Angelus Carduus

Chapter 22: Changing Forms

Valeria and Aelius returned back to the dukedom the day after. The servants were all smiling brightly as they bid farewell to their duke and duchess.

As the carriage rode off, the servants turned to each other, squealing happily, "The duke and duchess are so beautiful together!!"

"I thought they sleep in separate rooms but after seeing them this whole week, it was definitely just a stupid rumour! I mean they slept in the same room the whole time!!"

"They also didn't seem distant to each other, remember when her grace was sad because she couldn't eat together with his grace!? It was a truly sad moment!"

"And when her grace was sick, his grace rushed to get a doctor for her and stayed by her side almost the whole time!!"

"Yes!! That was so romantic! His grace truly loves her grace so much!"

Valeria felt shivers down her spine which caught Aelius' attention. He took his coat off and placed it around her shoulders.

"Today's weather is colder than the past few days." he commented while showing no signs of being cold.

She glanced at the coat before mumbling, "Thank you." and looked away.

It took another two days to return back to the dukedom. While they were in the carriage, Coyedian talked to Valeria, keeping her entertained.

"Okay since you won't agree with the contract, are you going to live somewhere before you pass?" he asked, lazily.

Valeria considered his words and responded, 'I don't know.'

"You don't know?"

'No. Never thought about it.'

"You're going to give him trauma!"

'The game did that too.'

"The game and now are two different things! Imagine your maid, doctor and his face when they see you on the bed lifeless!" he said, exasperatedly.

'...Maybe I'll go to the countryside and quietly leave.'

"I would say that isn't a bad idea but your husband in front of you would probably follow you."

Valeria took a quick glance at Aelius who had his eyes closed and arms crossed. He seemed to be asleep. She looked over her shoulders and wrapped the coat closer to her.

'He won't after I tell him.'

She heard Coyedian sighing, "If you tell him about the illness, he would be even more firm about going with you."

'Then I will run away.'

"Run away? How can you run when after a few steps you would definitely collapse."

'....'

"I'm right you know."

'Shut up dumb cat.'

"Stop calling me that! I am the magical beast, Coyedian!"

'Okay magical beast, Coyedian, be quiet.'

"....Why are humans so rude."

Valeria didn't reply to Coyedian after that and quietly watched the scenery outside change.

When they returned back to the duchy, it was already night time, so Valeria wanted to head straight to her room to sleep but Myra changed their direction and brought her to Keith's office.

"Your Grace! Welcome back, how are you feeling?" Keith asked, scrambling up from his chair.

"Fi-"