Chapter 26
Lucian entered the study and was surprised to find Duke Brian and Duke Charles already seated inside.
His gaze immediately shifted to Aurora.
For a moment, he forgot why he had come.
The bottle-green gown she wore was elegant in its simplicity. There were no excessive jewels, no extravagant ribbons, and none of the dramatic fashions noble ladies often preferred.
Yet somehow, she stood out more than any of them.
She looked composed.
Confident.
Unreachable.
Aurora and the two dukes rose to greet him.
"Good morning, Your Royal Highness Crown Prince Lucian," Aurora said with a respectful bow.
The formal title struck him immediately. Aurora had always called him Prince Lucian.
Always....The distance in her voice irritated him far more than it should have.
"Good morning, Lady Aurora," Lucian replied.
Brian and Charles exchanged subtle glances. They had noticed it too. Something had changed between the two.
Lucian moved toward the empty couch and took a seat. The others followed shortly after. Emily entered carrying a tray of tea before taking her place behind Aurora. Philip stood nearby, while Theo remained at Lucian's side.
"What brings Your Royal Highness to the Duchy?" Aurora asked politely.
Lucian studied her for a moment, "You may call me Prince Lucian, as you used to."
For the first time, Aurora seemed caught off guard.
"My apologies. In the past, I was rather rude and overly familiar. If Your Highness is comfortable with it, I shall call you Prince Lucian."
The room fell strangely silent.
The answer was polite. Perfectly respectful. Yet somehow colder than an insult.
Charles suddenly found the ceiling fascinating.
Brian took a very serious interest in his teacup.
Even Theo looked uncomfortable.
Emily quickly began pouring tea to ease the tension.
"Prince Lucian," Brian said, clearing his throat, "Lady Aurora was explaining her investigative methods. I intend to discuss some of these ideas with my father when he returns."
At the mention of his father returning home, Aurora's expression flickered for only a second.
Lucian noticed.
So did Brian.
But neither said anything.
"Would you explain it again?" Lucian asked.
Aurora nodded. She pulled her sketches closer and began explaining the wound analysis she had conducted. As she spoke, the room gradually fell silent.
The more she explained, the more fascinated the men became.
She spoke with certainty. Not arrogance. Knowledge. The kind of confidence that came from experience.
Lucian found himself watching her more than listening.
This was not the Aurora he remembered.
The old Aurora would have spent the entire meeting trying to gain his attention.
This Aurora barely seemed aware he was in the room.
Just as Aurora was explaining the differences between blade wounds, a sharp knock interrupted the discussion.
Then there was a knock again at the door.
"Enter."
The door opened. Sir Turner stepped inside.
The moment Aurora saw his face, her expression changed.
Something was wrong...Very wrong. Without a word, she stood.
Turner approached quickly. Aurora moved toward the window, away from the others.
The room watched in silence.
"What is it?" she asked quietly.
Turner's voice was soft but loud enough for the others to hear, "Your father has returned."
Aurora's eyes widened slightly, "And?"
Turner's expression darkened.
"He's unconscious, My Lady."
For a moment, the room became completely still.
Lucian felt his stomach drop.
Brian and Charles immediately stood.
Everyone knew what Duke Ambrose meant to the kingdom.
Aurora closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, every trace of emotion had vanished behind calm control.
"Philip." , The butler stepped forward instantly.
"Yes, My Lady."
"Move my father to his chambers immediately. No one outside this room is to know he has returned."
Philip's expression tightened, "Understood."
"Prepare hot water, fresh sheets, and every medical supply I requested."
"At once."
Aurora turned toward Turner, "See that every injured soldier is settled. I will examine them personally after attending to my father."
"Yes, My Lady."
The orders came one after another without hesitation.
Even Lucian found himself impressed.
The girl who once panicked over minor inconveniences was now calmly commanding an estate during a crisis.
Only after everything had been arranged did Aurora finally look back at her guests.
Her face was composed. But her eyes betrayed exhaustion.
Fear.
Worry.
A daughter desperately trying not to fall apart.
"I apologize, gentlemen," she said quietly. "My family requires my attention. I cannot continue this meeting."
"Is there anything we can do?" Charles asked sincerely.
For a brief second, Aurora seemed tempted to say yes. Then she shook her head.
"Thank you, Duke Charles. The Duchy will handle it."
Lucian felt an unexpected sting.
Again.
She was shutting him out.
"Emily, please see our guests out."
Without waiting for a response, Aurora turned and left the study.
The door closed behind her.
Silence lingered.
Finally, Brian spoke, "She knew."
"What?" Charles asked.
Brian stared toward the closed door, "She wasn't surprised Duke Ambrose was injured."
The room fell silent once more.
Lucian's gaze narrowed.
Because he had noticed the same thing.
And for the first time, he wondered just how many secrets Aurora Ambrose was hiding.
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