Thread: The Garden of Corruption [Zprimal & Luscious]

The estate of Vandeleon spanned an impressive stretch of land, with lush green fields and trimmed hedges which lined the small paths which curved through the impressive garden that dominated the front of the Vandeleon mansion. But to the eyes of the Duke of Windcrest, these sights failed to catch his eye as they came to a halt between a stone fountain with carved beings of ancient legend and the front entrance. They were there to impress, a display of wealth for other nobilities to see and to fuel his pride. As much as he claimed to be needed, he afforded himself a few days to return to his wife and child every so often. He stepped from his carriage, the summer heat had only just begun and would worsen with the coming weeks. The Duke was a man above middling height, short greying hair with grey stubble on his cheeks and jaw. He was in his middle thirties, past that age where he bothered counting the years of his life spent in this world. He pushed these thoughts from his mind and shoved his coat into the waiting hands of a servant as he passed her. His boots rang out against the polished floor of the main hall. He caught sight of their butler who stood by the winding set of stairs, as ready as ever. How is my wife and child? He allowed for a hint of false concern to creep into his voice, only to stop as the other man gestured. A simple gesture of his hand indicated something was wrong. The duke raised an eyebrow, only for the butler to step over and straighten out his attire. Lady Vandeleon has already taken lunch and is currently watching over the child while she naps. Where are they? The Duke demanded. He never really quite liked the butler. He always seemed too immaculate too perfect, his black hair either slicked back or neatly trimmed, clean shaven, his attire pressed, nails cut, buttons shined and shoes polished. Even now it was to believe that this man had only been serving for five years. He had once tried to catch the man off guard, only to find out in the end, grudgingly, that was simply no one as capable, flexible and with a penchant for readiness as him. Yes, readiness was what defined this man and despite his prejudices, Tristan admitted that it was a useful thing in their household. The servant extended a hand up the steps, They would be upstairs, in the child's room getting the child to nap would be my guess. Lady Vandeleon thought that being by the child's side at night was for the best and had a bed put there for herself. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he seemed to hesitate, Perhaps it would be better if- He was not here to meet his wife. He was here to show that he had met his wife. Thank you, he responded curtly and began his ascent up the steps. No further courtesy was required to a paid hand. Truth be told, when he was younger, he had seen her as a prize, often writing her letters telling tales of his greatness when he became the head of his household all with the intention of bedding her. Now that that chase was over, she had lost her lustre in his eyes. He marched up the steps, and made towards his child's room. He rapped a knuckle against the wooden door before pushing it open. There was a crash as the door struck against the side of a small chest meant for the toys strewn across the floor. I'm back.