Van Deloney: To My Dearest Emma [[BOOK ONE]]

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑿𝑽𝑰𝑰𝑰

THE TREMENDOUS TIDING OF ALBIANA

November 30, 1882

     IT WAS three days since Desmond and his retainer Zephyrl stayed in Normaine. Desmond's father, the king, required their immediate return to Albiana due to his absence, which was caused by pretending to be his brother, Dominique. To send the letter seeking permission to stay longer in Normaine, Desmond relied on the services of his retainer. However, the letter did not result in the desired outcome and consent was rejected. Thus, his return to Albiana was ensured.

Desmond found himself in the confines of his old room inside the castle. As he leaned forward in his chair, his face rested in the clasp of his hands, displaying an exasperated countenance. His stare was directed aimlessly towards the window, contemplating the frustrating circumstances that had led to the current state of affairs. "Master Desmond, it has been quite a while since you last ate. Are you certain you do not desire a plate?" The voice of Zephyrl, broke through the silence with a gentle tone, ensuring not to ruin Desmond's sour mood. Accompanying the statement, the servant rolled a cart out with an assortment of dining tools, among which was a plate containing Maritime Delicacies, a dish favored by Desmond for breakfast.

The room was engulfed In silence for more than just a few moments. Desmond, still clutching his hands and staring at the window, eventually responded, albeit in a cold and menacing manner. "Just set it aside for now, I shall eat it when I'm in a better mood." The servant, Zephyrl, politely acknowledged the command and obediently bowed. "Understood, master," he said, behaving like a dog on a leash with its owner.

"How was the first retainer?" Desmond inquires out of random. His servant, Zephyrl, replies without further hesitation. "He is in the cabin located in the woods of Wythesvilla, outside the Luxtonia terrain. As per your demands, I ensured that he experienced misery and humiliation in that place." His voice possessed a slight grin, conveying his satisfaction with the other retainer's misery and suffering.

Perplexingly, the sound of a knock was heard at the door, abruptly breaking the silence. Looking back, Zephyrl inquired, "Who is it?" A voice from the other side of the door responded, "Percival, young lord Denson desires to hold a private conversation with Lord Desmond." Zephyrl gazed at Desmond with a hint of concern on his face. However, Desmond indicated his approval with a simple nod as his stare remained fixed on the outside view from the window.

As the order was given, Zephyrl opened the door and allowed Denson to enter the room. Denson, riding a wheelchair, steered its wheels and proceeded to advance towards his brother. Both the retainers then departed, leaving the brothers alone in the room so they could converse in private. Denson, who had just arrived, got closer to his brother using the wheels in his wheelchair before initiating their discussion.

"What do you require from me?" Desmond states with a cool demeanor as he shifted his gaze away from the window and directly onto Denson's face. His intimidating aura loomed over his presence, which was clearly evident in the way his intense stare pierced through Denson's gaze. "What a tactless and uncouth way to commence a conversation, my dear brother," Denson remarks with a subtle element of sarcasm in his tone. "Is this how you genuinely greet people? It appears that your travels to Normaine have not changed your personality one bit."