456: Unease

Unease

Upon their arrival at the mansion, Rosalind anticipated a peaceful evening with Lucas, a respite from the constant stream of news and demands. However, their tranquility was abruptly interrupted once again, this time by a summons from the palace. The message was clear: the King required the Duke's presence.1

Initially reluctant, Rosalind deliberated for a moment before changing her mind, instructing Lucas to heed the summons. He voiced his concern, citing the contagious nature of the situation they had fabricated as an excuse. But Rosalind knew the truth all too well. The King and Queen were far from naive; they were aware that their reasoning was a fabrication. The royal couple had likely deduced that Lucas used this pretense to avoid receiving guests and spend time exclusively with his wife.

With a hint of frustration in his voice, Lucas conceded to the request. Understanding that he was the sole invitee, Rosalind remained at the mansion, deciding to indulge in a luxurious, uninterrupted hot bath. It had been too long since she had last enjoyed such a simple pleasure without the interruption of pressing matters. As she submerged herself in the warm water, a contented smile graced her face, reveling in the rare moment of solitude.

Meanwhile, Lucas promptly arrived at the King's study. The night was already deep; the moon casting its ethereal glow through the windows. Reluctant as he was to heed the King's summons, Lucas knew Rosalind's insistence left him no choice but to comply.

"Your grace," Lucas greeted the King with a respectful nod, his face veiled in a mask of formality.

King Marlin smiled warmly in response. "It has indeed been quite some time since we last crossed paths," he acknowledged. "You have been missed. I trust you have been faring well?"

Lucas offered a casual smile, an attempt to ease the tension that lingered in the air. "You look healthy and well-rested, your majesty," he remarked, his words carrying a hint of familiarity and genuine concern.

The King's expression faltered momentarily, his brow furrowing. "Busy would be an understatement," he confessed. "Numerous visitors have arrived in the north, inquiring about the rumors that have circulated regarding a plague. In fact, it is one of the reasons I summoned you, Duke. I hope you will not hold it against me."

A wry smile danced upon the King's lips, hinting at the complexity of the situation that lay before them.

"The gates of the estate shall remain closed indefinitely," declared the Duke, his voice resonating with authority. "I can only hope that his majesty will continue addressing the inquisitive minds graciously seeking answers about the estate, offering them the information they yearn for."

The King's response was swift, his voice tinged with concern. "This... This presents a complex predicament," he admitted, his regal demeanor momentarily shaken. "Feigning ignorance without appearing foolish before my people would pose a challenge. We do not want the south to think that the King of Wugari lacks intelligence, no?"

A subtle smile curved upon Lucas's lips. Both of them knew that this conversation was nothing but fakery. By now, the King must have already known that he did not want to meet him. Yet, somehow, he still summoned Lucas to the palace just a few days after his wedding. "Ah, but your majesty," Lucas spoke in a hushed tone, "the plague shall not dare venture beyond the confines of these gates."

"Why is that so?" Perplexed, the King leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.

Lucas's smirk widened, relishing in the tantalizing mystery he presented. "Ah, my King, that is a secret I cannot divulge," he sneered inwardly. "The very walls surrounding us possess keen ears, and I hope you will not hold it against me." The Duke's words echoed those of the King himself.

A fleeting frown appeared on the King's brow, a flicker of frustration at being kept in the dark. However, his regal composure quickly resurfaced as he regained his poise. "I understand," he conceded, his voice laced with a blend of acceptance and curiosity.

"But I believe that is not the sole reason why the King summoned me tonight, correct?" Lucas smiled.

"Yes, indeed. I invited you due to concerns regarding Lady Dorothy's presence in Wugari. People are starting to raise questions," the King revealed. "Why is it that the Duke is prohibiting Lady Dorothy from entering the estate and tending to the afflicted soldiers? You must understand the rumors that circulate due to the lack of information. When Lady Dorothy heard of this, she immediately proposed returning to the estate."

"No," the Duke interjected, not waiting for the King to finish his statement. "She will not be returning to the estate."

"Your grace, you must understand, the Lady can be of great assistance..." the King began, but his words were abruptly halted as the Duke rose from his seat.

"I mean no disrespect, but this conversation is over," Lucas declared, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and authority. "Never utter that woman's name in my presence again." Without waiting for the King's response, Lucas swiftly exited the study. However, he wasn't surprised to find Lady Dorothy standing just outside, her presence timed with uncanny precision.

"Your grace, we meet again," Lady Dorothy greeted, her smile innocent and beguiling. She donned a flowing light blue dress that accentuated her ethereal beauty, her delicate features enhanced by a touch of light makeup. Upon seeing Lucas, she immediately offered a graceful bow, an act that exuded both humility and elegance.

Beside her, the Queen wore a matching smile, her eyes shimmering with intrigue. "Your grace," she addressed Lucas. "I did not expect to see you gracing the palace at this late hour..."

Lucas merely nodded and began walking, refraining from uttering a single word. Such an action was widely considered disrespectful, particularly when standing before the Queen. Yet Lucas seemed indifferent to these social norms, his focus unwavering.

"Your grace... I am deeply grateful that you have agreed to the King's..." Dorothy's words were cut short by Lucas's interruption. He halted in his tracks, his piercing gaze fixed upon her.

"The gates of the estate shall remain closed," Lucas stated firmly. Then, he turned his gaze towards the Queen, his eyes sharp and commanding, causing a shiver of trepidation to run down her spine. Without another word, Lucas pivoted on his heels and resumed his deliberate stride, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and lingering unease.

....

A/N: I have a bad toothache for days now. My gums are swollen. T.T I can't even sleep.

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