Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 212: The Queen I Don’t Mind Serving

Chapter 212: The Queen I Don’t Mind Serving

The evening sky was blanketed with heavy gray clouds that resembled dirty cotton, casting an even deeper darkness over the snowy ground surrounding the duke’s castle.

Aideen snapped her fingers, and dozens of glowing orange orbs spread out like giant fireflies, their light illuminating the work area.

After Tillian left for the battlefield, preparations for the upcoming attack had to commence immediately. Thanks to the hard work of the knights and mercenaries stationed at the castle, everything for the anticipated arrival of Prince Valon’s army was nearly complete, with only the finishing touches remaining.

The plan to destroy Valon’s army was straightforward and simple: trenches were dug around the castle, deep and long enough to serve as traps for the approaching soldiers, who would inevitably fall into them as they hurried toward the castle using the shortest route.

Inside the trenches, spikes were installed to ensure the deadliest outcome possible before Aideen’s magic could be deployed to further assist in the defense.

Ahspid’s long black cloak flapped in the wind as he approached the princess. He flicked Taru on the forehead, chuckling at the creature’s funny reaction to the unpleasant touch, then stood next to Aideen and said in a rather triumphant voice,

"What a clever idea, My Lady. A deep trench disguised as a deadly trap... Many of his soldiers will die simply by falling inside it!"

Though she knew the mage was partially right, the princess couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy at his remark.

"I am certain someone as sly as Prince Valon will use alchemical devices to protect his army... But once they fall into the trap, my magic will seal any superhuman power that might be aiding them, ensuring they won’t be able to escape. His tricks will have no effect either."

Ahspid turned to look at the trenches and nodded approvingly.

"I heard the details of the rest of the plan from the young king... I never would have imagined you had this in you, My Lady. But I am genuinely impressed. It is not easy to break free from the shackles of continuous abuse in a way that allows one to properly justify revenge. It is a clear sign that your heart has grown stronger and more mature."

The princess sighed. "I see it not as revenge, but as justice. These people don’t deserve the power they’ve stolen from others. In a greater sense, I was not the only one abused by them; it won’t stop if we don’t act now. No one should be allowed to wield such power so freely. If I have to be the one to show them that, then I will gladly do so. Someone has to."

The man spread his lips into a wide smile. It was indeed marvelous to observe such progress in the young woman before him. She had started as a shy bud, scared to bloom under the constant starvation imposed by those afraid of her true beauty. Then, with just a little bit of love and support, she had blossomed into the most incredible rose anyone had ever seen.

Undeniably beautiful and refreshingly thorny.

With a light bow of his head, the mage planted a kiss on Aideen’s soft hand and said, "These are the words of a queen I would not mind serving."

"My Lady!" King Yuraon, red and sweaty from all the work he had done with the others, approached the princess and informed her that everything was finished on their end. "Now it’s your turn."

Aideen responded with a confirming nod. "Alright. Please take everyone away and keep them at a safe distance. I will need as much space as possible without people getting caught in the process. I don’t want any casualties before we even start."

"Will do, Your Highness."

Yuraon followed Aideen’s orders and took everyone back to the castle, giving her enough space to use her magic freely.

Once she ensured that no one would interfere or get hurt, the princess took a deep breath and focused on her task: to disguise the trenches with her magic and make Valon believe that nothing had ever been done to the territory surrounding the castle.

"He is too smart with his tricks, so I have to be careful... Let’s hope my magic is potent enough to fool him," she thought.

She concentrated all her strength on the disguising spell she had learned from Ahspid and erected a magic barrier surrounding the grounds—a creation of her own, something she had learned from Leif. It was a powerful barrier that could rival that of the paladins of the Holy Church when they sought to seal someone’s abilities. With the dragon’s omnipotent touch, she knew that this barrier could strip Valon of his alchemical protection.

Once she finished her part of the preparations, Aideen looked at Taru and asked, "Would you like to apply the finishing touches?"

The dragon’s low, deep voice echoed inside her head, "It will be my pleasure, Master."

Immediately, he transformed into his larger form, flapping his majestic wings in the air. With each movement, snowfalls cascaded, adding more ice and snow to the roads and pathways, creating additional hurdles for anyone approaching the castle.

As he descended and reverted to his baby form, Taru leaped into Aideen’s arms, seeking praise for his work. Before the princess could offer her affectionate touch, the dragon’s eyes began to shine with a deep green glow, his voice echoing in her mind once more. "They are approaching, Master."

Aideen nodded understandingly at Taru and hurried back to the castle, where Yuraon and Ahspid awaited her return.

"They are already coming. Get ready. Ensure all the people brought here are safe in the underground shelter. Position the archers in the tower in case they spot any of his soldiers escaping the trenches. We only have a couple of hours left."

She turned to face the empty, dark horizon ahead, her heart pounding with anticipation. "Now let’s hope everything goes as planned."