A/N: Welcome to the latest installment of Waterflower. This chapter fair warning will be explicit lemons if that is too much for you please find the dialogue. Obviously I do not own either Pokemon or Bridgerton. I am just adapting this story to tell a pokeshipping story. I know some feel the incident involving Simon and Daphne at the end of the honeymoon episode to be a bit well bad, I feel it is important to acknowledge that and say just move past it to the dialogue for it is important.

The Honeymoon

-Ash POV-

When Misty and I emerged from her…our room I found Pikachu had left the room I intended to sleep in. He looked at me first annoyed but then found Misty kissing my cheek and his face softened. Then it brightened to a smile as he put his paws together and said, "PIKA!" Almost like I could feel him saying 'Ah, HELL YEAH!' We had a very light breakfast though I wanted to eat more Misty desperately wanted us to arrive at Pallet as early as possible.

Once we began in the carriage, I put my hand on the side of Misty's face caressing it. My servants at my father's old palatial estate were waiting. Misty's viridian eyes met mine and I kissed her gently feeling like a weight had been lifted after last night's revelations. Knowing she burned for me as well liberated me. She told me she was excited to meet the staff and to see what would be our primary residence of our two person family. I only wished the carriage was big enough to have more than just make out fun. Misty with her travel clothes on at the moment, exited the carriage with one of my footmen's assistance. While I followed suit and her face looked amazed at seeing it with its high ceiling two story high main building. A tower built above the 2nd floor gave it a domed 3rd story, which I hoped to adventure in with her. Pikachu smiled bounding for the palace, behind Misty and me as I took her hand in mine and led her up the steps. Each maid either curtsied or bowed as we passed them both of us smiling at seeing their faces. Till I reached my head maid Mrs. Colson who said, "Welcome to Pallet, your grace, it has been so long since we have been blessed with your presence, but I trust you will find everything to your liking."

I genuinely smiled at her and said, "I do not doubt it, Mrs. Colson. I hope you have been well." Briefly glancing at Misty who was still beaming as she saw me smiling like she could help but be addicted to seeing it on my face, I said, "May I introduce to you the Duchess of Pallet?"

"I am looking forward to making your acquaintance, Mrs. Colson." Misty said.

"Thank you, your grace, I have planned everything to make you both comfortable. First, a light meal, served on the terrace. Then a tour to show you all the improvements I have made. Then –"

Interrupting Mrs. Colson I said, "I am sure it will be most diverting, but I am afraid it will have to wait." I noticed she did look a little down after I said that, continuing, "I have plans of my own for my new bride." Misty merely smirked at me as I said that looking at her and taking her hand and leading her inside. The vaulted ceiling artwork was breathtaking or at least that was how it looked on Misty's face as she took it in. Ho-Oh was at the center of the painting, there were three different legendary Pokemon that were looking at it. Suicune the reincarnation of the north wind, another was Entei the reincarnation of the Volcano, and lastly Raikou the reincarnation of Thunder. Each was around Ho-Oh if you drew a line from each on to another it formed almost a perfect triangle around Ho-Oh who had revived and gave each of those Pokemon new life. Maybe at some point I would tell Misty about how I met Ho-Oh and Suicune when I was younger. Now though I just said to Misty with a smirk, "I want to show you the bedroom."

A toothy grin shined back at me before she said, "Yours or mine?"

"You truly believe we are to have separate rooms?" I said with a bit of flirtatious swagger, before I picked her up. One hand was holding her up across my chest by her thigh and the other was supporting her back as she clung to my shoulders as she yelped in a surprised tone.

"Stop Ash! They shall see!" Misty exclaimed though she was still smiling, "Whatever will they think?"

As I began to carry her to the bedroom I just said, "Does it matter?"

