Ink: Living Life as Serena Gleis

LIX: As a Duchess.

“What the hell?” I cursed. I cannot believe my eyes. What the hell is he doing here? Felipe instinctively went infront of me, as if shielding me to an inexistent danger. 

“Is—Is he?” He stuttered, poor man cannot even complete his question due to shock.  A decade-old carpet was burnt but who cares about that at this time? Maurice sure do but I'll deal with it later. 

I slowly walked closer to the sleeping man, examining his features. “If he's here then who's ruling Bluistain?” I asked. Felipe just shrugged, we both know no information nor knowledge about what is happening.

“Zion.” I called out. He did not even flinch when I gently touch his cheek. “What happened to you?” I whispered once again, hoping for a response but he did not. He seemed so injured from something and still unconscious. It's been too long since I last saw him, I think I last saw him on my almost-wedding with his older brother, when Serena took over and created havoc inside the sacred hall.

The door opened behind us, Varka was shocked and instantly ran towards us, accidentally pushing me to the ground along the process. “I-I'm sorry Duchess.” He said and helped me up.

“Are you alright, my Lady?” Maurice came towards me as well to give me a hand, making sure that I am okay.  I sighed, there are times that I forget that I am the Duchess of this land but it isn't one of those times. Bringing the Emperor of Bluistain is a threat to Clye, I cannot let it pass.

I walked and sat on my chair. “Sit.” I ordered, my voice full of authority. This might be the first time Felipe witnessed this part of me as I noticed how shaken he was due to the tone of my voice and how I look right now. The fact that I am Serena Gleis keeps slipping their mind as I am always smiling around them but I did not lose my villainess appearance so I am still intimidating to look at.

Maurice cleared his throat to silently told me that this isn't the right time but I raised my hand to declined whatever he is pertaining to. Varka diligently sat on the vacant seat infront of my desk. He seem to find something interesting on the floor as he can't stop staring at it.

“Varka.” I called. He jolted up and looked at me.

“Y-Yes, my lady?” He asked. I can sense that he is somehow afraid by observing  his body language. A rare sight as I have more reasons to be afraid of him. He's a Clyian who mastered magic, he is a man and has a large build.

“Care to explain yourself? What is the Emperor of Bluistain doing on Clye?” I asked. I was shocked when Varka suddenly kneeled infront of me, muttering his apologies.

“I—I deeply apologize your highness. I had no idea that Clye is still alive. I just came here for refuge and for the flame to save him.” He explained. Somehow, even if he's being emotional and kneeling infront of me, I can tell that he is not telling me the truth.

“Maurice, Felipe. Give us some privacy.” I commanded. The two of them bowed and left the room, leaving me, Varka and the unconscious Zion on my office.  I stood up and went to where Varka is kneeling. I held his head high by placing my hand on his chin, making him look directly at my crimson eyes.

“Tell me the truth Varka. I won't bite.” I said, smirking. This is something that I learned living as a Gleis for years. He shivered from the sight of my red yes, probably reminding him of the Duke himself. 

“The Duke... He told me to save Zion.” He confessed. I let go of his chin and sat on my chair once again. It is weird and not sound like my father after all. Why would he save Zion and from whom?

“On Zion's crowning ceremony, he was assassinated as expected. I came in too late and he was struck by a black spell in the chest and the only thing that could save him was Guinevere's flame.” He added. I nodded in understanding. “Any suspects?” I asked. I motioned him to stop kneeling and sit on the chair once again which he complied.