My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 323: Her Revenge

Chapter 323: Her Revenge

"I feel it’s best if I take the child to Coeurvalle with me," Stephano admitted quietly to Leonor.

Even though the duchess was supposed to be bedridden, she still occasionally wandered to the library for a change of scenery—to her husband’s horror, of course.

She was made comfortable on one of the couches and Desmond massaged her swollen feet through tight stockings that were meant to help with the issue. He looked at her so lovingly even though she looked in the mirror and felt like she was taken over the giant belly that housed their child so well.

Her friends were there to get to the bottom of the situation with Eamon and, as much as she had resistance to it, there weren’t many other options. The children in the orphanage were terrified of him. He was having a worse time because of it.

"Desmond this is a decision you’re going to have to make for us," she admitted. "I love that child, but I don’t want him to suffer because the children aren’t used to mages. If he truly does have royal mana inside of him, it’s going to get even more difficult until he can’t control it any longer."

Desmond gave a sad smile. He had to admit that it pained him to let go of the child considering he had invested so much into him. For a couple of years, he had thought of what it would be like to finally have him in their home and behave like a proper family.

Yet things had changed. Leonor was going to give that future to him regardless.

"You’re both right," he said. "It’s for the best."

Leonor couldn’t help sighing regardless.

"After all the time we spent finding where he would fit here..." she admitted softly. "It wasn’t for nothing but everything changes now that he’s a mage. Not just a mage but a royal one."

Stephano and Quinn exchanged looks from where they sat with one another on the couch across from the duke and duchess. Since arriving and confirming that the child did indeed have Royal Mana, another topic was brought up that Stephano had avoided in the years since he became the King.

Quinn nodded and Stephano.

"Then there is something I would like to ask," the young monarch admitted.

Leonor sat up and put her feet onto the floor and into the slippers she had brought with her. Even though sitting up would make her feet swell again she wanted to acknowledge her friends more appropriately. They understood why she was lounging around but it still didn’t make her feel better.

"Please, go ahead," she said.

He didn’t hesitate.

"I would like to make him my heir."

Leonor’s eyes widened and she glanced over at Desmond who had reached out his hand so he could grasp hers.

"I know you have barred love from your life, but you shouldn’t close down the option to produce your own heir," she said. "If you do something drastic now, you could hurt someone in the future."

She was speaking from personal experience and she felt Desmond gently squeeze her hand in silent apology.

"I don’t think that will be an issue," Stephano said. "In fact, I know it won’t be. The one I want to keep by my side for the rest of my life is right here."

The King’s head turned towards Quinn and he offered his hand. When the silver-haired mage placed his hand in Stephano’s, he brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it so tenderly.

Leonor’s mouth fell open and all she could do was stare in surprise. However, she noticed that Quinn wasn’t shocked or begging Stephano not to divulge his secrets. The mage blushed and gave a shy smile but it was clear he was used to the affection that Stephano gave him. It wasn’t something that had only just been put out in the open.

"How long?" she asked in disbelief. "I spent an entire winter at your side and you didn’t think you should tell me?"

Desmond was surprised, but he understood why he wouldn’t be privy to the information. He knew how people like the two in front of them were seen in their society. He could very well be staunch and unaccepting. Fortunately, he wasn’t.

"How was I supposed to know that you already knew this about Quinn?" Stephano asked softly. "I only found that much out recently."

As Leonor observed her friends, she saw them both wearing such satisfied expressions that she was unaware either one of them could have. Love could change lives and she believed it wholeheartedly.

"He’s already been preparing to join a noble household," Leonor admitted. "He has etiquette lessons every so often but nothing too serious. If you would like Eamon as an heir, I won’t stop you. You do have to promise me one thing."

"Anything," Quinn said earnestly, sitting up straighter and releasing Stephano’s hand.

He still wasn’t sure how comfortable he was being affectionate in front of others.

"Love that boy like he’s your own," she said. "Raise him in an environment you and I can’t relate to as children. Quinn will show you what it’s like to be raised by loving parents. May Eamon never know such a combative life as the one you were raised into."

"As far as I’m concerned, he will be the only family I have along with Quinn," Stephano said. "Although sometimes you really do feel like a sister to me."

Leonor grinned at this. She didn’t want to admit that with the grin came a tinge of pain in her side. the jabs from her child were getting worse. Her entire body was stressed out.

"My chosen family is far more interesting than my blood family," Leonor admitted softly. "Surprisingly, sometimes love is the best revenge for the wounded. Even if the one you want revenge against will never see it, it’s satisfying to know that they will never be as happy as you are."

With that, she leaned into her husband, one hand on his arm and the other around her large stomach.

As she leaned, she felt a gushing feeling between her legs and she paused with a petrified expression on her face.

"What is it?" the duke asked.

"I-I think my water just broke."