-Misty POV-

Just before Ash turned the corner to our bedroom, I saw Pikachu give me a sly look before he bounded away with Rose to the kitchens or at least I think that was what I briefly caught her saying to Pikachu. Setting me on the bed Ash left me to close the door, just as he locked it I ran and jumped up into his arms kissing him passionately. My hands ran though his messy black hair as he held me by holding onto my ass as my legs wrapped around his waist. Laying me back onto the bed we began to help undress the other while he towered above me before he began to assault my neck with his lips and tongue making me moan and squeeze my legs around his waist tighter hoping to keep him close to me. My hands trailed up and down his back lightly scratching him causing a muffled groan against my neck. Sitting up he assisted me in getting rid of my dress, and him of his coat, vest and shirt. I kissed and nipped at his neck and jawline causing a moan to escape his throat, while his hands worked up my sides till they found the swell of my breasts and began to massage and tease them. Making me lean my head against his chest enjoying the pleasure that was rippling through me as I frantically planted kisses all over his chest to keep from crying out how good it felt. Pushing me onto my back he planted his own kisses just above my breasts then looking at me like a Gengar with bad intentions, he enveloped my hard perky nipple into his mouth. Swirling and flicking it with his tongue his right hand found my left breast and kept rolling my nipple between his thumb and finger. I just moaned arching my back to try and force more of my breast into his mouth before he grazed his teeth over it causing me to buck my hips. Pulling his face over to my other breast he frantically gave it equal attention causing me to lean my head back and just enjoy him teasing and manipulating my nipple till they felt as hard as diamonds. Thinking he was going to fuck me I pulled him by the hair to my face and kissed him hard before saying, "Please Ash make me yours again." Slightly out of breath he kissed me hard pulling on my lower lip with his teeth. He began to slowly trail kisses down my neck, planting a kiss against each nipple, slowly finding my bellybutton which he swirled his tongue in. I was confused at first leaning up with my elbows looking at him a little slack jawed about to ask what he was doing when he pulled the buttons on my under leggings and he began to plan a kiss against each of my thighs. Slowly kissing closer and closer till he let his tongue gently brush against my opening causing me to shudder at the feeling. Then he kissed me there and I smiled feeling his lips stay pressed before I felt his tongue working in circles clockwise. Making me feel incredibly hot all over I began to reach for his hand bringing one up to my breast to make him massage it as he kept his tongue moving. I tried bucking my hips against him every time his tongue touches a particular spot just above the opening. Ash then buried and shook his head left and right while his tongue kept brushing and swirling against me, while he gripped my breast harder causing me to moan and cry out for him to not stop. Then I felt the pinnacle getting closer and closer and I lost my breath gasping as I released opening my eyes I saw his beaming face. I kissed him hungrily not letting him leave just as I began to feel his hard throbbing member pressing against my thigh. I pulled away and said, "Please Ash put it inside of me, I want to feel all of you."

"As you wish." He said before he began to slowly push the head inside of me. I saw him grunt in pleasure as we became one. I attempted to make my hips meet his causing a moan to escape his lips before kissing him as he began to thrust against me and I grinding back at him. Wrapping my legs around his waist instinctually I didn't want him to leave and as he was going harder and harder. I pulled his lips to mine as my hands got lost in his hair. I felt my legs turn to jelly as I felt the pinnacle building up again. Gasping like I was out of breath and seeing him like he was close as well I let go screaming loudly as it felt even better to reach that release a second time so quickly. He rolled away from me clearly spent as well as he slowly regained his breath. Laying on the pillow facing away from him I wrapped myself in the sheet of the bed in case any servant or maid popped in concerned over how loud we were. Ash snuggled up behind me and began to kiss my neck and nuzzling it like he couldn't get enough of me. Now that I had a moment to get my wits about me, I realized something. "I believe I now know the reason, why every mama or sister keeps us in total darkness about certain…. diversions." As I finished my thought-out loud Ash turned my face towards him kissing him lovingly.

Ash moaned before saying against my lips, "Do you?" As we continued to kiss in pure bliss I giggled against his lips before he pulled way just above my face I said, "Should they have told us what it was truly like, however would we get anything else done at all?" I just laughed at my revelation before pulling his lips back to mine. Only for Ash to begin kissing my neck before I begrudgingly said, "I must go."

"Mmm," He mumbled against my shoulder, "Don't go."

"I am to be duchess of all of this, I must start learning the lie of the land." I insisted trying to push him off me.

"Misty," Ash started putting my hand on his chest, "you are already duchess of all of this." Making it clear that his body was what he meant. Smirking I kissed him pushing up like I was going to get on top of him as he lay back into our bed.

"And I look forward to exploring that particular land further…" Kissing him again before I felt him trying to pull me on top of him, "Later." I finished saying getting up only for Ash to roll back on top of me as I squealed, "Ash!"

He kissed my neck before saying. "You said the duchy was most intimidating. Why not stay and lord it over this room?" His hands moving up and down my leg rather teasingly. "You may find it a bit more titillating." He continued as he leaned in to get another taste of my lips.

I laughed saying, "I do not doubt it." Holding onto his handsome face as he looked at me the way I always saw him in my dreams. "But I suspect Mrs. Colson shall always resent me if I do not take her tour."

Whispering back, he just said, "Then let her resent." Kissing me like he couldn't get enough of me. I rolled him onto his back as I lay atop him smiling I said, "I shall do nothing of the sort. My sister told me a lady is nothing without her housekeeper." He was about to roll back onto me when I somewhat sternly said, "I must make a good impression, or nothing in this house shall run smoothly." The last part I said with softness and a little teasing smile at him.

Ash just breathed in frustration, but smiling he lay his head back on the pillow surrendering to my will. Without even looking at me like he couldn't trust himself not to be tempted to disobey and lure me back to bed as I dressed, he said, "I shall wish you well."

Teasingly after getting adequate clothing over my apparently sexy body, I curtsied with a big smile saying like he was His Majesty the king, "Your Grace."

