Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 110: That Kind Of Laughter

Chapter 110: That Kind Of Laughter

Aideen completed the task of sorting through the Duke’s correspondence and shifted her focus to the documents awaiting Tillian’s signature.

With Ahspid’s absence, she found herself grappling with the practice of magic in solitude, devoid of his guiding presence. The absence of his mentorship proved disheartening, for in his tutelage, Ahspid always sought to elevate her skills by introducing new challenges to her practice.

Nevertheless, even in his absence, the princess persevered. Freed from the constraints of shared study sessions, she delved deeper into her husband’s affairs, dedicating herself to assisting him in his daily tasks within his study.

Aideen remained hesitant to venture beyond the realm of basic document sorting or putting the Valentine seal onto papers authorized by Stanis. Yet, her journey was one of continual growth; each document she encountered presented an opportunity for further education, a chance she never squandered.

It was a nice feeling. She felt important, busy, and needed. She was no longer useless.

’Who would have imagined that such labor would prove more demanding than the study of magic? Perhaps this is what people mean when they speak of tasks accomplished ’as if by magic.’ Curiously, it seems the intricacies of work surpass the complexities of magic itself. I guess it really is true. One’s natural talent can be helpful in so many ways.’

The lady harbored no aversion to hard work; in fact, she welcomed its challenges. Engaging in demanding tasks provided a welcome distraction, allowing her to lose herself in the laborious endeavor and alleviate the anticipation of Tillian’s return from his patrol.

Upon completing yet another stack of documents, Aideen directed her gaze towards King Yuraon, who had trailed her throughout the day due to his sheer lack of occupation within the castle walls.

Mindful of the potential for distraction posed by his leisurely presence, the princess issued a directive to the young man: immerse himself in a book of his choosing. Surprisingly, he complied with unexpected diligence, an obedience perhaps facilitated by the companionship of Lord Wiggles and Lord Giggles, who had joined them in the study.

Surprisingly, the strong and powerful King of Davoor found himself unnerved by the presence of the dogs, their decision to curl up for a nap beside him offered the lady a rare moment of tranquility to focus on her tasks.

As Aideen observed Yuraon, she could not shake her astonishment. How could he maintain such calm amidst the unfamiliarity of his surroundings?

’I simply cannot comprehend it... He is the King, yet he has been away from his throne for so long but he does not seem to care about anything at all. Does he think he is on vacation here?’

The distinction between Yuraon and Tillian was indeed too big which made it even more difficult to believe that such two completely different people could become so close.

’Is there truth to the notion that opposites attract?’

Driven by an inexplicable curiosity, she abandoned the remaining papers and approached the large leather couch where Yuraon reclined, engrossed in a thick tome. Seating herself beside Lord Giggles, who stirred awake at her presence and shifted closer, she broached the subject with cautious curiosity,

"Your Majesty... How did you and His Grace become so close?"

Peering over the rim of his book, the King paused, then closed it and set it aside, fixing his piercing blue gaze upon the woman before him. His thoughts drifted inward, lost in a labyrinth of contemplation.

’Hmm... What should I tell her? Revealing too much might prove precarious, especially if Tillian hasn’t disclosed everything to her... It’s best to stay on the side of caution and steer clear of specifics.’

With a dismissive shrug of his shoulders, he finally responded, choosing his words with care,

"Because of our curse, my family is enveloped in a cloud of rumors and conjecture, none of which paint us in a favorable light or foster trust. While Davoor boasts strength, it is not a kingdom known for its opulence. We find contentment in our modest lifestyle, yet we cannot remain isolated indefinitely, particularly as the political landscape of the Continent undergoes significant shifts as we speak."

"As you are aware, I ascended the throne relatively recently, and truth be told, inheriting Davoor’s already tarnished reputation compounded by my youthful age hardly inspired confidence among rulers boasting decades of experience," Yuraon confessed.

"When I first ascended to the throne, the King of Utar extended his congratulations in a letter, the sole ruler to do so, while others chose to ignore my authority. That is, until I received another letter of congratulations. This one, from Duke Valentine."

Yuraon fell silent, his gaze drifting toward Tillian’s vacant desk, a silent reverie enveloping him as he imagined his friend seated there, penning that letter.

"He was the sole individual who accorded me the respect befitting a king. I must admit, I was skeptical at first. After all, a dispossessed Duke from a fallen lineage could have harbored ulterior motives, couldn’t he? Yet, over time, I came to realize the fallacy of such assumptions.

"In those early months of my reign, the Duke proved invaluable. He imparted countless lessons and offered unwavering support during moments of loneliness and trepidation. He’s akin to a brother to me, and I shall stand by him steadfastly. For I am confident he would do the same for me."

Aideen, once again, found herself in awe. Tillian, she realized, was a truly remarkable man, yet his virtues remained shrouded from the broader populace. It was a great shame.

With a gentle smile gracing his lips, Yuraon turned his attention to the princess, his curiosity piqued.

"And what about you, Your Highness? Do you find yourself plagued by loneliness in the absence of your family? Utar is so close to here; do you wish to go there someday?"

A shadow of sadness descended upon the lady’s face, her features clouded by melancholy. Uncertain of how to articulate her emotions, Aideen grappled with a response. Having never experienced the warmth of genuine familial bonds in Geraldion, and with her kin in Utar displaying scant interest in her, she questioned whether she could truly harbor feelings of loneliness for the people she had never even met before.

Observing her unexpectedly saddened expression, Yuraon hastened to offer his apologies.

"My sincerest apologies, My Lady. It was not my intent to upset you!"

However, Aideen remained unfazed by the question.

"No need for apologies, Your Majesty. Though my relatives reside in Utar, my roots run deep here in Geraldion, in The North. My true family is Duke Tillian."

Yuraon’s heart warmed at her words, a genuine smile gracing his features.

"Your Highness... If you wish, you could regard me as your younger brother! After all, His Grace already views me as such."

Suppressing a giggle, the princess responded,

"Oh, dear! I can scarcely imagine His Grace addressing you as his little brother! It’s simply too endearing!"

Yuraon joined Aideen in her joyous laughter. While Tillian had never explicitly admitted to regarding the young King as a brother, the bond between them was unmistakable. Yet, the prospect of gaining such a wonderful older sister enthralled the King even more.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, Duke Valentine halted in his tracks, taken aback by the resounding laughter emanating from within his study.

Quietly, he pushed the door ajar, peering inside to behold his wife and King Yuraon sharing a moment of unbridled happiness.

A complex mix of emotions stirred within him. He found solace in Aideen’s newfound ease in the company of others, yet a twinge of jealousy gnawed at him, unbidden and unwelcome.

That kind of laughter... He wanted to have it all to himself.