Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 55: A Favor For A Favor

Chapter 55: A Favor For A Favor

"Ahspid has mentioned something about me having the same eyes as the founding dragon... But why does he need my eyes?"

Ever since Aideen arrived at the Duke’s castle, the peculiar importance of her eyes had been brought up multiple times. However, she couldn’t fathom why. Blind from birth, she had been repeatedly told that her eyes possessed an unsettlingly unusual color.

She had grown up believing that the peculiar appearance of her eyes stemmed from her disability, even feeling a sense of shame about it. Now, though, she found herself grappling with the realization that her eyes, far from being a source of shame, held a unique and possibly significant quality.

Tillian took a deep breath and ran his free hand through his blond hair, a whirlwind of thoughts tangling inside his restless mind.

’It’s either telling a complete lie or not telling everything. Which one is better?’

Initially, he contemplated dismissing the matter, suggesting that she inquire about it from the mage directly. However, her charmingly curious expression prevailed, and the man had no choice but to yield to the lesser of evils.

"Well... I was looking for a mage to assist me in my quest for revenge, Your Highness. I sought Ahspid specifically for two reasons: first, he served my family for many years before; and second – he fled when Ruans seized the throne, leading me to believe that he, too, did not hold much appreciation for their lineage."

Resuming their walk through the castle’s hallway, Duke Valentine continued his explanation,

"As I mentioned earlier, when I found Ahspid here, in The North, he initially wanted nothing to do with me. He told me I didn’t need him. However, just as I was about to leave, he suddenly changed his mind and informed me that he would help me if I brought him the heart of the snow dragon."

"A heart?"

Tillian confirmed with a short "Mhm" and continued,

"I realized that asking me to bring a dragon’s heart was just his attempt to mock me once again. Everyone in The North has heard the legends about the snow dragons at least once in their lives, but they all considered them mere fiction. Yet, something about Ahspid told me that he believed those tales. So, I decided to take on the challenge, not only to prove my determination to him but also to show that I was serious in my resolve."

Approaching the main entrance of the castle, the Duke adjusted his long, thick mantle while adding to his story,

"It took me exactly six months to find Utar. I had to venture into lands I had never explored before, fighting off both monsters and the unforgiving weather of The North. And when I found his body, I had to practically carve him out of the mountain with my sword and axe. But I did it. And when I finally reached his head, I saw that his eyes were open. They were sparkling like two giant gems – ominous yet beautiful – and there was only one person I knew about who had eyes of the same color. You, Your Highness. At that moment, the dragon fairytale became reality."

Pausing right before the door, Aideen placed her hand on top of its big round handle, preventing Tillian from opening the door first. She turned her face to the Duke and finally asked,

"So... You found the dragon, did you give Ahspid its heart? And what does having that heart have to do with my eyes?"

Tillian couldn’t help but sigh.

"I was not able to get the heart; our swords cannot cut through the dragon’s flesh. Ahspid knows more than I do about these things. He believes that your having the dragon’s eyes means you possess the powers that can either awaken the dragon or get him... whatever he needs from its heart."

"This is too much..."

The princess’s cold voice cut through the lingering tension between them like a blade.

"This is too much to take in at once, Your Grace... Both of you..."

She decided not to finish that sentence out loud. She was still not sure how she felt about Tillian’s story, and more than anything, she was not sure about herself.

’Both of their stories seem somewhat all over the place. Perhaps I am overthinking it, and the two of them are being honest with me; however... Something tells me that His Grace is still hiding something from me. Why? Is he trying to protect me this way? From Ahspid? Ugh, my head is about to explode.’

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

Having noticed the lady’s pale complexion and trembling hands, Duke Valentine offered her his support by wrapping his arm around his waist, but Aideen gently pushed him away and shook her head.

Confused, Tillian asked again,

"Your Highness? Perhaps we should postpone our stroll this evening; would you like me to help you get back to your room?"

"No."