Ash in turn put his hand on his heart looking at me from his pillow saying back, "Your Grace." With a few springs in my step I began to hop out of our room.

-Ash POV-

Jeffries came in nary a second or two after Misty left saying, "I have prepared the study for you to work, Your Grace."

Groaning I responded, "Jeffries, I am on my honeymoon."

Jeffries in a flat but polite tone responded, "The steward has left the records in some disarray. I alone cannot make head nor tail of the estate's accounting, and there are several letters from farm tenants begging an audience with Your Grace."

Looking up at the ceiling taking in what he had to say I said loudly, "Very well." Sitting up and looking him in the eye though naked underneath the sheets, "If I must." With that Jeffries bowed and left the room. Really wasn't how I planned to spend the first day of my honeymoon, but I couldn't say the reward in the evening wouldn't be worth it.

-Misty POV-

Touring the palace with Mrs. Colson was quite riveting. I was most interested in the painting that was on the dome where we walked in. She explained that the original builder wanted to have something that spoke to a legendary Pokemon but that could give a sense of purpose to the palace. To remember to make a better world so that the three watchers, Suicune, Raikou, and Entei would know we were working in harmony with Pokemon. "Here we are," She said guiding me inside, "The morning room, where the former duchess preferred to take tea with visitors."

"Yes," I replied seeing many other paintings including one of Delia when she was younger, "Delia suggested I extend an invitation to the vicar first. I believe she is right."

"Of course, Your Grace." Mrs. Colson replied with a tone I couldn't quite put in any category.

Continuing along with our tour we came across a ballroom. Though I was looking forward to being a host sooner rather than later. I did state that it seemed only prudent to wait till after the Indigo Plateau season was over. At that I think Mrs. Colson seemed to think I was possibly thinking too grandiose for her taste. She did not say it but I felt it from her tone. Maybe it also would have been a bit more prudent to not be so blunt in stating I wanted to redecorate one of the rooms, that she had been maintaining based on her age for quite some time.

"There is to be a fair in the village this week. I offered it in patronage on your behalf." Mrs Colson informed me.

"Most thoughtful of you, Mrs. Colson. Maybe we can give the servants time to be able to attend as well."

"There is much to be done now that the duke and yourself are in residence." Mrs. Colson responded.

"Ah. Well, even more reason to allow them some respite then." I stated back in a kind voice. As we continued up the stairs to one of the other rooms. I saw her, Delia it was a huge painting that she looked like she was my age if not just slightly older at most.

"Is that Delia?" I asked gesturing at the painting.

"Why yes, your grace." Mrs. Colson confirmed.

"She is beautiful." I said in awe staring up at her.

"Thoughtful too, most proper." With that she led me to a room which she opened and it showed a nursery. With a wooden looking Ponyta and some other wooden toys. Though I knew I would never have kids there it still was lovely to see. I didn't cry or tear up like I expected to, but I felt a twinge in my heart as my eyes lingered over the room as I slowly followed Mrs. Colson to the grounds.

Getting dressed for dinner went smoothly. I spoke to Rose for a little bit she seemed to be settling in nicely. Pikachu came with her and curled up next to my leg as I wrote letters to Daisy, Violet, and Lily. Now sitting at a rather long table which was prepared nicely along with a fire to keep the room comfortable. Ash was rather late in fact the servants kept staring awkwardly back and forth as they waited for him to arrive. When he did finally come through the door, he looked a little weary his sleeves were rolled up and his vest unbuttoned.

"My apologies. I –" He paused looking around at the large feast that was on the table in front of him looking over at me looked rather confused, "Are we expecting royalty?"

One of the servants responded rather apologetically, "Begging your pardon, your grace, the late duke preferred a formal table." I just looked between the two men quickly as the servant continued, "But if you prefer – "

"No. Never mind." Ash said putting his hand up like he did not need to apologize before he sat down rather far away from me at the only other chair available. Once he sat down preferring not to be seated by one of his servants pulling the chair in and out himself. Pikachu was sitting by the fire enjoying his fancy red ketchup.

"Mrs. Colson's tour today was exceptional. The gardens are particularly lovely." I began to take a few things from the different plates the servants were now bringing up to Ash and I. "I found myself in continual awe of their beauty."

Ash merely looked at me from his end of the table. Not sullen but not happy either. "Is anything wrong?" I asked.

At that he scoffed slightly before saying, "You…you are so far away."

Chuckling I smiled at him and said, "Well…well that is easily remedied." I got up from my chair causing a servant to almost sprint towards my chair as I grabbed my own plate and glass before I said, "It is no worry." Letting him know I could carry my own plate to Ash's end of the table. Where Ash then got up from his own chair grabbing the extra chair by the wall and as I set down my plate and cup near his he sat me to the table. His big smile only affirming my choice to move to him. "There, now. Much better, yes?"

