Life of the Heir

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

༻·𖥸·༺

The carriage ride back to the Tomioka Manor was a silent one, each bump on the road a reminder of the tumultuous emotions swirling inside me.

I stayed quiet because I know I might say something.

Sitting opposite of me was the duke, he was also quiet and didn't bother to talk or open-up about what happened.

I kept my gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape, but its gentle light did little to calm the storm brewing within.

My thoughts were running in circle.

Why would Kanae align herself with our father?

What promises had he made her?

I wanted to ask her, but instead... I lashed out.

Completely!

Immature!

I sighed and didn't even think that the duke was just sitting across me, though he said nothing, I could feel his concern, his own thoughts likely mirroring mine.

I stole a glance at him, catching his profile against the faint moonlight. His expression was unreadable, his jaw set with determination.

"Shinobu," he called, softly.

I turned to him, waiting for his words to break the heavy silence.

"Nothing." He looked away, coldly.

With dotted eyes, confuse I stared and a small chuckle made its way out my mouth.

Slightly covering my lips as I tried to hide a snickered laugh.

How can he do that?

The weight of the night's revelations settled in my chest like a stone,

...but his presence brought a measure of comfort.

As we arrived back at the manor, Oliver, was already waiting for us at the grand entrance, together with the handmaiden.

His face, usually calm and composed.

"Welcome back, My Lady, Your Grace." They both greeted with a bow.

I nodded again, for my thoughts still consumed by the evening's events.

Following both the duke and I through the familiar corridors, the click of our footsteps echoed softly in the stillness of the manor.

Each step felt heavy with the weight of our conversation with Kanae and the looming threat of our father's schemes.

"Prepare a hot bath for Her Grace." The duke spoke as we walk.

I didn't talk and waited for his words.

We stopped by the welcoming area, in front of the portrait...

"Take a good rest..." he caressed my cheek with his gloved-hands.

I only nodded and looked away in an instant.

"I shall follow you along." the last thing he said.

He then walked away, with Oliver following him...

While I followed the handmaiden to take my bath.

I sighed in distress.

What a night.

˗ˏˋ ⁺ ‧ ₊ ˚ ཐི 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 ཋྀ ˚ ₊ ‧ ⁺ ˎˊ˗