The Grangers were extremely well-mannered. Emilia learnt that they are dentists in the Muggle World whose expertise was much sought after. Their daughter was born a witch and ever since, they had managed enough money to move into the more luxurious estates, though incomparable to the Duke's wealth.
Emilia had taken a liking for the young Miss Granger. She had brown curly hair that reminded Emilia of her own and bright, curious eyes that sparkled when she entered the manor. Emilia could tell that the girl was bursting at the seams wanting to ask questions but a stern warning from her father kept her silent.
The Duke and both Dr Grangers were in a quiet conversation, discussing their dentistry practice in London.
"Miss Granger," Emilia called.
The little girl looked up. "Yes, Your Grace?"
"Come here, please."
"Certainly, Your Grace," Hermione replied respectfully before carefully sliding down the tall dining chair.
Emilia smiled at the sight of the girl struggling with her dress. She let out a hand which the girl accepted with a sheepish grin.
"I'm sorry for my clumsiness, Your Grace."
"You've done very well, love," Emilia murmured softly before carrying the girl and placing her down on her lap.
"Your Grace –"
"Do not worry, Dr Granger. I'm quite delighted to have Hermione with us this afternoon. She is a child. She shouldn't have to bother about the trivialities of decorum here."
Hermione's mother smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Your Grace. You've been most kind."
"You're welcome, Dr Granger. I look forward to having more afternoon tea sessions with Little Miss Granger here," Emilia said, caressing Hermione's chubby cheeks.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with Emilia playing with Hermione, leaving the Duke and the Grangers to discuss some business proposition.
At times, Severus would lose his concentration or train of thoughts when he heard the Duchess' sweet laughter. He would glance to his side and catch the most endearing moments of Emilia being affectionate to the young girl.
Currently, she was cuddling Hermione close, cheek to cheek, reading to her in a gentle voice.
Severus watched, mesmerised by the different facets of his Duchess. She was caring, loving, beautiful, fierce and not afraid to stand up for herself.
"When did I get lucky?" He mumbled to himself, oblivious that the Grangers were exchanging a knowing look.
Emilia could feel eyes on her. She glanced up briefly and smiled at the Duke before returning to her task – answering the million galleons' questions on why Red Riding Hood could not recognise the Big Bad Wolf.
After the Grangers left, the Duke and Duchess sat down for their first dinner together in the grand dining hall. The house elves were beyond excited to pile them with plates and plates of scrumptious dishes. There were roast beef and chicken, shepherd's pie and cottage pie and desserts of various shapes and sizes.
Emilia blinked at the sight. She let out a soft chuckle and turned to the Duke.
"This is extravagant, My Lord."
Severus had a half-smirk. "Are you not up to the challenge, My Lady?"
Heat rose on her cheeks. Being called my lady was so much more intimate. She shook her head shyly. "Oh, my stomach will not thank me should I stuff myself with everything."
Severus covered his hand atop Emilia's, earning a look of surprise from the witch. He remained nonchalant though the tingles at his lower spine would have said otherwise. He squeezed her hand gently.
"We have all night."
"Indeed."
"Which of these are your favourite, Your Grace?"
"Dobby makes the best roast beef and his buttered peas are to live for."
Emilia nodded, smiling widely. "Then I shall have a taste of them. One couldn't possibly miss out on the Duke's recommendation."
Severus could feel his heartbeat quickening. He suddenly felt obliged to inform her of all his favourite food just to catch her smile.
The dinner went splendidly well. The couple laughed and talked about many things and nothing in particular. The Duchess learnt that the Duke had many talents unknown to others. He was a painter, a collector of antique jewellery and an innovative potioneer with several patents under his name.
The Duke learnt that Emilia did not grow up in a household that truly befits a pureblood upper-class family given their wealth was squandered by the useless gambler, Lord Rosier and Emilia had lost her mother at a tender age. She was left only with a strict Grandaunt to guide her. She was not used to the pomp and splendour of society and their family had long been cast aside by other Purebloods. She was thoroughly ashamed for bringing down the Prince's name due to their marriage.
Severus Prince made another silent promise that night – to give her anything she could possibly want.
After dinner, Severus invited the Duchess to his personal room where he kept all the antique jewellery and where no one else was allowed to enter except the Duke and his invited guests. Severus sat her in front of a vanity mirror and proceeded to bring out one of the most expensive jewellery owned by the family.