He merely laughed though I could have sworn I saw Mrs. Colson moving quite quickly from the room as she passed by. "I thought perhaps," I started holding his bare hand with my gloved hand, "to redecorate a few rooms but I wished to talk to you first. I'd hate to change anything you're particularly attached to."

"Then you may change it all. In fact, please do." Ash said gesturing with his wine glass.

Smiling at him I responded, "Now, do not jest. You must have fond memories…" He merely smirked as he took a sip of his wine with his free hand, "Or sentimental attachments. After all this has been your home for many years."

His smile though gone merely looked into my eyes and said, "Do what you will. Paper the drawing room Jigglypuff pink. I am sure I shall love it." Smiling again as he finished causing a slight giggle to leave my lips he smirked before continuing, "You do know, you need not dress so formally here." Slowly pulling my glove off my hand.

Taking the initiative from him I removed the other glove saying, "Does this meet your approval?"

"Oh, without question." He said not letting his eyes leave mine as he kissed just the finger tip of my index finger. Causing a slight gasp to leave my lips. Realizing there were servants still in the room seeing them look like they wished they were anywhere but here in the dining room with Ash and I. "Your grace, should we…" He started kissing my hand, "Go upstairs?"

He just smirked, "I have a better idea." He merely got up from his chair pulling me from the room not letting go of my hands, till we were outside as he begun to shed clothes. "Where are we going?" I asked.

"Out."

Pulling me towards him as we got to the bottom of the steps and made it near a few of the trees. I just kissed him against a stone pillar that wasn't far from the tree line. Working on his shirt buttons when thunder rolled through the sky and rain began to fall. He dragged me towards a small stone house not far from where we were once we were under the roofs coverage he pulled off his shirt. His chest slightly wet from the rain as he pulled me back into a passionate kiss helping get me out of my dress as we kept kissing as I sat in his lap before he rolled me onto my back. Pulling my lower dress off his fingers found their way between my legs causing me to gasp and moan while kissing him. Till I had to pull away to breathe, "Do you like this?" He asked me as I could only shudder at seeing his handsome face staring back at me before he said, "Tell me what you want."

"I want…"A moan escaped my lips trying not to lose focus on him, "You." That was all the encouragement he needed as the thunder continued to roll and crack above our heads he was buried inside of me. Making me wish he would not stop he obliged as it almost felt like with each thrust thunder would sound. Just as I reached over my pinnacle, he rolled over panting like he had run as far as the Rapidash did from the Plateau. Looking over at him I asked "Does it hurt?"

Laughing and panting he just stared at me with a huge grin, "When you?" I continued.

"No." He responded, "I feel as you feel absolutely wonderful." Kissing me like he hadn't kissed me yet.

The next day Ash was excited to show me the grounds. I told him Mrs. Colson showed me the grounds, but he just smirked as I heard what sounded like a stampede coming. I saw a cloud of dust coming towards us. It looked like at least 30 Tauros were running towards us. As they got closer I saw, a Gengar floating above with a Charizard, Heracross, Noctowl, Swellow, Staraptor, Gliscar, Talonflame, Hawlucha, Noivern, Dragonite, Ufezant, and Sirfetch'd flying toward us. While running alongside the Tauros was a Bulbasaur, Bayleef, Quilava, Totodile, Lucario, Dracovish, Kingler, Snorlax, Donphan, Torkoal, Sceptile, Corphish, Glalie, Torterra, Infernape, Buizel, Gible, Oshawott, Snivy, Pignite, Scraggy, Leavanny, Palpitoad, Boldore, Krookodile, Greninjua, Lycanroc, Incineroar, Muk, and Melmetal. I was surprised when they all came up to him and seemed to lay all the affection they had on him. Particularly Bayleef he turned to me after Bayleef stopped rubbing its head against his arm. "I wanted you to meet all the Pokemon I have captured."

I just smiled releasing my Psyduck, Corsola, Politoed, and Staryu to meet his Pokemon. Pikachu and Donphan seemed to have really missed the other, especially when Pikachu seemed to be using its electric attacks to help tickle Donphan. When I asked him why he had so many Tauros, he just scratched behind his head explaining somewhat sheepishly that when he and Brock were at a Pokemon capture area every time they threw one of the special balls at a Pokemon, a Tauros ran in front of it getting caught. Seeing many of the Pokemon came from different regions, I realized he must have travelled all over the world.

Sitting with Rose about a week later as she was brushing my hair trying to get the many knots out of it. Quite a few times over the week Ash and I had been rather active. Hour long morning wakeups in bed. A rather naughty picnic I only hope Pikachu didn't stay too close to where we were lounging. Though right now my most recent memory was about the library ladder. Ash insisted on keeping his mouth between my legs while I was standing above him on the ladder, while I was panting and moaning, he stopped. Asking, "What would the staff think?" I just merely smirked kissing him saying, "Does it really matter?" He proceeded to fuck me against the ladder I was still a little sore but had no regrets. Until Rose caught a knot in my hair making me twinge in pain slightly.

