Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 94

"Why are you doing this?!" Aiken roared, his grip tightening around the hilt of his sword. He glared at Mila, his body taut with frustration and fury. Addis was too far away, and he knew all too well that if he attempted to close the distance, Mila's blade would reach her long before he could intervene. 'Damn it!' His mind raced as he calculated the risk, the odds, and his utter helplessness in this moment.

Mila tilted her head, her expression one of casual amusement. "Hm, why indeed?" She mused, her voice light and teasing. Then, with a low chuckle, she added, "Maybe it's because life has been terribly boring lately." Her gaze flickered to Aiken, clearly unimpressed by the aura of anger emanating from him. She sighed softly, as though his intensity was little more than an inconvenience. 'Does he really think glaring at me will change anything? Pathetic.'

"All this trouble... because you're bored?" Aiken's disbelief was palpable, his words dripping with disdain. The idea that this woman had orchestrated such chaos for something so frivolous made his blood boil. "Do you even have a use for her? Or is this some twisted joke?" His eyes narrowed, searching for any sign that Mila was playing a larger game.

Mila's lips curled into a sly grin as she knelt beside Addis. "Hmm, now that you mention it," she said, her tone suddenly thoughtful, "I could find a use for her. Brainwashing, perhaps? She might make a decent comrade after some... adjustments." Her voice was calm, almost clinical, but her words were designed to provoke.

Aiken's shoulders tensed, his breath catching in his throat. The thought of Addis being twisted into a weapon against him ignited a deeper rage. Mila noticed his reaction and let out a dramatic sigh. "Tsk, but no. She's far too stubborn for my tastes," she added dismissively. "I prefer someone more... submissive."

As if on cue, one of the Urron beasts lifted Addis with its talons and tossed her unceremoniously toward Aiken. He lunged forward, catching her just before she hit the ground. Relief surged through him as he cradled her in his arms, ensuring she was unharmed. His eyes immediately darted back to Mila, his every muscle ready for a trap.

Mila's laughter echoed in the stillness. "Oh, relax. Consider it a gesture of goodwill," she said with mock sincerity. Rising to her feet, she stepped back toward the edge of the cliff, her cloak billowing in the wind. "Well, until we meet again! Let's hope things get a little more interesting next time."

With a flourish, she raised her hand. Shards of ice formed in the air, growing rapidly and embedding themselves into the cliffside. The ground trembled as the weight of the ice caused chunks of rock to crumble and fall into the abyss below. "Just in case you were thinking of following me," she added with a sly wink.

Mila leapt onto the back of the lead Urron as it let out a piercing screech. The massive creatures spread their wings, taking flight as a formation, Mila hopping nimbly from one to another as they soared away. Within moments, the group had split, scattering in different directions to confuse any pursuers.

Aiken gritted his teeth, his instincts screaming at him to chase after her. But he held his ground. "Don't follow her!" He commanded, his voice sharp and authoritative. "It's a trap. She'll attack again if we take the bait, and we cannot afford an ambush." His men hesitated but ultimately obeyed, forming a protective circle around their emperor and Addis.

In the distance, a few of the Mireraweth soldiers broke away, unwilling to let the outsider leave their territory unchallenged. Aiken watched them go but said nothing, his focus now on ensuring Addis's safety.

Moments later, a messenger arrived, bearing a message from the Mireraweth emperor. Bowing low, the messenger relayed the words carefully. "The Mireraweth emperor does not know your intent, but he extends his hand in peace. He says you may have anything you desire from his kingdom—anything but the kingdom itself—if it will bring an end to this war."