Mary smiled to herself as she read the letter in her hand which arrived that morning.
"Lord Ashworth's sense of humour is impeccable", she said as she lifted her head to look at Richard.
"You seem to be very happy to be reconciled with your friend", told Richard as he took a sip from the teacup.
"I should thank you for this.", told Mary as she carefully folded the letter back.
"I haven't felt this happy in a while", told Mary as she reached for the teacup.
"Everything seems to be settling down. Once the plague subsides Laura will be wed to Lord Henry which would also mark the end of the social season. Oh Mary, does this mean Lord Henry would most likely become the next King of Balanova? ,asked Richard.
"Yes. Quite amusing, isn't it? ", told Mary as she took a sip of tea.
"It sure is", told Richard.
Just then, a servant barged into the room with a letter in her hand.
"Forgive me Lady Mary but this letter was told to be given to you as quickly as possible", told the servant.
"It's alright" told Mary as she hurriedly opened the letter.
Richard observed Mary's eyes go wide as she read through the letter, sweat trickling down her forehead.
"What is it Mary?", asked Richard.
"It's Laura- ", told Mary as she gulped trying her best to form words.
"Laura wrote to me that the Oakwood Manor has been attacked and that Henry is not in the town. Richard I need to help her- I need to get her out of there!", told Mary.
"NO, Mary listen to me, you cannot go there alone. How many soldiers does House Rosario contribute to the Kingdom?" , asked Richard.
"About fifteen thousand", told Mary.
" Mary, I can lead this troop and get Laura out safely. You need to trust me", told Richard.
"But-", Mary tried to protest.
"This is the best solution Mary, please trust me", told Richard.
Mary took a long breath considering her options.
"Vey well. This is the seal of House Rosario. The soldiers are yours.", told Mary as she handed Richard a dark red coloured seal.
Just as Richard was about to leave Mary held his hand.
"Thank you", she whispered.
Richard rested his hand on Mary's and nodded his head in agreement.
"Always", told Richard as he left.
At the Orkwood Mansion....
Emma held a tray in her hands as she entered Philip's chambers. She placed the tray which had a bowl of soup on the table.
"How are you feeling My Lord?", asked Emma as she took a seat beside the bed.
"I've seen worse", told Philip as he tried his best not to focus on the delicious smell of the soup that filled his nostrils.
"I made this soup for you", told Emma as she handed him the bowl.
Philip tried his best to hold the bowl but his trembling hands were threatening to give in. Emma looked at him and sighed.
" Cinder berries affect your limbs too", told Emma as she took the bowl from Philip's hands moving closer to him. She scooped a spoon full of the soup and moved it closer to Philip's face.
"What are you doing?", asked Philip as he felt blood rush to his cheeks.
"What do you think I am doing? I am feeding you of course", told Emma.
"I can eat by myself ", told Philip.
"Well My Lord, the last time you did that , it made you so ill that you are trembling with fever and cannot move a muscle without wincing in pain. Now have this before it cools down" , told Emma.
Philip gave up and let Emma feed him the soup.
"You don't have to do this. You could have asked the servants to do it instead", told Philip.
"Tell them to do what? Feed you?", chuckled Emma.
"No , I mean you could have asked the servants to take care of me", told Philip.
"The servants are scared to enter your chambers. They are still quite sceptical about your illness so I volunteered to take care of you", told Emma as she shrugged.
Philip would never admit but it was the best soup he ever had. It felt familiar....
20 years ago.......
"Mamma this soup tastes dicious", told little Philip as his mother fed the little boy as he ran across the garden.
"You mean delicious?", Irina Orkwood, the little boy's mother let a soft laugh.
"Yes!" , told little Philip as he continued to run across the garden with his bow and arrow as he aimed at invisible enemies, fighting them off.
Present......
Philip felt his eyes feeling moist as he recollected a blurry memory.
"Is the soup that bad?", Philip was startled by Emma's voice.
"What?", asked Philip as he snapped back.
"You have tears in your eyes. Did the soup taste that bad? Nobles are devoid of good taste because back at home everyone loved when I made this soup", told Emma.
"NO THE SOUP WAS AMAZ-", Philip stopped the sentence and cleared his throat as he looked at Emma.
"I mean alright. It tasted alright", told Philip.
"Very well Lord Orkwood, you seem to be recovering really fast which I suppose is a good sign", told Emma as she got up taking the tray with her.
Author's Note:
Psssst.... Guyss! Are you enjoying the story so far? I would love to know what you guys think about my story in the comments.
If you are interested to step into a mysterious world with exciting adventures, please check out Silent_viper1973 new story- The Soul Queen.
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