He helped her put on the necklace; five pear-shaped emeralds with a hundred and twenty-two pear-shaped, baguette and marquise diamonds set in platinum and yellow gold.
Emilia gasped. She trailed her fingers across the emeralds. "This is exquisite, My Lord. I have never seen such clarity in an emerald."
Severus pressed a kiss on his wife's temples. "It's yours," he breathed out, entranced by how perfect it was on her. The dark emeralds were an alluring contrast to her milky white skin.
Emilia's eyes widened. "Mine? I couldn't possibly –"
Severus placed his hands on her shoulders, raising an eyebrow. "Am I not permitted to give my Duchess a piece of fine jewellery?"
"Ye-yes," Emilia stammered, her brows scrunched. "But this is too much."
"It suits you, my Duchess."
Severus traced a finger down her neck to the tip of the pendant, resting just above her cleavage. He could feel the hitch in her breath and the rise and fall of her breasts. He observed her reflection in the mirror, enraptured by the flush of her cheeks that travelled down her neck, lightly colouring her bosom. He wondered how far the blush could travel. He could barely make out her hardening nipples straining the fabric of her dress.
Emilia swallowed thickly for his Duke's fingers were dangerously situated on her cleavage. His nimble fingers played with the emerald, lightly grazing her skin. Every touch sent an electricity jolt in her body. She felt hot all over, a subtle ache throbbed between her legs.
Emilia absentmindedly drew her bottom lips between her teeth and looked at him through his reflection. She never realised how handsome he was with aristocratic features – dark eyes, framed with thick eyebrows. High cheekbones with an aquiline nose and thin, sensuous lips.
"My Lord," she whispered breathily.
His obsidian gaze darkened and a smirk curved on his lips. He bent down slightly. His mouth to her ear. "The emerald brings out the most lovely flush on your fair skin. You're arrestingly ravishing, my Duchess."
He pressed a deliberate kiss just below her ear before travelling down the column of her neck. Emilia tilted her head to one side allowing the Duke access. Her breathing became heavy with anticipation as the pad of his warm, soft lips touched her heated skin.
Carefully, Severus peeled down the sleeve of her dress to kiss more of her skin, punctuating with little licks across her bare shoulder.
Emilia's eyes were closed as the sensations overtook her body. The ache between her legs intensified and her mind was clouded with thoughts of being kissed in her most intimate area. A moan escaped her lips just as the Duke cupped a breast, lightly squeezing.
A breathy chuckle rumbled off his chest.
"Very responsive, My Lady. Shall we take this to my chambers?"
Before Emilia could elicit a coherent reply, another pop of apparation was heard.
Her eyes snapped open. She was all scarlet, hurriedly putting her dress back together.
"Merlin," she whispered, appalled by her lack of propriety.
"Bloody fuck," Severus cursed under his breath, spinning around to find Dobby once more with his head bowed in a docile manner.
"Did I not just instruct that no one was supposed to intrude on my time with the Duchess?"
"You did, Your Grace," Dobby affirmed.
"And?" Severus snapped impatiently.
"I'm afraid this is important, Your Grace."
"What is it?"
"The Duke and Duchess of Argyll sent an invitation for their Ball tomorrow evening."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. "And why is that terribly urgent?"
"His Majesty, the King and Her Majesty, the Queen will be in attendance, Your Grace. The Duke has hand-delivered the invitation and he is waiting in the parlour."
Severus snorted a disdainful laugh. "Lucius Malfoy has a way with his words, slithering in like a snake into the charms of the royal family. Bring it here."
Dobby rushed to hand the cream coloured invitation to the Duke's palm.
Emilia cleared her throat. "Should I leave, Your Grace?"
Severus shook his head, scanning the parchment."Come with me, Emilia. You're after all the Duchess."
He afforded a glance to his wife. He smirked, taking her hand to pull her close. "Perhaps, I should conjure a glass of water for you, Your Grace. You are flushed all over."
Emilia smacked a hand across his chest. The Duke winced exaggeratedly, earning a look of concern from his Duchess.
"Did I hurt you?"
"Indeed, my heart hurts when my Duchess maims me," he whispered.
Emilia's cheeks grew heated. "You're mocking me!" She was about to throw another smack when Severus caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. He pressed a kiss on each of her knuckles, murmuring sweet words in between.
"This hand is not made to injure, my lady. It's far too precious."
Emilia scrunched her nose. "I did not regard my lord as a smooth talker."
A cleared throat from behind.
"Your Graces, the Duke of Argyll is still waiting."