"Apologies, your grace." Rose said.

Flicking my tongue against my lips smirking I just said, "Well, our activities are quite…spirited." Rose seemed to agree mimicking my look or perhaps she had heard us at least one time. "I admit, I did not even know it was possible. I believed his physical inability to have children would preclude him from…"

"Causing such difficult entanglements?" Rose finished describing my hair. We both burst out laughing.

I blush slightly and responded, "Yes. I am quite glad to say I was wrong." We both continued to laugh after I said that.

A day later was the fair. Many tenants and vendors were from across Pallet there. Showing off a lot of their Pokemon they raised. Many farmers were appreciative that Ash let them use some of his Tauros to help till their land every season. We had come across a competition which was about how raised the better Tepigs. The duke apparently had to choose a winner at these competitions. I asked one of the village people, "What is the prize for the winner?"

"Why slaughter of course." He responded rather blasé about it. Ash merely chuckled slightly when I looked at him a bit dumbstruck at the idea.

Deciding to speak towards the crowd, "As the duke has granted me the honor of opening our village fair with this contest, it is after careful consideration that I have decided…that all three Tepigs have tied." A bit of shock came from the crowd though I guess I was a bit unconventional. "I hereby decree every Tepig such a winner that none should be slaughtered."

Ash and I took in the fair arm in arm. Pikachu merely went on his own clearly looking for more ketchup. Many congratulating us on our nuptials. A couple of the men of Pallet double taking upon seeing me like they couldn't believe Ash would choose such a fair lady. Being handed gives of vegetables, pies, one vendor I hoped to have us buy some pies for our house. An older man with a long white beard approached us and asked Ash, "Does your patronage extend beyond pies your grace? The harvests on the farm have been poor and with the rents being tripled, we are struggling to put food on the table."

"The rents tripled?" Ash clarified. The man nodded, "My steward did not inform me."

"He hasn't shown his face since your father passed, Arceus rest his grace's soul." Ash looked a little miffed at mention of his father, "He always gave his tenants what they needed, unlike some."

Trying to smooth over the situation of his father being mentioned I spoke up, "Then it is a good thing indeed that we are back in Pallet. I am sure we can find a solution to these difficulties, and I thank you for bringing them to our attention."

The man gestured his hat at us saying, "Your grace." Before continuing about his business. Just as we were continuing to move about the rest of the fair a toddler began to scream almost running past us. I realized and picked up the toddler seeing its parents weren't right around. Trying to soothe it I said, "Oh, there, there, child. No need to cry." The toddler began to lean its head on my shoulder as I patted and rubbed its back. As it calmed down, I exclaimed, "My! You have a strong set of lungs. They shall hear you all the way on the Plateau."

"If not all the way to Johto." What looked and sounded like possibly the toddler's mom. I merely chuckled slightly turning to look at her when she looked a bit horrified saying, "Oh, my goodness. I must apologize, your grace." She curtsied before continuing, "Little Ada has just discovered her own voice." While she was saying that I noticed Ash looking rather loving at me holding a child. "And likes to use it as often and as loudly as she can." Ada's mom finished when she tried to curtsey again, I realized she was pregnant and said, "Please stand, you should not be stooping in your condition." I paused and took a breath before looking back at Ada who was a very sweet child indeed. I set her down saying to her mom, "Well, it was lovely to make your acquaintance." I could not help looking back at Ada as she and her mom went about the fair.

We chose to slowly walk back home from the fair this way we could talk just the two of us. Pikachu was back on Ash's shoulder as we walked when I said, "What can we do about the farmer's rent? There must be something."

"I should have returned sooner to see that things were in order. I did not realize my absence would be felt this way." Ash clearly looked and felt guilty that any of his tenants were suffering due to him.

"I only meant to say, I hope it did not pain you too much to see me with those children."

"Pain me?" He stopped, looking at me, "Misty, I thought only of you."

"You know oddly enough, when I am actually in the presence of children, I forget about all of my own concerns." I merely looked over at Pikachu who had a smile on his own face, "They are the easiest company in the world, well cept you Pikachu." I playfully started scratching him under his chin

"You are a natural with them." Ash commented.

I merely shrugged I didn't expect it to come naturally but it did feel good. "The good thing about my sisters is that they are all married and will eventually have children of their own, and we will have more screaming infants in our lives than we know what to do with." We both just laughed at that.

"You will be a terrific aunt." I smiled at his compliment, "It thrills me that you are satisfied with our married life as it is, just the two of us." With that Pikachu piped up on Ash's shoulder. "Sorry the three of us." Ash stated chuckling at Pikachu.

"I have all that I want just here." I responded to him.

He merely looked back at me saying, "How did I earn such luck?"

Deciding his ego needed a drop I said rather sarcastically, "That I do not know." Before he leaned in and kissed me causing Pikachu to jump off his shoulder.

