My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 103: The Mage for Leonor

Chapter 103: The Mage for Leonor

Leonor quickly found she preferred the misery over the distance they had before. Even if her heart was aching each time Desmond was close to her, she knew he didn’t hate her because he was willing to get close once again.

His birthday reset their relationship and there was a sense of comfortableness as the pair settled into their lives.

With the snow melting two months after Desmond’s birthday, it was time to resume their lives as proper leaders of Montclair.

Leonor mourned the time they had together in the library where neither one of them had anything to attend to. Unfortunately, Desmond returned to his office and began collaborating with other nobles to get spring started in Montclair.

It was nearing the time of their first wedding anniversary, but the date came and went. For two people who hardly felt like husband and wife, it was insignificant to celebrate something that lacked romance.

When Leonor started feeling the effects of cabin fever because early spring was too cold in Montclair to go outside, Desmond came to her as she wrote a letter to Francia and said he finally had a response regarding a mana partner for her.

Even if it wouldn’t be a permanent partner, she could practice for one month. That was how long the mage was able to stay in Montclair.

Considering Desmond preferred not to have guests, Leonor was beyond grateful that he would relent for her sake.

While their lives took on a more serious note, Leonor began to finish her studies regarding Montclair. Eventually, they would have to hire someone to teach her the ways of a duchess, but first, she wanted to exercise her mage abilities. She wanted to prove herself useful to Desmond in other ways.

Even if she couldn’t offer him affection and he wouldn’t give it, she would solidify his decision to make her his wife.

The days wound down, and Leonor became giddy at the mage who would be sent to help her practice. It was assured that their mana type was compatible with hers or at least they were adept enough in offensive magic to match her need to defend.

There were a few times she daydreamed about Quinn finding her in Montclair, but she figured that was too coincidental and pushed the thought away.

Leonor insisted the best guest room be given to the mage who was to stay with them. She observed the work put into the guest room in her wing of the manor and was beyond satisfied with the results.

Much of her time was spent daydreaming about the mage but Desmond distracted her by delivering a letter from Francia.

She thought it was sweet he delivered the letter himself considering he had many people who could help instead.

"Thank you," Leonor said and grasped the precious letter, excited to hear what Francia had to say.

"Are you excited to get back into working with magic?" Desmond asked after Leonor took the letter from him.

She had been in one of the wide-open sitting rooms with some of her old studies in front of her. It was nice to use the larger areas of the estate now that it had started to warm up. She thought she preferred small spaces but it became suffocating after a while.

In one of the books were notes she had taken over the years and helpful tips for summoning her mana. While she hadn’t forgotten anything, it was best to have a refresher.

However, as she heard Desmond’s interest in her mana, she looked up at him in surprise. There wasn’t someone in her life who seemed to care about that aspect of her outside of King Stephano and Valerio.

Again, he effortlessly warmed her heart and she only wished to do the same for him.

"I’ve been looking forward to it for so long," she admitted. "I’m terrified of needing my magic and not being able to summon it as quickly as I used to. There was a time in the Academy where I was one of the best if you can believe that."

She laughed gently and tucked her hair behind her ear as she looked down at the letter Desmond had given her.

"I believe it," Desmond said seriously.

Leonor felt shy at his praise.

As he watched her organize her notes, he realized he still hadn’t told her he had asked Stephano for help finding someone, but he knew how much the young King took magic seriously. Whomever he chose would be more than qualified for Leonor.

"Montclair would like to know their duchess is capable," Desmond said as he moved to the stairs. "Now you’d better get rest. The mage is due to arrive tomorrow."

"I will," Leonor said. "Goodnight, Desmond. I’ll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight," he responded gently and began to leave.

He started up the stairs that would take him to the upper levels of the estate. They overlooked where Leonor sat.

The duke couldn’t help himself and spared his wife one more glance before he could disappear down a hallway.

However, he was surprised to see her mana light up and she grasped the locket necklace she always wore. Her eyes were squeezed shut as if she was in prayer.

The mystery thickened for him. He was dying to know the meaning behind her necklace. At times he would fill up with awful jealousy and wonder if someone else gave it to her.

Yet he knew she was loyal to him and Valerio only.

He felt ridiculous having to force himself away.

The duke worked for a couple more hours and walked to the end of the hall looking down to the sitting room Leonor once occupied. He was relieved to see she was no longer there and likely resting.

The next day, Desmond found Leonor in the afternoon and he pushed aside any feelings that lingered into the night for him. Even if curiosity ate at him, he was always pleasant for her sake.

It was a big day for her and he wanted to size up the mage tasked with helping his wife with her mana.

The duke and duchess went to the front of their home when it was time to greet the guest.

Leonor was giddy with nerves, wondering who the mysterious person could be. To push forward a unified appearance, she stood close to the duke and if either one of them moved significantly, their arms brushed against one another.

It didn’t help the nervous energy already making a home in her heart.

An average carriage pulled up and only supplies were on board. Leonor and Desmond shared a look of confusion.

However, the mage they sought rode up on a finely bred horse and jumped off the animal with a flourish.

Red hair and beautifully crafted clothing were revealed as King Stephano whipped off his cloak. A maid went forward to get it before it could hit the ground.

His hazel eyes set on the couple and amusement was evident on his face.