Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 24

"Your Highness, aren't you busy?" Mila asked, her curiosity piqued by Prince Leroy's unexpected visit to her home.

"I can make time for myself," Prince Leroy replied, his gaze softening as he looked at her. His eyes lingered on the scar that now marked the left side of her face. "Your face..." He reached out as if to touch it, but before his fingers could make contact, Ambrose quickly intervened, gently but firmly stopping the prince. Ambrose's protective gesture was clear, especially considering that both he and Prince Leroy were unmarried, making such an action rather inappropriate.

"Prince Leroy? Lord Ambrose?" Duke Reynard's voice interrupted the moment as he entered the garden. He noticed both young men standing near his daughter, Ambrose having just released the prince's hand. Duke Reynard's eyes narrowed slightly, not fully understanding why these two high-ranking gentlemen were here, visiting his daughter. 'What could be their reasons for coming here?' he wondered, his protective instincts flaring up.

"Father?!" Mila exclaimed with a bright smile, running up to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. She could only reach halfway up his height, and she gazed up at him with affection.

"Mila, how are you feeling?" Duke Reynard asked, his tone warm as he rubbed her head affectionately. He looked down at her, his youngest daughter, who always held a special place in his heart. He had always kept a close eye on her, especially after recent events.

"I'm fine," Mila responded with a smile. "I thought you were busy with your paperwork?" She looked at him with a mix of surprise and confusion, wondering why he was in the garden instead of his study.

'I heard that two men came to see you, so I took the liberty to come by myself to see these gentlemen. I didn't expect it to be Duke Garrick's second son and the crown prince,' Duke Reynard thought to himself, his gaze flicking between the two visitors. He was wary of them becoming too attached to Mila, suspecting that their presence might bring complications for her in the future. "I finished just in time. What brings these two gentlemen here?" he asked aloud, his tone polite but with an underlying edge of concern.

"They came to see how I was since we've all recently been through a lot in the forest," Mila explained, still holding her father's hand. She felt nothing but the warmth of his fatherly love and protection, grateful for his presence.

Duke Reynard observed Prince Leroy, who seemed at a loss for words, and Ambrose, who remained silent as usual. The Duke already knew about Ambrose's unique condition and felt a growing concern about the two young men's attachment to his daughter. "I appreciate your concern for Mila," he began, his tone measured, "but rest assured, she is receiving the best care and is improving each day." Though his words were polite, there was a protective edge to them. He was wary of the future challenges Mila would face, challenges that neither of these young men could shield her from.

"Father, it's fine," Mila interjected with a bright smile. "We're all friends." She moved to the table, dragging her father along to join them. They all sat together, enjoying a meal in the garden. Emmett watched discreetly from the shadows, ever vigilant, while Sara stood nearby, ready to assist if needed.

As they ate, Prince Leroy's curiosity got the better of him. "Your Grace, what happened to those knights who were assigned to you for punishment?" he asked, clearly puzzled by the situation. He had expected harsh consequences for their failure to protect Mila.

Duke Reynard smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at Mila. "I didn't punish them. My daughter handled it." His pride in Mila was evident as he remembered the celebration that followed her decision.

"What did you do with them?" Prince Leroy pressed, intrigued by the unusual turn of events. He couldn't imagine what sort of punishment Mila might have chosen.