My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 112: The King Wants Fun

Chapter 112: The King Wants Fun

"He’s the only thing that can break your focus," Stephano observed as he stretched out his wrists.

The king and duchess had been practicing magic with one another for a couple of weeks and Stephano realized a particular pattern.

While Desmond didn’t come every day considering he usually had work to attend to, the days he did come, Leonor’s focus broke or Eve appeared. It showed the king she wasn’t focusing her mana and made her far more impervious to attacks.

Even though Leonor was an above-average mage, Stephano had royal mana and could overpower her instantly if he didn’t have the control to notice the points when she was distracted.

Considering the reason for her distractedness was standing on the wall of the outpost, Leonor’s eyes widened at Stephano.

"If you’re kind enough you won’t say anything further," she said under her breath.

The magic she was most skilled in took a lot of bracing her core so she stretched out her back.

She learned early on in her mana use to pay attention to her posture while she trained. A curved back wouldn’t be becoming to a lady who was supposed to stand tall and properly.

When Leonor stood up straight once more, she could feel Desmond’s eyes on her. She couldn’t bring herself to directly acknowledge them because they hadn’t been able to have a proper conversation since she had been training their mana.

She trained so hard during the day that she fell asleep early at night. There wasn’t a moment she and Desmond had alone.

She knew that Stephano and Desmond spoke to one another and all she could do was hope that the conversation never went to her. Stephano knew too much about her time with Valerio, she didn’t want to upset the duke.

Stephano took a step closer to Leonor and lowered his voice.

"If you ever feel like sorting out your feelings, your lack of focus around the duke should be something to consider," the king continued.

Even though he stopped and patted Leonor’s shoulder, she still glared at him.

The longer he had been in Montclair, the more he felt like a brother she never had. Their relationship was playful and lighthearted most of the time even though he often said things that caught her off guard.

He was completely shameless in front of Desmond and it made her nervous. He was much different than the serious and poised king who sat on the throne. She felt honored that at least she and Desmond could see him in his true state.

It was nearing time for dinner but Leonor desired a bath. She hoped it wouldn’t be another night of nearly falling asleep so her maids would insist she eat from her room. They made her look feeble even though she was burning so much energy during the day.

Only Stephano could understand and he would occasionally bring her restorative herbs, saying that it was something she and Desmond should consider stocking up on if she wanted to have more mages there.

Piedmont lacked mages. It was her time to show the people how useful she could be.

As they neared the wall, Desmond jumped off of it with ease. Despite moving slowly usually, Leonor was learning from Stephano just how adept Desmond was with his body.

Even if he didn’t show it to her, he had a lifetime of sword skills under his belt. While she didn’t doubt it because of his contribution to the war, she was surprised each time she saw him out of the estate. He was far more active than when he was at home.

"Careful, Desmond," Stephano said, gently taunting. "Wouldn’t want what’s healed to become unhealed. All the work I put in would be for naught."

Desmond was uninterested in Stephano’s comments. He turned his attention to Leonor after casting a glare at the king.

"Are you tired again?" he asked her, showing genuine concern. "I already have the maids preparing a hot bath to ease your muscles."

"And what about his majesty?" Stephano asked with a grin. "Please tell me you aren’t only paying attention to your dear wife."

"The maids are so taken with you, they hardly need to be asked to do anything for you," Desmond responded. "I would guarantee a bath awaits you already."

Stephano let out an easygoing laugh.

However, it was wiped away the moment they reached the front gates of the outpost and Desmond gestured for the soldiers on the wall to open it up for them.

Stephano’s seriousness resumed as they walked out of the outpost and saw a few people who weren’t supposed to be there.

Word that the king was in Montclair spread because of soldiers eager to spread the news. Considering they weren’t told it was supposed to be a secret, they didn’t hold back.

Word that the king was hiding away in Montclair reached the capital and his aides were already on their way.

Even though the walk from Piedmont was long and difficult, many would find a way up the mountain just for a glimpse of King Stephano. He was young and eligible. Any woman would be lucky to be chosen by the man who had done so much for their kingdom.

As they mounted the horses brought outside for them, Leonor glanced at Desmond. Oftentimes, she wished she could hitch a ride with him but they had never been so close to one another for an extended amount of time. She could tell that, despite her horse’s even temperament, it was unsettled by the people who casually gathered around the outpost to wait for the king.

The thought of getting bucked off terrified her. She wore ridings gloves and was grateful they hid the fact that her knuckles turned white each time her horse did something slightly unpredictable like taking an extra step to avoid a person or an obstacle.

Perhaps that was when she truly spent the most energy.

Luckily the people couldn’t follow them through the wall surrounding the Montclair’s personal property and any stragglers behaved themselves considering the new guards at the front of the property.

The three rode until they were at the front of the castle and dismounted their horses.

"Since everyone knows I’m already here, why don’t we make the Spring Equinox Festival more interesting this year?" Stephano suddenly suggested before they could walk into the estate.

Desmond glanced at the king and then his wife.

"I read about the festival but figured it was something old," Leonor realized. "Why didn’t I hear about it last year?"

Desmond thought of the time they avoided each other for nearly a month at the beginning of their relationship. He didn’t want to say that when Stephano’s eager ears were listening.

"I didn’t want you to be overwhelmed," he admitted. "You were here for less than a month when it began."

Leonor accepted this fact, knowing that she didn’t quite trust the duke at the same time the previous year.

"What are you thinking of doing to liven things up?" Leonor asked the king hesitantly.

"I think the week should be concluded with a sword fighting competition before I can return to the capital," Stephano said. "What do you say?"

"The king in Montclair and warriors from surrounding villages being more than enough for a decent viewing..." Desmond trailed off and brought a gloved hand to his chin while he considered it. "It would make the duchy a decent amount of money. I suppose the organizing can be done in a few days. As long as we get the word out so people will attend."

Stephano rolled his eyes.

"You’re talking numbers, but I’m trying to have fun," Stephano said. "Organize it and I will spread the word to the capital."

The duke and duchess shared a glance as Stephano walked into the manor.