Chapter 16
The next day, Aurora sent another message to the palace, once again cancelling her afternoon tea with the Crown Prince.
The Duchess had spent the morning reacquainting herself with the ladies of high society. Aurora allowed her mother this small freedom, knowing full well that once her father returned from the war, Duchess Eleanor would abandon banquets, teas, and social gatherings entirely to remain by his side.
Meanwhile, Aurora personally inspected every item that had been placed in her father's chambers. Fresh linens. Extra blankets. Medical supplies. Basins. Towels.
Everything was exactly where it needed to be.
Still, an uneasy feeling lingered in her chest. She remembered the sight too clearly.
The blood. The injuries. The desperate struggle to keep him alive.
Aurora silently prayed she was wrong. But deep down, she knew she wasn't. Unable to sit still, Aurora retreated to the guest room she had converted into a sewing room.
Large tables filled the space, covered with fabrics, sketches, scissors, and measuring tapes. She picked up one of her old gowns and, without hesitation, began cutting it apart. Snip....Snip....Snip....
Emily stood in the doorway watching the destruction with tears in her eyes.
"The poor gown," she whispered mournfully, "What did it ever do to deserve such a fate?"
Aurora burst out laughing, "It committed the crime of being ugly."
"My Lady!", Emily looked genuinely offended on behalf of the dress.
Philip happened to walk past and froze. His eyes widened in horror. Another gown lay folded beside Aurora. Waiting for execution.
"My Lady..." he said cautiously. "Must they all die?"
Aurora looked up, "Philip, it's called fashion."
"It looks more like murder."
Emily nodded vigorously.
Aurora pointed her scissors at them, "Both of you are banned from my sewing room."
Despite their complaints, Philip couldn't deny that the estate felt different lately.
More organized. More efficient. The servants worked harder. The thefts had stopped.
And somehow, despite causing panic everywhere she went, Lady Aurora seemed to be improving the Duchy. It was deeply concerning.
Meanwhile, at the Royal Palace...
The Crown Prince was training in the practice yard when Theo approached carrying a letter.
"Your Highness."
Lucian lowered his sword and accepted the message. His expression remained blank as he read it.
"Something wrong?" Brian asked.
"It's nothing," Lucian replied flatly.
"Just a letter from House Ambrose."
Isaac grinned, "Oh? Another love letter from Lady Aurora describing how excited she is to see you. Maybe a love poem?"
Several of the young nobles laughed.
Lucian folded the letter. "Actually, Lady Aurora has cancelled tea again."
The laughter stopped.
"What?" Anton asked.
"Again?" Charles added.
Lucian nodded. "This makes three days in a row."
The group exchanged surprised looks.
"Cecelia mentioned that Lady Aurora didn't attend yesterday's luncheon either," Charles said thoughtfully, "I assumed she was ill."
Isaac scoffed, "Or maybe this is a new strategy to get your attention."
Lucian rolled his eyes, "If that's her plan, it's a strange one."
Theo frowned, "Something does seem unusual. She would never miss a chance to be centre of attention."
Lucian continued sparring, "I'm simply grateful for the peace and quiet."
The others laughed.
Brian, however, remained thoughtful, "Are you sure everything is alright at the Emberforge Duchy?"
"We would have heard if something serious happened," Lucian replied.
"Have you heard anything, Theo?" Charles asked.
Theo hesitated, "Only that Lady Aurora requested a private meeting with the Sheriff."
That immediately caught everyone's attention.
"A meeting?" Brian asked, "About what?"
"There was mention of theft within the estate, but no details were provided."
Lucian finally lowered his sword. The mention of theft bothered him.
The Ambrose Duchy was one of the most powerful territories in the kingdom.
A scandal there could have significant consequences. Before anyone could continue the discussion, several knights rushed across the courtyard.
Brian stopped one of them.
The young knight looked pale.
" What's going on?" Isaac called.
"There has been a murder at the Grand Emberforge Duchy."
Silence fell.
"What?" Charles asked sharply.
The knight nodded.
"We've been ordered to assist with the investigation and make sure that both the Duchess are safe."
Without another word, he hurried away.
For the first time all morning, Lucian's expression changed. The training sword slipped from his hand. A murder. At Aurora's estate.
His heart suddenly felt uneasy. Surely...No. Surely it couldn't be her.
Isaac swallowed, "Do you think we should go check?"
No one answered. The answer was obvious. Lucian was already walking toward the stables.
"Your Highness?" Theo called.
"I'm going to see for myself."
One by one, the young dukes followed him. Upon arriving at the Grand Emberforge Duchy, they found chaos.
Royal knights stood outside the gates. Ambrose knights stood inside. Neither side looked pleased. The massive gates remained firmly shut.
"What is going on?" Lucian demanded as he approached.
"By order of the Duchess, no one is permitted to enter," one of the Ambrose knights replied.
Isaac frowned, "Even the Crown Prince?"
"Even the Crown Prince."
Isaac nearly choked.
Lucian's eye twitched, "I demand entry."
The knight didn't move.
Before the situation could escalate, Philip appeared. The butler looked exhausted.
His hair was slightly dishevelled. There were dark circles beneath his eyes. And somehow, he looked older than he had a week ago.
"Good afternoon, Your Highness."
"Philip," Lucian said. "What is happening?"
"Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to discuss the matter."
Isaac stepped forward, "There has been a murder."
"That is correct."
Lucian's stomach tightened, "Who was killed?"
Philip remained silent. The hesitation was enough to make everyone's anxiety spike.
Brian spoke quietly, "Has the Young Duchess been harmed?"
Everyone turned toward Philip. For a moment, the butler simply stared.
Then he sighed, "No."
Several people visibly relaxed.
Isaac placed a hand over his chest, "Thank goodness."
Lucian hadn't realized he was holding his breath until that moment.
"Then who was murdered?" Charles asked.
Philip opened his mouth. But before he could answer, a distant thunder of hooves echoed across the road. Everyone turned. A group of riders was approaching at full speed. Dust rose behind them. The Ambrose knights immediately tensed. Hands moved to sword hilts.
Philip's face lost all colour. And for the first time since arriving, genuine fear appeared in his eyes.
"Oh no..."
Where is Lady Aurora's horse?
Something had gone terribly wrong.
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