Duncan sat in his office inside the Valcrest Mansion, buried in paperwork. Since it was his day to rest, he had asked his chief to prepare his favourite meal. A medium rare steak. It had been a while since he had enjoyed one. Just as he was about to head to the dining hall, a maid knocked gently.
"My Lord, Lady Jasmine is here to see you."
"Let her in."
Jasmine walked in, looking beautiful as always. She wore a soft off-shoulder lavender gown that rested delicately on her shoulders, revealing her elegant neckline. Around her neck was a simple dainty silver necklace, and her hair was loosely packed behind her, making her look graceful without trying too hard. The moment she saw Duncan, she smiled warmly.
"Good afternoon, my Lord. I hope I'm not disturbing you?" She bowed politely.
"No, you're not," Duncan replied with a small smile, wondering why she had come. "Please, come in."
"You forgot your wallet in the carriage the other day, so I decided to bring it myself."
"Oh." Duncan collected it from her. "Thank you. I didn't even realise it was missing."
"You should be more careful."
"I'll keep that in mind." He slipped the wallet into his pocket before pointing towards the dining hall. "You came all this way. At least join me for dinner. The table is already set."
Jasmine looked towards the dining table before nodding. "Then I won't refuse."
The two walked into the dining room and took their seats. The table was beautifully arranged with candles, fresh bread, roasted vegetables, and steaming medium rare steak. The aroma alone was enough to make Jasmine smile. The maids served them before quietly stepping away.
Jasmine took the first bite and paused.
"Hmmm..." She nodded immediately. "It's delicious."
Duncan smiled proudly as he cut another piece of steak. "I told you. My cooks are the best in Valtheris. No exceptions."
"I agree on that. Even the cooks in Aerathia haven't made steak this good."
"Then you should take the recipe back to Aerathia." Duncan sipped from his wine glass. "That's if the Duke doesn't mind."
Jasmine laughed softly.
"Definitely. He wouldn't. He loves steak, especially medium rare ones like this."
"Wow..." Duncan muttered to himself before looking up again. "So he likes steak. What other things does he like?"
Jasmine didn't think much of it.
"A lot, actually. He loves sports, training, sleeping whenever he gets the chance, reading novels..." She tried remembering more before laughing. "It's a lot."
"Nice." Duncan nodded. "I'm sure he loves wine too."
"He does."
"What type does he like?" Duncan asked casually while pouring himself another cup.
"He loves almost everything-red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, rosé wine... and he loves beer, too."
"I love that too." Duncan smiled. "Who does he like drinking with?"
Jasmine opened her mouth to answer but suddenly paused.
It was a strange question.
Before she could think too deeply about it, another voice interrupted.
"Good afternoon."
Ruby walked into the dining hall, and Jasmine stood up immediately.
"Good afternoon, Lady Valcrest."
Ruby smiled warmly.
"Good afternoon... umm..." She paused, trying to remember.
"Jasmine," Duncan reminded her. "Lady Jasmine Clifford."
Ruby's face brightened.
"Yes, I remember now. You're the Duke's sister, am I right?"
"Yes, my Lady."
"That's lovely." Ruby walked closer with a gentle smile. "I hope you're enjoying your stay here in Valtheris. It's a different kingdom, so it may take time to adjust, but if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask. In the Valcrest Mansion, every guest is important."
"Thank you, my Lady. Everyone has been very kind to me."
"I'm happy to hear that."
Ruby turned to Duncan. The smile on her face disappeared for only a second. Her eyes lingered on him. It wasn't anger. It was a silent warning.
Duncan looked back at his mother as if nothing had happened, but Jasmine caught that brief exchange. Something about it felt... strange.
Ruby looked away first.
"Well, enjoy your meal." She smiled at Jasmine once more before leaving the dining hall.
Silence settled between them.
Jasmine continued eating, but her appetite wasn't the same anymore. Ruby's look kept replaying in her mind, and so did Duncan's questions. They sounded harmless while they were talking... yet now they felt oddly connected.
Duncan, on the other hand, ate peacefully as if nothing unusual had happened.
After dinner, Jasmine stood up.
"Thank you for the meal, my Lord."
"The pleasure was mine."
He escorted her outside to the waiting carriage.
"Have a safe journey."
"You too... and don't forget your wallet next time."
Duncan laughed.
"I'll try not to."
Jasmine entered the carriage, and it slowly pulled away from the Valcrest Mansion.
She rested her head against the window, replaying the entire conversation from beginning to end.
Steak... wine... training... who he drinks with...
Her brows slowly knitted together.
"Something isn't right..."
She stared out of the window into the bright afternoon sky.
"But what exactly am I missing?"