Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 93

Mila shifted slightly in her bed, feigning a yawn as the door to her room slammed open. She rubbed her eyes lazily, projecting the illusion of someone just roused from a deep sleep. "Father? What brings you here so late?" Her voice was soft, laced with just enough grogginess to sell the act. Her questioning gaze met his as though she were entirely oblivious to his obvious distress. "Why are you looking so worried right now? Did something happen?"

Duke Reynard's eyes searched hers, his presence towering yet uncertain. His sudden intrusion left the room heavy with tension, but Mila maintained her calm facade, masking her inner thoughts. 'He knows something, but how much?' She wondered silently.

On the other side of the room, Cotton and Net stirred, blinking awake. The small creatures had been curled up together at the foot of Mila's bed. Cotton yawned, her soft fur bristling slightly.

'Why is he here so late in the middle of the night?' Cotton whispered telepathically to Net, her tone tinged with curiosity.

Net, half-asleep, gave a faint mental grumble. 'Maybe he's worried about her again. He's always like that.' Stretching slightly, Net nuzzled closer to Cotton. 'Just let the father-daughter pair handle it. They'll resolve whatever it is.' With that, the two snuggled back together, their forms soon rising and falling in the rhythm of sleep.

Meanwhile, Reynard stepped further into the room, his expression a mix of worry and sternness. "Did you meet someone suspicious recently?" His voice was steady but laced with concern. "Someone you may have encountered on your journey—or even during the hunting event?" His sharp gaze rested on her, searching for any flicker of deceit. The weight of his inquiry made it clear: he suspected a link between Mila and the mysterious figure from the battlefield.

Mila tilted her head thoughtfully, as though pondering the question. "Hmm... there was one person who saved me in the forest during the women's hunt," she said, letting just a hint of hesitation color her voice. She watched as her father's worry deepened, the lines on his face growing more pronounced.

Reynard's brows furrowed further. "Did you see their face? Or perhaps see them with Princess Addis during that time?" He pressed, his thoughts racing. The idea that his daughter could have been a target of abduction sent chills through him. 'What happened in that forest? Was Mila supposed to be taken too?'

Mila shook her head gently. "No, they were alone. They helped me when I was stranded after my horse ran off." Her fabricated explanation was delivered smoothly, her expression composed and sincere. She could see her father weighing her words, his protective instincts wrestling with his logic.

"Why didn't you tell anyone about this?" Reynard's tone was tinged with both frustration and worry. It pained him to think his daughter had faced such danger alone and had kept it from him.

"I didn't want you to worry about me," Mila admitted softly, stepping closer to him. "Father, you're always so busy with the kingdom's affairs. I didn't want to add to your burdens." Her voice was earnest as she wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. "You work so hard to support us all. Can't I do my part to make things a little easier for you?"

Reynard froze for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh, his strong arms encircling her in return. The warmth of her gesture soothed some of the storm in his heart. "Mila..." His voice was barely a whisper, a mix of pride and sorrow. He stroked her hair gently, his heart aching at the thought of losing her.

He knew that one day, Mila might no longer be by his side—just as her mother had been taken from him. The thought was unbearable, yet he kept it buried, holding her tighter instead. "Don't go out for the next few days," he finally said, his tone firm but caring. "It's too dangerous right now. Promise me you'll stay safe."