Now, the princess’s voice was low and serious. Turning the round door handle, she slightly opened the door and added,

"I need some fresh air, Your Grace. Please take me out for that stroll."

As they both exited the castle, they were instantly enveloped in the cold veil of the refreshing winter air.

The evening darkness was softened by the warm orange glow of the castle lamps, casting a gentle radiance on the pristine snow-covered grounds. The Duke guided Aideen with care, his strong arm providing support as they navigated the familiar yet mysterious surroundings.

The air was crisp, and the hushed sounds of their footsteps mingled with the soft rustle of falling snow. As Aideen walked beside Tillian, she extended her hand to feel the delicate snowflakes dancing in the air. The cold touch on her skin brought a sense of wonder, each unique flake giving her a new sensation as it melted against her warmth.

With a light smile gracing her pink lips, Aideen took off her hood, letting the snow caress her head and hair. She closed her eyes, embracing the magical sensation, feeling the cold crystals nestle in her hair and melt against her cheeks. At that moment, the world became a symphony of textures and sensations, a canvas painted with the beauty of the winter night.

As they continued their silent journey, Aideen couldn’t help but reflect on everything that happened within the castle walls. The enigma of Ahspid and the Duke’s revelation about his waiting in The North lingered in her thoughts. Yet, despite the mysteries, a profound sense of belonging enveloped her with its welcoming embrace.

The princess realized that the castle held more than just physical walls; it cradled stories, secrets, and the pulse of magic that resonated with her own. The falling snow, the soft crunch beneath their boots, and the already familiar warmth of Tillian’s presence created a blend of comfort, weaving through the uncertainties.

In this moment of quiet contemplation, Aideen acknowledged the need for time. Time to adjust, time to understand, and time to unravel more layers of her own existence. She sensed that beneath the veils of secrecy, there lay a world waiting to be explored, a world that could become not only her sanctuary but also her own.

When their silent walk around the Duke’s castle finally came to an end, they stopped just a few steps away from the main entrance, neither ready to start talking again. Unable to endure the heavy silence any longer, Tillian released a long and abrupt sigh, as if he had been holding his breath during their entire stroll, and said,

"Your Highness, I know this might be rather overwhelming for you... Well, I do not think I should be cunning any longer. It is true that you were brought here because both Ahspid and I need you and your abilities."

Standing before the princess, he took off his black leather gloves, then took her hands in his and started rubbing her cold fingers, transferring the warmth of his own body into hers as he continued,

"It is also true, however, that I want to protect you no matter what. From everything. From everyone. If you stay here by my side, you will never lack anything, Your Highness. Whatever you need or want, I will do everything I can to give it to you. And..."

Suddenly, Tillian paused, as if the words he was about to utter required some additional effort to make them leave his mouth. With another weary sigh, he finally concluded,

"When we all get what we want, you are free to leave. Whether you want to stay somewhere in Geraldion or move beyond the border – I will accept your decision and help you with whatever you will need. I promise you that. Now... With all that said... Do you still want to stay here with me, Your Highness?"

Aideen lowered her head, hesitant to give Duke Valentine her reply.

His words made her feel rather strange. It was true that she felt somewhat cheated once she learned the true reason behind her coming to The North, but on the other hand, wasn’t she doing the same thing? Wasn’t she using Tillian as well?

’No, it’s mutually convenient. It’s a favor for a favor. What a peculiar couple we are.’

With that daring thought in mind, the princess was no longer reluctant to answer. Lifting her head, she stretched her lips into a subtle smile and nodded,

"Yes. I want to stay here with you, Your Grace. This is my home now. I have nothing else."

Tillian couldn’t help but smile too.

"You are free now. Free from that horrible marriage, free from that hideous man, free from the Royal Family. You are now on my side, and I promise that you will never want to go anywhere else."

And as that heartfelt promise ended, Aideen flinched as she felt something cold touch the skin on the ring finger of her left hand.

’A ring?’