My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 219: Leaving

Chapter 219: Leaving

Desmond rode to Count Christopher’s home with the heavy knowledge weighing him down. There was more in the letter that he hadn’t discussed with the others considering it felt extremely close to his heart.

Since he was able to take the men and ride to the count’s home on horseback, it was a short trip and he was able to meet with the count quickly.

Walking through the rustic home, he was pleased to see everyone already working to put his and Leonor’s things together for the road ahead.

As bad as he felt that Leonor would have to be subjected to nearly four days of travel, he was happy that she wanted to remain by his side as well despite that. They were at a tender point where being apart wouldn’t benefit them. It would only serve to make them miserable.

The duke found the count in his study and shut the door behind them to give them privacy.

He had kept the decree from the king in his chest pocket and pulled it out before unrolling it on the count’s polished desk.

While Count Christopher would not realize how much the possible war would hit Desmond close to home. The duke had to live with this knowledge and risk someone else picking apart something that could very well change the way he perceived the other person.

Count Christopher looked at the letter intently, slowly reading to absorb all he could from the King’s words.

In the decree, it spoke of word getting to the King about unrest in former Eirenguard. They had constant eyes in that area of the world considering the mines they claimed after the country fell.

There was a movement of supplies and repopulation of destroyed townships that caused soldiers stationed there to believe something was brewing under the surface. They hadn’t moved people towards the border, but it felt like a possibility based on the preparations taking place.

Under orders of King Stephano III, he called for a cease of action in Eirenguard shortly after being crowned king. The King explicitly stated that the bad treatment of surviving Eirenguardians was punishable by law.

Desmond was appreciative of this motion, however, he knew that it would change if those who were left in Eirenguard became violent toward Castillians.

Desmond was undoubtedly an Eirenguardian despite all of his wealth and entire life being from Castille. His love was from Castille, he presided over a large dukedom in Castille.

How would he remain a Montclair if he couldn’t witness the slaughtering of the people he came from? Deep down he felt their actions were justified. The current monarch was benefitting from items from the battle over twenty years before that tore Eirenguard apart and made their small country lawless and bare.

To Desmond’s shock and relief, Count Christopher sat up a bit straighter.

"I was a mere teenager when the first battle with Eirenguard started," Christopher admitted, his hand on his chin as he fell into thought. "My father went to battle but I was being groomed to take over as the count in case of emergency. I received reports of the battle. The people of Eirenguard have been through enough. If there was a way to get through this diplomatically..."

The count trailed off and gave a wry smile.

"I’m only a count," he admitted. "I can only follow you or King Stephano’s guidance if I am to keep hold of this noble station."

Desmond wanted to vehemently agree with him. His heart was aching at the thought of all Eirenguardians being wiped out. He didn’t know how many were left, but he wasn’t entirely sure that their mastery of swordsmanship was enough to face an entire Castillian army that had been strengthened over a century. They had lost many men but there were still plenty left growing into an age where they could enlist.

He had never felt more divided in his life.

"You have my word that I will go to Coeurvalle with the intention of diplomacy," Desmond assured the count. "Your opinion will be taken into consideration, although it seems that our opinions align. I am relieved to have a wise count mastering the south and closest to Eirenguard’s border."

Count Christopher stood up from his desk and approached the duke who had chosen not to sit down as they discussed what the near future would bring.

"I trust you will represent Montclair well," Christopher assured him. "Now you must be off. I can only assume that my people have given you enough supplies to make it there quickly."

"As long as it doesn’t put you in a bad position this winter," Desmond reminded him of his original purpose for being there.

"Not at all, your grace," he assured the duke. "We have a surplus as it is."

Their hands clasped in a firm handshake as a final goodbye between the two of them, but the count still walked the duke towards the front of his estate. He did it as a measure of, not only hospitality but showing support for the duke and whatever lay in the path ahead.

Desmond made it to the main hall and looked further down to see Leonor sitting with Alma.

She had already been dressed in travel-appropriate clothing. Her skirts were near to the ground and thick so they would keep her legs warm, however, the underskirts were less of a bell-shaped silhouette so she would be comfortable while riding in a carriage.

The bodice of her dress was made of brown leather while the skirts were sage green. She had a white chemise that stretched to her neck and down her arms that would keep her warm underneath the dark brown cloak she was going to wear as well.

Unlike when they arrived in Oues or Villaluc, Leonor was devoid of jewelry except for the emerald ring she always wore to signify her marriage to the duke. It felt pointless to dress particularly pretty considering they would take a pass to Coeurvalle that would lead them to the capital more quickly than if they went all the way to Oues.

Desmond admired her from afar for a moment but he soon approached her, knowing there wasn’t any time to waste.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked. "Again, forgive me for cutting your visit so short."

Leonor smiled up at her husband, an action which Alma admired, biting the inside of her cheek so she wouldn’t grin. Rarely did one see a couple so in love that began in such a last-minute arrangement.

"Considering the circumstances, I will forgive you, your grace," Alma responded to the duke. "Please take care of her grace and travel safely."

"I promise," Desmond responded.

The trip was undoubtedly too short but it was best for them to hit the trail so that they would get to the capital quickly. They both looked forward to what King Stephano had to say.