Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 28: Pain and Sadness

Chapter 28: Pain and Sadness

’A descendant of a Snow Dragon?’

Aideen rested her chin on top of her knees and pursed her lips – a habit she unknowingly indulged in whenever her mind delved into a deep state of contemplation.

The news of her extraordinary lineage struggled to make an impression on her, especially given Ahspid’s reluctance to provide further explanation.

’The magus refused to tell me more, stating that he would explain everything during our lessons... But how is it possible? I know I did not receive proper education because of my disability, but shouldn’t I still have some knowledge about the family I’m coming from?’

She adjusted the thick blanket around her shoulders and released a somewhat weary sigh.

’The Kingdom of Utar... My mother’s homeland. So my mother was of dragon’s blood as well... Nobody ever talked about it in the Royal Family. Do they not know? Do they simply not believe in Navia’s prophecy? And why does Lord Ahspid think I am the ’worthy’ one? Haaa... ’

The princess released another long sigh but could not return to her inner musings as she was interrupted by a light knocking on her bedroom door.

"Please, come in!"

Following her permission to enter, the door opened with a careful creak, and Aideen heard an unfamiliar male voice greeting her in a polite, respectful manner.

"Good morning, Your Highness! Sir Stanis Nygard, His Grace’s personal assistant and the leader of the Raven Knights, has come to deliver important news."

"Sir Stanis?"

This was the first time Aideen was facing the man who was second in command after the Duke himself.

Suddenly, she felt nervous and lost. Unsure if she had to stand up to greet him or if a simple acknowledging nod was enough.

Having noticed the princess’s unnecessary distress, Stanis could not help but chuckle – he found her nervous fidgeting adorable, and that was something he never cared to admit before.

Taking a careful step towards Aideen’s bed, he let her know that standing up was unnecessary. Then, he cleared his throat and continued,

"Please, do not feel anxious in my presence, Your Highness. I am His Grace’s subordinate, just like any other person in this castle, so you can speak comfortably to me and treat me like you treat everyone else."

His voice, although somewhat harsh to her ears, brought a sense of comfort to her heart. She remembered Bella’s words telling her that Sir Stanis practically raised Duke Tillian, and perhaps it was that subtle parental quality that resonated so calmly with her anxious heart.

"Thank you, Sir Stanis; I appreciate your kindness."

A wide smile formed on the knight’s lips, creating a deep crease on his cheek where it was marked by a long scar. He then retrieved a small white envelope from inside the black jacket of his uniform, carefully placed it into the lady’s hands, and continued, now in a more serious tone,

"I have just received the letter from His Grace. The King is inviting you to visit the Royal Palace to finalize the divorce."

Aideen slid her fingers over the large, smooth seal in the middle of the envelope. Having already memorized the pattern of the crest that symbolized the new House of Valentines, she recognized the Duke’s seal right away.

Thinking about going back to the Capital and facing the Royal Family again made her skin crawl. She was not so much intimidated by the King or the Queen as she was frightened to meet with the royal siblings. Even the mere thought of Valon Ruan made her shudder as the memories of their past encounters resurfaced in her mind, sending a chilling, most unpleasant sensation down her spine and twisting her insides into tight knots.

"Your Highness, are you alright? You are as white as a sheet!"

Stanis took a seat next to the princess on her bed, his expression betraying his concern. He excused himself and placed his hand on Aideen’s forehead, checking if the lady was getting ill, but her body was as cold as ice while her own hands were trembling from evident fear.

Having figured out the source of her distress, Stanis covered the princess’s cold, shaking hands with his, which brought an immediate sense of lightness and warmth to the troubled woman. She shifted her glistening eyes down to their connected hands while the knight reassured her,

"Please, do not be afraid, Your Highness. It is just a formal visit, and the King simply requires your seal on the official divorce decree. His Grace Duke Tillian will be there with you all the time; he will not leave you alone with them. I can promise you this."

Aideen felt her eyes welling up with tears, but this time, they were tears of unfamiliar relief.

"Yes... Thank you. It’s true. I will not be alone this time."

***

The preparations for Aideen’s departure turned out to be more hectic than the princess had anticipated.

The lady was instructed to sit next to the fireplace and not burden herself with anything while both Bella and Safie barged into the room, carrying dozens of new dresses, coats, and accessories that Aideen had never worn before.

Huffing and sighing, Bella said, struggling to catch her breath,

"Going to the Capital means you need to look fantastic, Your Highness! I am so glad His Grace has prepared attire for each and every occasion! Thoughtful as always!"

"He did? But I already have so many things..."

Aideen’s timid lament was successfully ignored because Ahspid, whose boredom made him barge into the princess’s room to watch the preparations, snapped his fingers and made every single article of clothing brought in by the maids soar into the air and fly around them like giant birds.

Bella watched the dresses and coats fly below the ceiling for a good couple of minutes, allowing herself to catch her breath. She then slapped the magus on the shoulder and grumbled,

"A grown man acting worse than a little child! I should ask Sir Stanis to take you with them to the Capital. Perhaps being around other noblemen and mages will finally make you behave!"

The playful expression left Ahspid’s face almost immediately. He snapped his fingers once again and ceased the magic. This made the clothes fall down onto the floor with an unexpectedly loud thud, contrasting with the uncomfortable quiet stillness of the room.

The mage furrowed his eyebrows and finally said in a chilling, low voice,

"I will NEVER set foot there, not even for a second. I’d rather die than go there again."

Leaving the women in a state of complete shock, Ahspid stormed out of the bedroom, shutting the door with a resounding bang.

Bella clicked her tongue and started picking up the clothes, mumbling under her nose,

"What a nasty character he has! So childish, so emotional!"

As Aideen shifted her gaze towards the closed door, she could not help but wonder,

’Why did he have to react like that? His voice, though angry, was full of pain and sadness...’