𝓐𝓶𝓫𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓓𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝔂

👑 Chapter Fourteen 👑

《I felt lost and uncertain. Is this the end for him? Numerous unanswered questions swirled in my mind.》

Lionel's presence went unnoticed by her due to her overwhelming thoughts. In a short sentence full of commitment, he said, "Miss, I have been ordered  to you escorted to your residence."

《I didn't follow him because I gave it up, but because I had no other option. I was considering ways to escape the situation until we reached our destination.

                                   ⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕♡⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕⁕

Hidden beneath the surface lies an intriguing, deserted structure that was covertly repurposed as an auction house. Grand Duke Philip of Lancaster, a figure of immense power and authority, resembling a regal monarch on his ornate throne, was facing Priest Christopher in the VIP room.

His thick eyebrows, which framed his piercing golden eyes, gave him a sharper appearance. His eyes emitted an enchanting glow, like amber radiance, possessing a subtle interplay of colours, shifting between shades of orange and yellow, which bore an eerie resemblance to the fierce and lofty looks of majestic wolves, further highlighting his mystical presence.

The Duke's eyes narrowed to slits, and his voice was like ice as he spoke. "You have failed me, Priest. I gave you a simple task! And you could not even accomplish bringing a girl."

The Priest struggled to reply as the Duke's voice broke the silence.

"YYY Your Grace, I did my best to complete the task you set for me. I faced many challenges, but I never gave up. I trust I did everything I could, and I am not to blame for my failure."

The Duke laughed humourlessly and relaxed his sharp expressions, "It seems I have wronged you."

The priest Christopher felt comfortable as the Duke's tone softened. He began to speak about the oppression he experienced from the high priest and other temple members.

The Duke smiled, but it was not a pleasant smile. It was a smile that promised pain and suffering. "I am going to enjoy making you pay for your failure," he said." While I asked you to bring the girl secretly, what did you do?....you made the king himself get involved."

The priest rose from his seat and quickly dropped to his knees. His body was trembling with a mixture of fear and disgust as he fervently sought forgiveness. The man, filled with greed, had to set aside his pride and endure the bitter sensation that enveloped his heart, all to attain the esteemed position of High Priest, with the assistance of the influential Grand Duke Lancaster.

The Grand Duke, with his quick perception, knew that the priest's actions stemmed from a deep-rooted uneasiness of the consequences the Duke could inflict upon him. While he undoubtedly possessed the power to destroy the priest's life, he deliberately refrained from resorting to such drastic measures. Instead, he derived a peculiar pleasure from artfully toying with the priest.

The Grand Duke's lips curled into a sly grin and spoke, "OK then, stand up!"

The priest was taken aback and quickly stood up on his feet. He was in a mess, untidy and dusty garments, and his gaze fixed on the ground out of the fair.

The Grand Duke placed his hand on the priest's shoulder, which made the other startle. The Duke spoke with a manipulative voice, "Easy! I won't bite you. "

He grabbed the priest's skullcap and spoke while dusting it off," I have heard that you are supposed to go to the orphanage to give them some nice speeches, don't you?"