The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 32: An Order, Not a Request

Chapter 32: An Order, Not a Request

Light as a feather, with quiet, cat-like steps, appeared a rather petite figure dressed in all black, with a long black coat, flowing down to the floor like a menacing phantom, and a big hood casting a dark shadow over their face. They stood behind Damien, their small frame disappearing entirely abaft his comparatively large figure, and a quiet, low female voice broke the silence between them with a short but informative statement,

"The Second Scouting Team has successfully departed for the Easter border, Your Grace. They will send a messenger hawk as soon as they arrive."

Damien hesitated for a brief moment, then turned his frowning face slightly to his right and replied, his voice matching the volume of his companion,

"Good. What about my other request?"

"I am visiting the Tulip Room tonight. I will return with the report first thing tomorrow morning."

The duke nodded.

"Alright. Good job, Laith. Be careful on your way back."

With a subtle nod of her head, Laith took a few soundless steps back and disappeared just as suddenly as she had appeared, leaving Damien alone in the shadow of the furthest corner of the palace’s hallway.

The duke waited quietly, ensuring that the girl could leave the place without any issues, and when it seemed like he could depart as well, he heard somewhat rapid approaching steps, walking resolutely in his direction.

"Your Highness?"

He watched as the Crown Prince marched toward him, his fists clenching involuntarily; somehow, the presence of his cousin always made him anxious.

Loyd Rische, just like his sister Angelica, was a spitting image of his late mother, Empress Ayana, and was the epitome of regal charm and breathtaking elegance. With his golden blond hair always styled backward and his mesmerizing azure eyes, he captivated all who met him. His plump, alluring lips formed a smile that exuded warmth and kindness. Wherever he went, his presence commanded attention and admiration, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to encounter him.

Dressed in the imperial uniform reserved exclusively for royalty, he boasted a pristine white coat, adorned with intricately embroidered golden trim and the emblem of the Empire emblazoned over his heart. The matching trousers, tailored to perfection, accentuated his dignified stature. Completing the ensemble, there was a long, flowing red cape, that contrasted against the pure white fabric of his uniform like a rich flower petal. In this resplendent attire, Loyd Rische undeniably stood as a symbol of magnificence and the future ruler of the realm.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace! Finished with the Council meeting, I presume?"

Damien nodded and replied, his voice possessing the tone of detachment and reserve,

"Yes, Your Highness. I was on my way back to my manor."

Loyd let out a light scoff and brushed his golden hair backward.

"My, always so serious and courtly! You can drop the formalities, there is no one around here but us, Damien."

The duke offered Loyd a suspicious, almost reprimanding glare, but the prince remained unfazed. On the contrary, his face beamed with another somewhat joyous smile as he walked closer to his cousin and leaned on the wall right next to him.

"You always do this to me, Damien. Always keep me at arm’s length. How come you never told me you fancied Lady Ashter? Have you ever met her before?"

Damien could not help but sigh. He hated lying, and now it was already the second time in a row that he had to resort to deception in front of a member of the Imperial Family.

"It... just turned out this way. Just a regular marriage of convenience. After all, you were threatening to send me to the Northern border if I did not choose a bride; I simply wanted to postpone my exile."

Loyd fixed his deep blue eyes on Damien’s and suddenly turned dark and serious, as if recalling something unpleasant.

"Does Lady Rosalie know what happens when you have a seizure?"

"... She does."

"Good. We do not want any complications. After all, she might be your only chance of producing an heir."

The prince’s face lightened up again, his plump lips curling into a rather smug grin as he continued,

"Who would have thought that the Rosalie Ashter, the Dark Horse of high society, could be so brave! Angelica would love to witness that change in her estranged friend!"

Damien furrowed his perfectly shaped eyebrows and glared back at the prince.

"That’s enough, Your Highness. This is my fiancee you are talking about."

"Goodness, Damien, I swear I mean no dishonor! And while we are on the subject..."

He looked ahead of him, jerking his head backward, and continued in a somewhat lazy tone,

"Angelica is back from the Temple, as you know. She is feeling a little lonely because all her social ties were severed during that time. How about inviting Lady Rosalie to the Palace for a little tea party? After all, they used to be good friends in the past."

The duke rubbed his throbbing forehead and let out a long, weary sigh. While he understood Loyd’s concern regarding his sister, he could not shake off the feeling of overwhelming restlessness, as the Crown Prince’s intentions were never straightforward or ultimately pure.

Damien’s golden eyes glimmered as he stepped forward into the light and finally asked,

"Is this Princess Angelica’s wish?"

Loyd grinned again.

"And what if it is not?"

"Your Highness ––"

"Relax."

The prince patted Damien on the back and put on a rather serious and collected expression.

"Really, Damien, we are practically brothers, and yet you keep distancing away from me as if I am one of your arch-enemies. If anything, I am most likely your only true friend here."

He was about to leave his cousin but hesitated. Then, with a clearly fake warmth emanating from his handsome face, he curled his lips into another grin and said, his tone now more dignified and stern,

"Have Lady Rosalie visit Angelica as soon as possible. Trust me, it will only do her good. And... This is now an order, not a brotherly request."