The next morning, I awoke to find despite our rigorous lovemaking the night before. Ash was already absent from our bed. Deciding to venture around the palace on my own after dressing myself I saw the nursery room's door open. Though I am happy with Ash and knowing that I would not have any children with him. I couldn't help looking upon that room and feeling quite sad that it would not be used while I lived here. I slowly closed the door hoping that not seeing it would help keep me from possibly regretting anything about Ash. It wasn't as if it was his fault he could not have children. Slowly venturing from room to room, I finally found his study and said, "Ah, here you are."

Looking up from his papers he smiled, "Oh, good morning, dearest." Pikachu was looking through some papers on the floor near Ash.

I strode over towards his desk inquiring, "The steward's books, I take it?"

"Mhmm. I could not sleep." He said turning his attention back to the accounting.

"Not even after last night's exertions?" I teased while rubbing his should gently, he glanced up at me and chuckled, "Would you care to have breakfast with me?"

"I am sorry my love. The farmer in the village was right. The estates have been neglected for far too long. The wheat yields are down, yet nobody uses the fields, for livestock grazing, or rotate to a more plentiful crop."

"Is that not the steward's job?"

Angrily Ash responded, "These are my tenants my people I am responsible for them." Looking up at my face he softened his face and took my hand and squeezed it, "Please excuse me. I have been staring at these figures all morning."

Calmly I replied, "Of course." Deciding he must be very focused on this task I continued, "I will be visiting some of your tenants today I might deliver some gift baskets and…" I realized he wasn't really paying attention as Pikachu seemed to be looking at me but not Ash. Not wanting to fight with him as it was a very serious problem that he felt responsible for I left his study to go about my day.

Rose and I were picking some lavender from the gardens Staryu was helping trim some of them by spinning through the air. Rose decided to say, "Are you missing home, your grace?"

Deciding to not answer that question I just asked, "Do you think we have enough for all the baskets?"

"Um, I think so." Rose said then we heard a shriek.

"Your grace!" Mrs. Colson started, "Whatever are you…" Looking at a loss for me picking and gathering the lavender she continued, "I will have someone gather those on your behalf. One of the kitchen maids or the gardener. Was no one available to assist you?"

"There is no need to trouble anyone, Mrs. Colson. We have it all in hand."

"Do you intend to collect honey from the Beedrill hives as well?" Mrs. Colson asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"Oh, that might be a little beyond me." I responded standing up from the ground where I was picking lavender.

"If you simply tell me of your wants and needs, I will ensure everything is in order." Mrs. Colson said, "I will ensure everything is done properly."

Feeling like she didn't really understand me at all I kept polite and said, "I shall keep that in mind. Thank you, Mrs. Colson." With that she strode away from Rose and I as I recalled Staryu to it's pokeball.

"Arceus, she despises me." I said quietly to Rose.

"She despises everybody, do not give it another thought." Rose retorted.

As we got into town, we setup and began to try handing out baskets with some food and flowers. Some ready extra provisions but no one seemed to accept them or want them. Feeling like something was off I asked, "Is something amiss? Daisy taught me it was tradition for the new duchess to visit with gifts."

"Well, I believe it is proper."

Not knowing what could be wrong with the baskets I asked, "Should I have worn a different dress? Or perhaps it signifies I am high in the instep."

A child voice cut through my rant saying, "Your grace!" Recognizing it as Ada's voice I looked over as she ran and embraced my legs I merely ran my hand through her hair as her pregnant mother came up to us.

"Would you like a basket, there is bread and honey for the children."

Ada's mother looked like she was about to cry as she said, "Oh. You are too kind. I would gladly take one if I had the means to carry it home."

"Then we are determined to walk with you."

"Oh, no. I didn't –" Ada's mom started to say.

"I insist."

"No. Oh, I…" She realizing I wasn't going to take no for an answer she merely gestured in the direction of her home. I took Ada's hand as Rose, Ada, and I walked alongside her mom who was carrying several large blankets.

"Perhaps I might ask your opinion on something?" I inquired to Ada's mom.

"Of course." She said. "Though, how I might advise a duchess, I am not sure."

"I feel that I have done something to offend the village. I know I am new to the role, but I cannot imagine what I have done wrong so soon." Ada's mom looked at the ground like she wasn't sure if she should tell me, or if she should just ignore the question. Noticing I asked, "What?"

"It was the Tepigs." I looked a bit before she continued, "You said that all three Tepigs won."

"At the fair?" I clarified, she gave me a slight nod as I continued, "I thought it the best of outcome for everyone." Defending the decision.

"It is tradition that the winner is allowed to supply pork to Pallet for the next year. It is a great number of Tepigs, indeed. When you could not choose a winner, no farmer had won the contract, nor the income to go along with it. Simply speaking, you um…" Ada's mom hesitated before she said, "Snubbed them."

"I will correct my mistake at once. I…I had not idea." I said feeling bad that I inadvertently messed with someone's livelihood for their family.

