Forbbiden Love Princess & Guard☑️

Chap #10 The Misterious Duke

The grand hall of Montford Manor was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the stone floor. Duke Alaric Montford stood near the fireplace, his sharp eyes following the flames as they danced and flickered in the hearth. The firelight reflected off his dark eyes, giving him an almost predatory look, one that suited the man known for his ambition and cunning within the royal court.

Alaric held a goblet of wine, swirling it thoughtfully before taking a slow sip. His expression was one of contemplation, though there was a certain intensity in his gaze—like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike. For years, he had played his part as the loyal ally of King Edmund, offering advice and assisting in matters of the kingdom, but always with his own agenda hidden beneath the surface.

As he sipped his wine, a figure appeared in the doorway—his trusted advisor and informant, Lord Aldric Vale. The man was thin, with a sharp nose and a calculating gaze that always seemed to be on the lookout for an opportunity to curry favor with the powerful duke.

"My lord," Aldric greeted, bowing slightly as he approached. "I've gathered the information you requested."

Alaric barely glanced at him, his attention still on the fire. "And? What news do you bring?"

Aldric took a breath, as though weighing how best to deliver the information. "It appears Princess Elara continues to resist the idea of marriage to Prince Lucien of Avendale. There's also... talk of her affections for another."

At this, Alaric's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued. He turned slowly to face his advisor. "Another? Who?"

"The captain of her guard, Caden Blackthorn," Aldric replied carefully, watching for the duke's reaction. "They've grown close, it seems. Though it's all whispers for now, some say there is more than just loyalty between them."

Alaric's lips curled into a cold smile. "Interesting. A knight with no title or fortune, in love with the future queen of Valorian. How... predictable."

He took another sip of his wine, considering the possibilities. A relationship between Princess Elara and her guard could cause a scandal, one that might destabilize the royal family—just enough for someone with ambition to maneuver into a position of greater power. If King Edmund's authority was weakened by a rebellion from his own daughter, it would create opportunities for others—like Duke Montford—to seize more control.

"What of the king and queen?" Alaric asked, his voice low and calculating. "Have they noticed?"

Aldric nodded. "King Edmund is concerned, though his focus remains on the marriage alliance with Avendale. Queen Seraphina, on the other hand, seems more attuned to Elara's personal struggles. She is pushing for a gentler approach with their daughter."

Alaric tapped his fingers against the goblet, his mind racing with possibilities. "Seraphina is no fool, but her compassion could be her weakness. And as for Edmund, his obsession with tradition may blind him to the threat within his own household."

He set the goblet down on the mantle, turning to face Aldric fully. "Continue to watch them. The moment Princess Elara's feelings for her guard become more than a rumor, I want to know. And be discreet—King Edmund cannot suspect that I am keeping an eye on his daughter's affairs."

Aldric bowed once again. "Of course, my lord. I'll keep a close watch."

As his advisor left the room, Alaric Montford returned his gaze to the fire, the cold smile still playing on his lips. The situation was developing even more favorably than he had anticipated. If the king's family became embroiled in scandal, it would leave Valorian vulnerable—vulnerable to influence, to control. And Alaric had no intention of sitting idly by while others dictated the fate of the kingdom.

He had played the role of the dutiful nobleman long enough. Now, with whispers of love between the princess and her guard and tension brewing over the upcoming marriage, Alaric saw his opportunity. He could bide his time, wait for the royal family to make a misstep, and then... he would strike.

Power was not something given freely; it had to be taken. And Duke Alaric Montford was more than ready to take what he believed was rightfully his.

The flames crackled softly in the hearth, their warmth in stark contrast to the cold ambition that fueled the duke's plans. Soon, the kingdom of Valorian would face a storm of its own making. And when that time came, Alaric would be ready to rise from the shadows and claim his place at the top, no matter who stood in his way.