My Bratty Wife
Chapter 142 - Hundred And Forty Two

Chapter 142: Chapter Hundred And Forty Two

King Albert II stood atop the rolling hills of the Oakwood Manor, surveying the lush landscape. His ancestral estate his ancestors built years back which hosted countless royal hunts.

A figure approached from the distance, his stride purposeful. "Your Majesty, the guests has arrive," announced the Chancellor, Edgar Beaumont.

" Very well, Beaumont." Albert said as he descended from the hill.

"Your Majesty," Beaumont bowed respectfully, "The Duke of Lancaster, Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Carleton, has arrived, as per your invitation."

Albert nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Excellent. Have they settled in comfortably?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. They are currently in the Oakwood manor, awaiting your pleasure so are the others."

Albert turned to face his chancellor, a thoughtful expression on his face. "And the stag population, Beaumont? Are the numbers holding steady?"

"Your Majesty, I have been reviewing the hunting grounds. The stag population is thriving," Beaumont said.

"Excellent work, Beaumont." Albert said patting Beaumont at his back.

Beaumont hesitated, a flicker of unease crossing his features. "But your Majesty, we... we need to be careful about this season’s hunt. The... the numbers were... declining."

Albert paused in his tracks, his brow furrowed. "They declined? By how much?

"Significantly, Your Majesty. Poaching has become a serious issue."

Albert’s eyes narrowed. "Poaching? On my land?"

Beaumont nodded grimly. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Albert’s brow furrowed. "Damnable scoundrels! This will not be tolerated. Increase the patrols. I want those responsible brought to justice."

Beaumont bowed his head. "Your Majesty, I’ve seen to it."

" Really?" Albert asked.

"Yes your Majesty, that’s why their population is now striving. We just have to be careful with this season’s hunt so as not to disrupt nature’s balance."

"Very well then," he said finally, his voice firm, "we will address this issue later. But for now, let us not allow it to dampen our spirits. The nobles are here, and we must extend to them the hospitality befitting a royal guest."

Beaumont bowed his head. "As you command, Your Majesty."

Albert continued his walk down the hill, a glint of steel in his eyes. "And my wife, Beaumont? How fares the Queen?"

"Her Majesty is currently in the pavilion, enjoying tea with the ladies," Beaumont replied.

A smile touched Albert’s lips. "Very well then. Let go."

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The throng of elegantly dressed guests surged around Ryan, making it difficult to navigate the Oakwood manor. He scanned the faces, searching for the familiar features of Count Edmund, but the sea of unfamiliar faces proved a daunting obstacle. Suddenly, he collided with someone,who hit a waiter, sending a tray of delicate pastries tumbling to the marble floor, knocking him off balance.

"Oh, I am so terribly sorry!" a voice exclaimed. Ryan turned to see his younger brother, Byron, looking flustered.

Ryan steadied himself, his eyes falling on his younger brother, Byron. "No worries." he said, a wry smile touching his lips. "These crowds can be rather...unpredictable. You must know accidents happen in a crowd like this."

Byron, still looking apologetic, mumbled, "I... I’m so sorry about earlier. With Evan, I mean. I shouldn’t have let things get so heated."

Ryan patted his brother’s shoulder. "Don’t dwell on it, Byron. Families argue. It’s what we do."

Byron looked confused. "Do you think so? It felt... different this time. More serious."

Ryan avoided his brother’s gaze, his attention drawn back to the crowd.

"Regardless, it’s in the past. Now, are you here to enjoy the hunt or to sulk about it?"

Byron seemed to brighten at the change of subject. "Actually, I was looking for you. I saw you arrive and wondered if you’d like to... "

Ryan shook his head. "Not now, Byron. I need to find someone."

Byron’s brow furrowed. "Someone? Who?"

"Count Edmund," Ryan replied, his voice urgent. "I need to find him quickly."

Byron’s playful demeanor vanished. "Why? What’s wrong?"

Ryan hesitated, then decided to confide in his brother. "Someone is after him. I don’t know who, but I have a feeling they’re here."

Byron’s eyes widened. "After him? Why?"

"I don’t know the details yet, but I need to make sure he’s safe. We have to find him before it’s too late."

Byron’s face hardened. "Where’s Davis? Isn’t he supposed to be with you?"

Ryan sighed. "No, no. He’s... he’s looking after the Duchess. She might be in trouble. He’s needed there."

Byron nodded, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Alright, brother. I’ll cover this side of the ground. You take that side."

Ryan nodded in agreement, their eyes meeting across the crowded room. With a new sense of purpose, he plunged back into the throng of guests with his gaze fixed on the faces around him.

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Suzy gasped, her eyes widening as the figure in the black cloak removed its hood. Eleanor stood before her, a cruel smirk playing on her lips.

"Hello, Cassandra," Eleanor drawled, her voice dripping with a venomous sweetness.

Suzy’s voice trembled. "Eleanor? What... what are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that?" she gestured towards the dark cloak.

Eleanor chuckled, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Suzy’s spine. "I came here to talk to you, Cassandra. About things that has been kept away from you. That’s why I sent you that letter."

Suzy felt a wave of nausea wash over her. "Oh, it was you. I don’t want to talk to you, Eleanor. I don’t want anything to do with you." She turned to leave, but Eleanor’s next words stopped her dead in her tracks.

"I know what happened to your mother, Cassandra," Eleanor hissed, her eyes gleaming with a malevolent light.

Suzy whirled around, her face pale. "What? What do you know?"

Eleanor let out a low, triumphant laugh. "Oh, I know more than you could possibly imagine. I know the truth."

Suzy felt a surge of fear and anger. "Who is it? Who killed my mother?"

Eleanor leaned closer, her breath hot on Suzy’s face. "The one person you love," she whispered, savoring the terror in Suzy’s eyes.

Suzy stared at her, disbelief and horror battling for dominance. "Who?" she demanded, her voice hoarse.

Eleanor simply mouthed a single word: "Ryan."

Suzy staggered back, her mind reeling. Ryan? No, it couldn’t be. Ryan would never hurt anyone, especially not her mother.

But Eleanor’s chilling smile and the certainty in her eyes planted a seed of doubt in Suzy’s mind.

Eleanor watched Suzy’s face, reveling in the chaos she had sown. She had waited so long for this moment, so long to see the pain and confusion etched on Suzy’s face. And now, she had it.