Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 30: Take Root

Chapter 30: Take Root

"Even though you said you were not tired, I still hope you don’t mind my arranging the audience with the King right away, Your Highness. I have come to the conclusion that it is much better to get it over with as soon as possible."

Tillian and Aideen found themselves in the grand hall leading to the Royal Meeting Room. The princess took a deep breath, attempting to quell the rapid beats of her heart.

The last occasion she walked through that hall was a year ago when the King declared her impending marriage to Count Constantine Crueder. Ironically, she now stood in the same place, about to meet His Majesty to terminate that very union.

Being in the presence of Euris Ruan always inflicted a sense of unease upon her. While the King never caused her physical harm, he consistently made it clear that she held absolutely no value in his eyes.

As the head of the house and the most powerful figure in all of Geraldion, he held the unique authority to halt the perpetual nightmare that had haunted Aideen throughout her entire life. Paradoxically, it was precisely his negligence that inflicted the deepest wounds upon the princess.

The dreadful cycle of abuse found its origin with the King, who opted to permit it.

Clutching the sides of her skirt, the woman released a long exhale, emptying her lungs as if to prevent her body from growing accustomed to the stifling atmosphere of the palace.

Observing Aideen’s anxiety, Tillian decided to shift her focus with another crucial piece of information.

"There is something else you need to know, Your Highness."

The Duke stood before the lady, fixing his piercing gaze on her empty yet incredibly beautiful eyes, and continued,

"I have formally requested a duel of honor with Count Crueder."

"You have?!"

Aideen arched her elegant thin eyebrows, taking a small step forward as the shock of Duke Valentine’s statement caught her completely off-guard. Tillian confirmed his words.

"Yes, I have. This means that the duel will take place whether others are opposed to it or not. However..."

He paused, taking a small step towards the princess himself, shortening the distance between them enough for him to touch her without stretching his arms. He then gently placed his hands on Aideen’s shoulders and added,

"You are the only person who can say no to the duel. The King will most likely try to convince you to talk me out of it as well. I guess what I am trying to say is... Although you were able to get His Majesty’s permission to divorce the Count, I would still very much like to see him dead. But I am leaving this matter in your hands, Your Highness. I will adhere to your decision."

’My decision?’

Aideen lowered her eyes, and a slight numbness enveloped her body and mind.

No one had ever granted her a choice; she was never allowed to make decisions for herself.

Until now.

Duke Tillian Valentine became the first person to place such an enormous responsibility in her hands, assuring her that he would comply with whatever decision she might make. But could she truly do that? Was she capable of making the right decision now?

"Your Highness Princess Aideen Ruan. His Majesty King Euris is ready to see you."

The princess nearly jumped out of her skin upon hearing the voice that belonged to the King’s assistant. Her face turned pale, and even her once vibrant pinkish lips lost their color. She interlaced her fingers and pressed her hands against her stomach – a nervous habit that Tillian recognized well. As the weight of the impending encounter with the King settled upon her, Aideen grappled with the uncertainty of the choices that now lay in her hands.

Covering her hands with his, the Duke lowered his head, leaning closer to the lady, and spoke in a quiet yet kind and reassuring voice,

"Do not be scared, Your Highness. I will be here the entire time. All you need to do is put your seal on the official decree and voice your decision to the King."

Aideen clutched her hands even tighter and shook her head, her voice trembling,

"Wh-What if I cannot do it, Your Grace? The duel of honor... My honor is..."

Tillian did not allow the princess to continue. He moved his right hand to her face, pausing for a second before carefully catching a lock of the woman’s smooth, dark red hair that fell over her face, and gently tucking it behind her ear.

As the Duke’s fingers slid lightly over her ear, Aideen felt goosebumps covering her skin once again. A familiar tingling sensation, the same she had experienced in the castle’s dining hall when Tillian ate food from her hand, spread inside her stomach. Another hot flush engulfed her whole body, and her face acquired an adorable shade of red.

Savoring such a cute reaction, Tillian decided to pour more oil onto that shy flame. He moved his face closer to hers, his warm breath brushing over the princess’s skin, his intoxicating musky scent covering her body like an invisible veil, and whispered,

"Your honor is priceless, Your Highness. You are my future wife, and I cannot let someone who dared to hurt my future wife walk around free and unpunished. You have the power to do anything. If you doubt it even for a second, remember my words. I stand behind you. I give you the power to do whatever you want. Nobody can take it from you."

Still rather lost and embarrassed, Aideen couldn’t help but sense something new settling inside her trembling heart. It was an unusual feeling of confidence, even arrogance, which, with the help of just a few supporting, encouraging words, made its way through the scars and wounds that had carved her entire being, beginning to take root.

Turning her head to the side where the King’s assistant was patiently waiting for her, the princess took another deep breath and asked in a somewhat low voice,

"Your Grace... Are you going to kill Count Constantine even if I say no to the duel?"

Tillian hesitated, Aideen’s unusual tone sparking a new emotion inside his heart. He stretched his lips into a smile and nodded,

"Yes, Your Highness. I will not rest until I see him dead."