Katrina had a connection to Edgar.

"I have been well, Baroness. Thank you for asking," Alessandra replied. She knew this was not the time or place to engage in a negative conversation with Katrina. All eyes were on them and Alessandra did want to entertain whatever Katrina was scheming. "Please excuse us," she began to walk around Katrina.

"Wait!" Katrina stepped in front of the young couple. "Kate and I have not seen you for the last couple of days since you have become the Duchess. We only wish to spend a moment with you and Edgar. Isn't that right, Kate?" Katrina nudged her daughter.

Katrina had a lengthy conversation with Kate to be cordial with Alessandra out in public. They had an image of a caring family to keep together.

"Yes, mother. We want to know if you are alright and dealing with our father's death well. You have not once asked about his funeral," Kate spoke loud enough for anyone nearby to know Alessandra did not care about their father.

Kate's innocent smile masked the anger and jealousy she felt as she glanced at Alessandra's dress. It was certainly new while she was forced to wear an old dress. 'Who made it for her?' Kate thought. She would get the person to make better dresses for her to outshine Alessandra.

'Her dress might be beautiful but that face,' Kate deviously thought as she stared at the mask Alessandra wore. 'No amount of money can fix that face. I am still better than her.'

"I have not asked because I don't care. I hope the two of them can send him off well. You were his most cherished ones after all. I hope you are in a position to make the funeral as grand as possible," Alessandra threw in a dig at the fact they were struggling to clear the debt.

"Regardless of what you felt about him, he was still your father. Now that you are a Duchess you have forgotten your family. If the Duke were to ever leave you, where do you think you'll have to run back to?" Kate asked. If Alessandra paid for the entire funeral they could save their money and get back on their feet. Why was Alessandra being selfish?

"Where do you think the king has chosen for us to sit," Alessandra continued to walk rather than reply to Kate. Ignoring her father's dead body should have been a clear message she was never going to get involved in sending him off. If possible, she would leave his body out to rot in the middle of the same house he cared for more than his own daughter.

Katrina was the one to spend money on countless tutors for Kate. Perhaps Katrina should be given her money back as the tutors did not teach Kate well. If they did, she wouldn't be trying to make a scene in the middle of a ball.

"What would they gain from discussing something like that right now? Are they trying to portray me as the bad guy? I can't believe after everything they've done to me rather than have some accountability, they are going to act like victims. If they go any lower than this, they'll be in hell," Alessandra shook her head at their behavior. "Maybe they are trying to see my father soon."

"They want sympathy. Expect them to be telling others about how much you've turned your back on them now that you are a Duchess. They know everyone here wants something good to talk about and they are the ones everyone will approach to know more about you. Leave them be. They'll expose themselves from talking too much," said Edgar.

'Until then, it will add more fuel to rumors about me. Should I reveal everything they have done to me? Would anyone believe me? I have no need to share what happened to me if it will only be used for gossip,' Alessandra concluded. She would only share details with people who would care for her.

Alessandra was not in need of going around trying to get sympathy from anyone to make them change their opinion of her. They only needed to stop looking for gossip and question the reason she wore a mask.

"Edgar!" Tobias called from his throne where he sat with the queen to his right and the princess to his left.

"King Castro," Alessandra greeted the king with a curtsy. Alfred was helpful throughout the entire day with helping her learn proper etiquette before the ball.

"Where is our private space, Tobias?" Edgar glared at his incompetent friend.

"What private area?" Tobias shrugged his shoulders pretending he had no idea what Edgar was talking about. He truly enjoyed making Edgar angry.

However, Edgar was not here for Tobias's games.  "We're going home, Alessandra-"

"Wait! Tobias stopped Edgar. It was too soon for the couple to leave when they had just arrived. There was a lot he needed to discuss with Edgar and Alessandra separately.

Tobias had a goal to get Edgar away from Alessandra at some point during the night. "I've arranged for you to be allowed next to the throne. No one will be allowed to approach the two of you without my permission. Before that, my wife wishes to meet the Duchess."

'The queen?' Alessandra's heart almost skipped a beat hearing this. 'I'm going to meet the queen!'

"Allow me to introduce my wife, Queen Hazel Castro. Hazel, this is Edgar's wife, Alessandra Barrett. The news was true," said Tobias.

"Queen Castro," Alessandra curtsied while Edgar bowed.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Alessandra Collins. I'm happy to see Edgar has given up on living alone and found someone he wishes to spend the rest of his life with," Hazel directed a smile at Edgar. She was fond of the man because of the many times he would shut her husband up. "I am bored of sitting. Do you mind taking a walk around the room with me, Alessandra?"

"Alone," Hazel added when Edgar did not release Alessandra's hand "I will protect her from the vultures, Edgar. You have my word," she sat up from the throne.  "Walk with me, Duchess."

"Can I come along too?" Princess Sofia Castro asked.

"No," Hazel denied her request. She was in need of a break from the two annoying siblings. Anyone more of their chatter and she would lose her mind. "Let's hold hands, Duchess."

"Relax Alessandra. You are practically jumping up and down," Edgar commented on Alessandra's resurfaced excitement. "Why don't I get this same treatment whenever you see me?"

"Because you tease me too much. I will be back in a moment," Alessandra gladly left Edgar and went to the queen's side.

"Draining aren't they?" Hazel asked, referring to both of their husbands. "Although I suppose Edgar is easier to handle than Tobias. Two more steps behind us," Hazel ordered the guards following behind her and Alessandra. "I have never seen you in the palace before. I hope you and I can be good friends, Duchess."

"You do not care about the rumors?" Alessandra had to ask.

"Not at all. You must not be aware of how much these people talked about me before I was chosen as queen. Now they say the sweetest words to gain my favor. You and I are alike in many ways. That is why women like us should stick together. Plus, I've heard you have Edgar wrapped around your finger."