Having some pity or empathy I wasn't sure Ada's mom said, "How could you have, your grace?" After dropping Ada and her mom off with the basket. I made for the palace immediately. As I entered I was surprised to see tons of activity inside. "What is all this?" I asked Ash, when he didn't respond right away as more servants were carrying desks and chairs out the door, "Ash? Is everything well?"

"Ah, Misty. Yes I'm setting up work in the east wing."

"What's wrong with the study?" A loud crash was heard against the door.

"Careful." Ash said before looking back at me, "You shall have to excuse me."

Noticing Mrs. Colson I called to her, "Mrs. Colson, do you have a moment?" She looked like she wished she could refuse to respond to me but gestured for me to follow her to a drawing room. Sitting down at the table I started, "I know I have made some missteps since I arrived. My sister taught me a great deal about being mistress of a household, but I am not sure either of us imagine a place as grand as this one." She didn't say anything yet so I continued, "I am so very grateful for you guidance, Mrs. Colson. The truth is I fear the duke might not be entirely at ease here in Pallet, which is of course no reflection of you or any of the staff."

"No. I—I quite understand." Mrs. Colson replied.

"You do?"

"Master Ash…I beg your pardon. His grace…his childhood was not always easy after the dowager duchess left his father; the duke lived almost exclusively at the Plateau before he set off on his Pokemon journey at age 10."

"Do you mean to say that Ash grew up mostly alone at a young age?"

"We did our best to take care of him, to mind him as his mother wanted."

"Of course, you did." I placed my hand on Mrs. Colson's wanting her to know I believed her entirely. "I am assuming it was not a happy marriage, then?"

"It was obviously strained. He wanted an heir. She wanted a child. She kept trying despite many setbacks many doctors even warned her to not try. Every month when her courses came, it broke my heart to see her." Mrs. Colson looked like she hadn't spoken of those memories in quite some time.

"She was lucky to have you." I said empathetically.

"Everyone talked as though it was her fault. But how could they know that? It is not always the woman who is barren. Sometimes it is the man's fault of course." At that I looked a little downcast knowing that was obviously referencing Ash. "Oh dear. I am afraid I am speaking out of turn."

Mrs. Colson took a sip of tea as I responded, "No. Not at all, Mrs. Colson. You were saying?"

"Well, I said to the dowager duchess, what my mother said to me. A womb cannot quicken without strong, healthy seed. And then just as she was finally blessed with Master Ash…" She proceeded to tell me all about the incident that lead to Delia taking Ash and living in her late grandfather's old home on the Plateau.

Later that night I went to the east wing hoping Ash was done with his work. Standing just inside the doorway he didn't look up but was still highly focused on the papers in front of him. "Working late, your grace?"

Looking out the window Ash's eyes bulged, "Good Arceus, how late is it?"

Smiling I closed the door locking it walking over to him, "These books seem to have taken possession of you."

Ash merely slumped in his chair as I began to sit in his lap, "Those people rely on me to make a living, to feed their families." I put my arms around his neck smiling at him and how dedicated he was to his duty, "I should not have stayed away so long."

"Why did you?" I asked gently.

"No particular reason business on the Pleateau, but then I met this impertinent young lady with a right hook like a Hitmonchan." As he began to kiss my neck.

I patted his chest, "I am serious."

"As am I." He said looking deep into my eyes before kissing me.

"Ash." I said softly

"Misty." He also said softly back, before we slowly began to kiss. Instinct took over and I began trying to win this fight for lip supremacy. Ash picked me up setting me on the edge of his desk as he began to push up my dress, I began to pull open his shirt. He kept assaulting my neck with his lips causing me to pant before he was inside me. With each thrust I kept trying to meet his hips with mine but as our speed increased, I heard what sounded like books and coins falling from the desk, clattering on the floor. Just as I hit the pinnacle, I noticed Ash grabbed a cloth on his desk and seemed to hold it over the head of his cock as he grunted. He just smirked at me throwing the cloth on the ground saying, "We should get cleaned up for dinner." Kissing me again like he wished I was for dinner.

When he broke away from me I replied, "I will meet you in the dining room." I looked on the ground where the cloth was wondering why he would do something like that. Feeling like I couldn't wait for the answer I fixed myself up then proceeded to the servant's quarters looking for Rose. Many looked horrified that I had come down there and immediately asked they let me know where Rose was. Entering her room Rose got up saying, "Your grace, what is wrong? You should have rung for me."

"I need you to tell me something, Rose." I took a deep breath both embarrassed and nervous at what she would say to this question, "How does a woman come to be with child?"

"Y-your sister –"

"My sister told me nothing. Please. No embarrassment." I could see fear was on her face, but I knew she would not lie to me. "Explain it to me, precisely." Rose proceeded to be thorough and explained it to me like I was a child saying. A man had to be inside of a woman when he hit his own pinnacle of pleasure. She said it would be a sticky substance that would be inside of me that could feel hot or warm and that if the duke was strong and healthy it should get me pregnant. She also did say that it is not guaranteed as some it takes longer or more times to get pregnant while others like her aunt and uncle had done this thousands of times but never bared children.

