The New Duchess Of Loud Loch

Chapter 3: Morton's Plan

At the castle, Linka took a deep breath, her heart racing with excitement and nerves. She held her phone tightly in her hand as she dialed Cara's number, eager to share the news that would change their lives forever. As the call connected, she couldn't contain her joy.

"Cara! Oh, you won't believe what just happened!" Linka exclaimed, her voice filled with exhilaration.

On the other end of the line, Cara's voice came through, filled with curiosity. "Linka, what's going on? You sound so excited!"

Taking a moment to compose herself, Linka replied, "Cara, guess what? We're royals! I am the official Duchess of Loch Loud!"

There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Cara's voice carried a mixture of surprise and delight. "No way! That's incredible, Linka! You're a duchess now? How did it happen?"

Linka recounted the events leading up to her coronation, the support of the townspeople, and the positive changes they had brought to Loch Loud. She couldn't help but let a hint of pride seep into her words.

As Linka spoke, unbeknownst to her, Morton had arrived back at the castle, his ears perking up at the sound of her voice. Curiosity piqued, he silently approached the room where Linka was having her conversation with Cara.

"I can't believe it, Cara. It's a dream come true," Linka continued. "And you know what? Now that I'm the duchess, I won't be overshadowed by my brothers anymore. It's finally my time to shine."

Morton's eyes narrowed as he heard Linka's words. The bitterness in her voice fueled his resentment, igniting a fire within him. He couldn't bear the thought of Linka reveling in her newfound status, while he remained in the shadows.

Cara's voice on the other end of the line held a note of confusion. "But Linka, what about when you come back to Royal Woods? Will you still be the duchess?"

There was a brief pause as Linka hesitated, her voice lowering. "Cara, I have something to confess. My family and I have decided... we're staying in Scotland. We won't be coming back to Royal Woods."

Morton's eyes widened in surprise, his plan suddenly taking a different turn. He couldn't believe his luck. The opportunity he had been waiting for had presented itself right in front of him.

Cara's voice wavered as she responded, trying to mask her disappointment. "You're not coming back? But... what about us, Linka?"

Linka's tone turned reassuring, unaware of the impact her decision had on Cara. "Cara, don't worry. We'll keep in touch, and you can come visit us in Loch Loud anytime. It's just... we found our place here, and I want to make a difference as the duchess. I hope you understand."

Cara's voice cracked, her words barely audible. "Yeah, of course, Linka. I understand."

Unbeknownst to Linka, tears streamed down Cara's face as she ended the call. She placed the phone on the table and slumped onto the couch, her heartache consuming her. She had lost her best friend, her confidante, to a distant land, and her world felt suddenly empty.

Morton stood outside the door, his eyes narrowing with determination. He had just discovered his perfect opportunity. With Linka and her family staying in Scotland, he could solidify his control over Loch Loud and claim the gemstone's power for himself. The thought of becoming the Duke consumed his every thought, and a wicked grin spread across his face.

"I can't wait," Morton whispered to himself, his voice filled with anticipation. "Soon, I will be the Duke of Loch Loud, and the Loud family will be nothing more than a memory."

Morton's mind was ablaze with his nefarious plans as he continued down the corridor. He knew that to achieve his ambitions, he had to enlist the support of Linka's brothers. As he walked, his ears caught the faint sound of bagpipes drifting through the air, drawing him closer to Luke, who was engrossed in his musical performance.