SII: Chapter LVII: Duty Over Devotion [18+]

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The soft hues of spring bathed Pontevedra in a gentle light, the blossoms in full bloom painting the town in shades of pink and white. The air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of birds singing, signaling the season of renewal. At the entrance gate, the town's atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, as a figure on horseback appeared in the distance.

Lord Peter of Wode had returned.

As he drew nearer, the townspeople began to recognize the tall, imposing figure astride the brown horse. His raven hair, though longer than before, still framed a face hardened by countless battles. The intricate armor he wore gleamed in the sunlight, marking him as a seasoned warrior and a lord who had seen the depths of war.

A murmur rippled through the crowd, and then, all at once, cheers erupted. The town knights, standing guard at the entrance, snapped to attention, their swords raised in salute. Loyal townspeople, some with tears in their eyes, called out his name, their voices mingling in a chorus of admiration and relief. It had been too long since their lord had ridden through these gates, and his return brought a sense of hope to all who saw him.

The news of Lord Peter's arrival spread like wildfire, reaching Wode Castle within moments. In the great hall, Teresa, his fiancée, stood at the head of the room, presiding over a council meeting. The moment the heralds brought word of Peter's return, a flicker of something unreadable crossed her face—a mix of relief and something more complex, perhaps.

The hall fell silent as she dismissed the council, her thoughts turning to the man who had been absent from her life for so long. Despite ruling in his stead, the weight of his absence had been a constant companion. Now, as she made her way to the castle's entrance, her heart beat faster, though whether from anticipation or something else, even she could not say.

Pontevedra had come alive with the return of its lord, and as Peter rode towards the castle, the path ahead was lined with people eager to catch a glimpse of their hero. For now, the town was united in joy, celebrating the return of the man who had long been the cornerstone of their lives. But behind the cheers and the flowers thrown at his feet, there were whispers—questions that had lingered in the air for years.

As Lord Peter approached the gates of Wode Castle, his figure seemed imposing yet subdued. His left arm was bound tightly in a sling, and a bandage wrapped around his head, concealing the evidence of his recent injury. Despite the visible signs of healing, his posture remained strong, his presence commanding.

 Despite the visible signs of healing, his posture remained strong, his presence commanding

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The castle doors opened to reveal Teresa, his fiancée, standing in the grand entrance hall. Her regal poise was evident, yet there was an undeniable tension in her stance as she awaited his arrival. The two had not seen each other in years, and the distance between them felt palpable even now. As Peter stepped inside, the air between them was heavy with unspoken words.

Peter's eyes met Teresa's as he halted before her, his expression unreadable. He inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, his voice calm and measured as he spoke. "Are you well?"

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