Throughout dinner I barely could hear Ash at all. Though he was passionately explaining the solution he came up with to help all the farmers in Pallet based on a technique he saw in Kalos. Hoping that they would use the Mareep they had to help graze the area of weeds. While also sustainably feeding their livestock. I was still a bit shook at the revelation Rose had given me. I was mostly asleep when Ash came to bed and began to kiss my cheek and shoulders, though it felt nice I didn't feel like fully waking up. He seemed to take the hint and left one last kiss on my cheek before he rolled over and went to sleep himself.

I made sure to be up early the next day to remedy some of the problems I had caused. Many of the townsfolk were happy to see me. Many of them were happy with his planning for their futures. The old man with the beard even came up and thanked me and asked me to pass along his enthusiastic praise for Ash. When we were done handing out the baskets, I told the servants to return home, while I walked alone with a umbrella in the rain. Later that night in the room where a large painting of Delia had been hung I couldn't help but just stare at it by the fire. I heard Ash enter the room, though I did not really acknowledge him entering he then asked, "Are you ready for bed, my dear?"

"I believe I am." Getting up he took my hand and kissed it leading us back to our bedroom. Once we entered and he set down the lantern I pushed his robe off his shoulders kissing him running my hands over his toned body. Realizing my hair was still in a ponytail I quickly pulled away shedding the ponytail and shaking my hair so it framed my face. Standing away from him I pulled off my dress as he did away with his pants. I backed up to the edge of the bed inviting him to come to me as he began to kiss me and lay me onto my back I held onto his head as he began to leave a trail of kisses over my collarbone and breasts. Moaning I felt him pushing inside of me with his cock and I gasped feeling whole with him. Wrapping my feet just around his thighs so he could not leave. He began to suck on my neck knowing I needed to know. I gathered all my strength and rolled him onto his back with him still buried inside of me. Ash's face was both surprised and excited as I sat up and began to slowly grind my hips against his. Pressing my hands onto his chest to keep myself upright I moaned feeling how deep he was inside of me. Ash seemed to be on cloud nine as he threw his head back as I picked up my pace of lifting and dropping myself on his cock till it kept getting as deep as I could get it. His hand found my ass like he need to make sure I wouldn't stop and I was panting with how deep it was. Ash was moaning louder than I remembered him ever being the other times we made love. He seemed to look like he was about to go insane as I continued to ride him never wanting it to end till I heard him grunt and groan as I felt it the hot liquid shooting up inside of me. Holding myself still to make sure every little bit of his seed was inside of me. I just looked down on him as he looked up at me and he said, "Misty…"

At that I just got up off him and pulled my dress back on he said again, "Misty..." Panting he said again, "Misty!" I just looked back at him before he stuttered, "Wh-Wh-What…did you do?"

"I had hoped it was not true." I said both sad and disgusted, "I had hoped I was mistaken, but clearly, I was not."

"How could you?"

"How could I?" I questioned exasperated anger beginning to pour out of me, "How could I? You lied to me."

"I did not lie."

"I trusted you. More than anyone in this world, and you took advantage and seized an opportunity, and I did the same." I said tears beginning to fill my eyes.

Ash looked a bit angry as he said, "I told you I cannot give you children."

"'Cannot and 'will not' are two entirely different things. You chose this for yourself. You chose to lie to me."

"I did not lie. I thought you were prepared. I thought you understood how a child came to be."

"You took my future from me, the one thing I wanted more than anything. You knew. You knew that becoming a mother one day to have a family of my own one day, you knew that was all I ever wanted." I said all the betrayal spilling out.

"I was prepared to die on that dueling field rather than marry you and take your dream away. I would have died for you. You were the one who insisted on this union. You told me I was enough." He said like he was on the verge of tears himself.

"That was before I knew you. Do you know, I even felt pity for you?" One tear fell from my eye. "Poor Ash, I thought, how it must pain him to never know what it is to be a father."

"I never asked for your pity."

"And I never asked for your betrayal!" Tears now flowing down my face.

"Misty, I –"

"You what?" My anger was back as I continued, "You what? You love me? No, you most certainly do not. You do not know the meaning of the word. You do not lie to the one you love. You do not trick the one you love. You do not humiliate the one you love. I may not know much, as you have made abundantly clear, but I do know one thing…. I know that is not love." With that I left the room slamming the door behind me.

-Ash POV-

Seeing Misty leave our room in that way broke me. I let the tears fall though I did not sob or make a sound. Taking in her words I knew I had probably just as quickly as I had loved this marriage destroyed it. My father was right I would be as useless as he had predicted, because I was not perfect, thus I was not worthy of happiness.