The Knight Who Dared To Love Chapter 04

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❝︎ Chapter 04: The Duke’s Proposal ❞︎

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– Evangeline –

Eva was convinced that tea had never been this slow to pour.

She watched as her mother gracefully tipped the teapot, letting the liquid pour into the cups.

The Duke of Ashbourne — her supposed perfect match — sat across from her, a polite smile on his face.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

So, Lady Evangeline.

Tristan said smoothly.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Tell me, how have you found your return to England?

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

I imagine the Americas were quite… untamed.

She nearly rolled her eyes. Ah, yes. Another noble who thinks anywhere beyond Britain is an uncivilized wasteland.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

Oh, it was fascinating.

She said, stirring her tea slowly.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

Did you know that in some places, they don’t spend all their time discussing the weather or marriages?

Her mother stiffened. The Duke only chuckled.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

How refreshing.

He said, though he sounded less than amused.

Eva took a sip of tea, biting back a smirk.

She was about to make another perfectly charming comment when a shadow shifted near the door.

She turned her head slightly, spotting Dominic leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

Her mood changed immediately.

Why is he here?

She looked back at her mother, who, of course, was completely unbothered by his presence.

He was just standing there. Watching. No doubt silently enjoying her suffering.

Her grip tightened on the teacup. Annoying man.

Tristan, continued.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

I must admit, I was quite eager to make your acquaintance, Lady Evangeline.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Your father speaks highly of you.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

Oh?

She said dryly.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

And what exactly has he said?

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

That you are intelligent, and would make a most agreeable match.

Eva smiled sweetly.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

How lovely. And what has he said about you?

Tristan blinked, as if caught off guard.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Pardon?

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

You’ve been promised my hand, apparently.

She said, setting her teacup down with a soft clink.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

Surely, my father has spoken just as highly of you.

Her mother shot her a warning glance.

The Duke recovered quickly, offering another charming smile.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

He has said that we would be quite the match this season.

Eva barely resisted the urge to sigh. Of course he has.

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– Evangeline –

Eva swirled the tea in her cup absentmindedly, barely listening as her mother prattled on about wedding preparations.

The word marriage itself was enough to make her stomach twist.

She sat in the grand sitting room, forced into polite conversation with Tristan, her so called perfect match, while her mother drooled at them like a proud matchmaker.

Across the room, standing by the door with his arms folded, was Dominic — silent and stone faced, as if this whole affair was beneath him.

She agreed.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

So,

Tristan said, placing his cup down onto the saucer with a soft clink.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

I was thinking that, given the time constraints, we should start making arrangements soon.

Eva blinked, before meeting his eyes.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

Time constraints?

Tristan gave her a small, knowing smile.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Of course.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

We have only six months before the wedding.

Eva nearly choked on her tea.

Six months?

She turned to her mother, who merely sipped her tea as if this was common knowledge.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

You didn’t tell me the wedding was already set.

Genevieve gave her daughter a pleasant smile.

Genevieve Margot Devereux

Darling, of course it is. Your father and I agreed that a long engagement would be unnecessary.

Genevieve Margot Devereux

You and the Duke will have plenty of time to get to know each other during these months.

Eva set her cup down with more force than necessary.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

How generous.

Tristan didn’t seem to notice her sarcasm — or he ignored it.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

I will, of course, be acquiring a ring for you soon.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Something befitting a future Duchess.

Eva resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

Aren’t you getting ahead of yourself, Your Grace?

She said, feigning innocence.

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

You haven’t even asked me if I want to marry you.

The room went silent.

Genevieve stiffened.

Dominic — still standing like a statue in the background — shifted ever so slightly.

Tristan, however, simply chuckled.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Forgive me, Lady Evangeline.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

But your father has already given his blessing, and your mother has made her approval quite clear.

He tilted his head.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Unless, of course, you object?

Tristan narrowed his eyes, almost daring her as he studied her intently.

Eva’s jaw clenched.

She wanted to.

Every fiber of her being screamed to say yes, I object!

But the moment she glanced at her mother, at the warning glint in Genevieve’s eyes, she knew there would be no point.

This had already been decided.

Tristan reached forward, gently taking her hand in his.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

Six months, Evangeline.

Tristan Alexander Sinclair

That’s plenty of time for us to grow fond of each other, don’t you think?

Evangeline Vivienne Devereux

Of course, Your Grace.

Eva gave him a forced smile.

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– To be Continued –

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Introducing —

Full Name: Tristan Alexander Sinclair Title: The Duke of Ashbourne Age: 28 Birthdate: October 3rd, 1793

Physical Appearance: Tristan effortlessly commands attention the moment he enters a room. His snow white hair, always neatly styled, gives him an almost ethereal appearance. He has piercing purple eyes are both mesmerizing and unsettling — cool, unreadable, and holding the kind of amusement that makes people wonder if he is laughing with them or at them. Tristan Sinclair is a man who does not need to raise his voice to be feared.

Personality: Quiet ruthlessness, Tristan’s words are his sharpest weapon. He speaks softly but leaves wounds deeper than any blade. Passive aggressive yet dangerously composed, he smiles as he delivers cruelty, watching with amusement as his words sink in. He is not the type to lose his temper — no, Tristan waits. He plays the long game, watching, calculating, setting traps that his enemies don’t realize they’ve walked into until it’s far too late.

Background: The Duke of Ashbourne is no ordinary noble. He is one of the most politically powerful men in the kingdom, handpicked by Lord Devereux to be Evangeline’s fiancé. Their engagement was not born out of love but out of strategy, a perfect alliance between the Devereux family and one of the wealthiest, most influential families in the realm. And Tristan does not see it as a burden. He knows Evangeline resents the arrangement. He enjoys watching her struggle against it. Every act of amuses him. Every time she tries to push him away, he remains perfectly still, utterly unaffected. Because Tristan does not need to raise his voice. He does not need to force her. He simply waits, watching as the world around her slowly strips away her choices, leaving only him.

And if Dominic Lancaster stands in his way? Well, knights are disposable. Because in the end, Tristan Sinclair does not lose.