Of course, unknown to the pair as they exchanged modest flirtations below
Robert quite literally was biting his hat to stifle his rage, how dare this German , come and attempt to woo his sister, such a man is unworthy of her.
Philip was torn on one hand, he could tell Tersa was happy, he hadn't seen his sister in such a good mood in years, but another part agreed with his elder brother.
“Robert come, we don’t know what their doing, plus she’ll be furious if she knew we were spying on her” Philip said
Robert glared at him “ Philip this is our sister, and we barely know this Duke of Mosion. Plus I'm not even sure hes really a man, he probably made a deal with a demon to live this long and now he wants are sister “ he said
Philip sighed unsure what to do” well why don't we talk to him at least, perhaps we should take him hunting with us, plus Ernst is coming tomorrow as well”
Robert calmed for a moment” very well, but if I detect any malicious intent from that man I'm feeding him to the hogs “ he said
The two returned to the house
However as they went to the lounge Teresa sat waiting
“ Brothers, i hope your hunting was well “ she said
Robert and Philip knew Teresa was being serious they could tell from her voice
Robert might be the eldest but even he was afraid of Teresa when she got serious
“ I think we should have a little family talk….Now” she said simply gesturing to the chairs
Poor Robert, always a hot head, felt a shiver at his sisters cold order as he quickly sat down with Philip following shortly after
“ My dear brothers, I understand you shared words with my guest, oh don't worry he didn't say anything specific….” She looked up at Robert with a cold gaze
“ However, I don't appreciate it, this man is my guest, and it is not your business what I do in my house “ she said
“ Teresa of course not, we were just having friendly conversation with him nothing serious “ Richard waved his hand
“ Hmm, of course I'm sure it was all courgal….. however I am going to say this plainly “ she stood up walking to the fire
“ I find myself drawn to this man and he the same, and I will not let my brothers who come and go as they please ruining this opportunity “ she looked at them
“ Is that understood?” She said coldly
Robert and Philip weakly nodded” of..of course Teresa “ Philip stammered
Robert however while cowed for the moment was not done “ of course sister, in fact to show are good will we want to take him hunting with us when brother Ernst arrives”
Teresa looked at him “ good, and I hope you all get along, but if something happens to this man and I find you responsible, I will make father seem like a saint with his wrath is that understood Robert?” She asked
“ Of course sister we just want the best for you “ he said standing up walking over “ And I wouldn't be doing my due diligence if I didn't ensure this man worthy of my sister “ he said
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Teresa rolled her eyes sighing” well I do appreciate the sentiment I am a grown woman Robert were not children when the local counts son was trying to woo me with poetry…. The Duke is …. Truthfully I don't know what it is but…. he makes me happy…. just please at least talk to him like a normal person before you get all weird “ she said placing a hand on his shoulder
Robert sighed” Alright l, for you sister, I will temper my judgement for the moment “
Teresa smiled” Thank you, see we get so much more done when you aren't so stubborn” she teased pinching his arm
Robert laughed rubbing his arm “ aah, you know I hate to see you sad sister, really this is all Phillip idea” he said pointing
Philip course looked shocked “ N..no it wasn't this was all his suggestion Teresa he's lying” he whined
Teresa laughed “ Robert don't bully Philip, this sweet child couldn't plot for the life of him, thank heavens Thedora was willing to save him” she said shaking her head smirking as they bullied Philip
Who red and embarrassed exited the room to go find his wife and cry to her or that's what Teresa assumed having to stifle her giggle at the thought
But she turned to Robert again “ Please, brother behave yourself, for my sake alright?” She said
Robert sighed “ Alright, Alright, I will” he said
However as he walked off Teresa still worried he was going to pull something
Truthfully she knew the Duke probably wasn't going to get scared off by her brothers lackluster intimidation but still it was a headache for her
Four hours later
Robert was in the stables as he checked his equipment
As footsteps approached he turned to look
“Oi, oi, I thought I smelled horse shit in here” Ernst said loud his French accent very heavy
Robert laughed standing up “ And I thought I heard ribbiting ya Bastard, how are ya” he said as they hugged
After embracing they leaned on the fence discussing “So, you said are dear sister has become affectionate, to this, Mosioner?” Ernest asked as they watched the cattle graze in the mid day sun
“ Yes, they have barely been apart for this last week” Robert answered
“ So, we are going to take him on a hunt ,yes?” Erenst asked as he turned to his brother
Robert nodded” Course, I recommend we neglect telling Teresa this or she might skin us “ he ch uckled though knew his sister's wrath made the Habsburgs seem like a better option
Phillip was listening in, and while he was unsure his feelings on his sister's relationship he also didn't want his sister upset knowing his brother's tendencies at times.
In the house the Duke and Teresa were discussing in her room
“ I'm telling you, he got hit square in the face by a horse and he still argued why he shouldn't have to pay the levy tax “ The Duke said recalling a event
“ And I'm telling you their in no earthly way his jaw wasn't ripped off his face, you know this hurts your credibility my lord “ she said crossing her arms though clearly teasing
“ Oh yes, man living for centuries is believable but getting kicked by a horse and able to still talk that's where I'm stretching it “ he chuckled walking over
They looked at each other as Teresa stood up walking in front of him
“ Are you calling me foolish my lord?” She said tilting her head with a small smirk
“ Perhaps I am, my lady”
Her finger ran on the folded collar of his coat “ hmm you know most men would be flogged for insulting a lady of noble standing”
He watched her his face turning thoughtfully “ Well I'm not some common peasant, am I?” He placed his hand on top of hers
“ Hmm, that is true, your much more…. fine then that “ she said starting to lean closer
The door slammed open” Sister I think we should di…….” Phillip stood quietly
As the Duke and Teresa stood awkwardly with Teresa sighing annoyed as she turned her head to look at her brother
“ Yes…Philip what do you need “ she said with a very aggressive smile as she released the Duke
“ Um I…I thought you would want to know , Erenst is here and um..they wish to take your um…. friend…hunting “ Philip said looking down
Teresa rubbed her eyes quietly cursing” of course they do….sigh thank you Philip” she said
As she turned back to the Duke “ I'm starting to think I should just take your offer to join you in Mosion” she said sighing
As she went and sat back down
“ So, I'm assuming this hunt your brothers wish to take me on, is probably not good for my health “ he chuckled
Teresa leaned back exhaling” It's something they like to do, it's like their initiation ritual, or so all my brother's have done it l, they don't think I know what it is” she took off her hair clips letting her hair fall to the sides as she went to the mirror brushing it
“ It's idiotic truly, I'm sure they want to scare you off, tell me oh the deer scared him off” she was becoming increasingly annoyed “ After I even threatened him, I swear, they treat me like a child, but I made sure this house was taken care of, when father was ill, I stayed and stomached him, you know how many times I wanted to smother that man” she said brushing faster
“ But now that I find someone, who I actually enjoy spending time with, who I don't have to force myself to stomach, now they all want to come home, ondankbare klootzakken” she said
The Duke would approach placing his hands on Teresa shoulders as she paused her brushing
“ Well, I will indulge your brothers wish, and then return “ he said leaning down” Because, it will take more than threats to scare me away from such a wonderful woman who makes my stomach flutter “ he said with a soft smile
Teresa chuckled looking at him in the mirror” You better, or I might have to hunt you down myself “ she smiled as he took his hand kissing it gently
“ Your will be done, my lady” he chuckled