Severus sighed, rolling his eyes. The Duchess glared at him with a smile threatening to form on her lips.
"Very well, let us see what Lucius Malfoy has to say."
Lucius Malfoy stood proud, wearing his finest brocaded robes and a cane in hand. He was waiting rather impatiently for the Duke and Duchess of Glastonbury. Though, he must admit he was rather curious about the new Duchess.
"Lucius," A deep voice greeted him from the grand staircase.
"Severus," he responded evenly. His eyes shifted to Severus' right.
The new Duchess was beautiful, wearing a cream coloured dress. He eyed the emeralds and diamonds sitting on her neck, before travelling to the swell of her breasts.
"Your Grace," Emilia greeted softly, with a slight curtsy. She tightened her hold on Severus, feeling uncomfortable by the way the Duke of Argyll was looking at her with hungry eyes.
Severus could sense his wife's unease. He knew of Lucius' wandering eyes. He curled a protective arm around her waist, bringing his wife closer to his side.
"I suppose you've yet to meet my Duchess, Lucius?"
The Duke's action caught Emilia by surprise for he had never held her this close. She quickly composed herself, lest she looked out of place. She smiled graciously at their guest. "Welcome to our home, Your Grace."
Lucius' sharp eyes caught the befuddled look across the new Duchess' face. A thought came to mind: Severus Prince had not consummated his marriage, for such a look of surprise would not be evident on a witch acquainted with the wonders of carnal desire.
Lucius flashed a courteous smile, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your warm welcome, Your Grace. I assume your attendance for tomorrow's Ball is confirmed?"
Severus arched an eyebrow. "My, Lucius, I did not know Dukes are now obliged to run around the estates to gather approvals for their upcoming Ball. Surely these are the jobs of house elves?"
Lucius' face turned thunderous for several seconds before he laughed it off. "Oh, you jest, Severus."
Severus smirked. He could not resist taking a jab at the older wizard. He could not stand the pompous, boot-licking Duke who only had his position and power due to generations worth of fawning the upper-class society.
"You can take a joke, Lucius," Severus drawled in a bored tone, evident that he wanted the wizard out of his house.
Lucius took the hint. He bowed once more. "Good night, Your Graces. I shall take my leave for your Duchess to prepare for tomorrow's evening." He eyed the Duchess with a lascivious grin as he backed away before turning around.
Once their guest had left, Emilia turned to Severus with a forced smile. "The Duke of Argyll seems friendly."
Severus narrowed his eyes sceptically. "Are you jesting now, my Duchess?"
Emilia snorted softly. "I do not wish to speak ill of our host for tomorrow."
Severus barked out a laugh, pulling her to his chest. His large hand rested possessively on her hip, thumb caressing the soft fabric of her dress. "By all means, be disrespectful. Lucius is a scum and I say this as impudently as I could possibly muster. The only reason why he could be a Duke was due to his crooked nature and by marrying one of the three sisters of the prestigious Black family."
Emilia knew of the Black family, they were the purest of the pureblood families in England. Wealthy, powerful and produce the most handsome of heirs. The Queen herself was one of the illustrious Black sisters. She nodded. "Is this why they could easily invite the royal family?"
Severus chuckled. "Astute observation, my Duchess. The Ball would undoubtedly be the event of the season. Many would flock to fawn and flatter. Unstimulating to be honest. However, for formality's sake, we must be present."
"Oh? I did not know that."
Severus furrowed his eyebrows. "Did not know what?"
Her cheeks turned pink. "I thought such events were meant for enjoyment and to meet new people. I had no idea it was inane to you, My Lord. I…I have never been to a Ball, you see."
The Duke's frown deepened. "Surely, now you're jesting?"
Emilia breathed a laugh, shaking her head. "No, Your Grace. No one deems the Rosier family worthy of an invitation." A saddened smile formed on the Duchess' lips. "No one wishes to associate themselves with my father, a lost cause, lest they embarrass themselves."
Severus felt remorseful for bringing up the condition of the Rosier family. He planted a kiss on her temples. "Tomorrow, my lady. You will attend your first Ball as my Duchess. No one will say otherwise or risk facing my wrath."
The corners of her lips tugged upwards. Emilia leaned her head against his chest, a hand to his heart. "Thank you, Severus," Emilia murmured.
Severus' heart soared. He placed a comforting hand on the back of her head.
"It is my duty to assure your happiness."
Any reviews are appreciated