Forbbiden Love Princess & Guard☑️

Chap #15 Unmasking the Duke's Intentions

The atmosphere in the royal court had shifted since the revelations of forbidden love. While the scandal had shocked many, King Edmund and Queen Seraphina had chosen the path of understanding, allowing the affected parties to forge their futures openly, but with caution. However, there was one man whose unease had not settled, whose ambitions still lay hidden beneath layers of politeness and loyalty—Duke Alaric Montford.

For years, the duke had been a close ally of the crown, his influence far-reaching, his counsel always respected. Yet, beneath his sophisticated exterior lay ambitions that went beyond loyalty to the royal family. He desired more power—power that could only be obtained by weakening the monarchy from within.

It was late afternoon when a letter, sealed with the Duke's crest, found its way to Captain Caden Blackthorn. The message was vague but urgent, summoning him to a secluded wing of the castle. Upon receiving the letter, Caden's instincts flared with suspicion, but his sense of duty compelled him to attend.

He arrived at the designated location to find Duke Alaric waiting in the dimly lit room, a calculating smile on his face.

"Ah, Captain Blackthorn, thank you for coming," Alaric began, his voice oozing false warmth. "I've been meaning to have a private word with you."

Caden remained cautious, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "What do you need from me, Duke Alaric?"

The duke walked slowly to the window, gazing out over the kingdom as if considering his next move. "You've done well, Captain," he said. "Rising from your humble beginnings to your current position. And now, you've caught the heart of the future queen." His words carried a thinly veiled hint of disdain. "Quite the accomplishment."

Caden's jaw tightened, sensing the direction of the conversation. "If you have something to say, say it plainly."

Alaric turned to face him, his expression darkening. "You and I both know that your place is not beside Princess Elara. The love you two share, while touching, is ultimately a weakness—one that could destabilize this entire kingdom. But I'm not here to talk about love. I'm here to offer you a way out, a chance to safeguard the future of Valorian."

Caden's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Stepping closer, Alaric's voice dropped to a whisper. "I know the king has chosen to accept this... indiscretion for now. But it will not last. As soon as the kingdom faces a threat, they'll turn on you. On all of you. The queen will push for a marriage alliance, and the king will demand you step aside."

The Duke's gaze was cold and calculating. "But I can help you secure a place at Elara's side—if you're willing to help me in return."

Caden's pulse quickened as he realized the scope of the offer. This wasn't about loyalty to the crown. This was about the duke seizing control from behind the scenes.

"I serve the king and queen," Caden said firmly. "And my loyalty to Princess Elara is unwavering. I will not betray them for your schemes."

Alaric's smile faded, replaced by a sharp edge of menace. "Don't be a fool, Captain. My intentions go beyond mere ambition. This kingdom is teetering on the edge of chaos. The alliances are fragile, the neighboring lands hungry for any sign of weakness. If we don't take control now, Valorian will crumble."

Before Caden could respond, the door to the chamber creaked open, and to his shock, Princess Elara entered, followed by her father, King Edmund, and Queen Seraphina. Behind them, Captain Elias and Countess Isolde stood silent, their expressions grave. The room was filled with the most trusted members of the court.

"You forget, Alaric," King Edmund said, his voice thunderous, "that I am still the ruler of this kingdom. Did you truly believe your plot would remain hidden from me?"

Duke Alaric's face went pale, and his confident demeanor faltered for the first time. "Your Majesty, I—"

"Enough!" Queen Seraphina's voice cut through the room like a knife. "We have heard everything. For years, you have whispered in the shadows, sowing seeds of doubt and manipulation in my court. You speak of protecting the kingdom, but all you've sought is your own rise to power."

Elara stepped forward, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and anger. "I trusted you, Duke. My family trusted you. And yet, you would seek to use my love as a tool to bend the kingdom to your will?"

Alaric, sensing the noose tightening around him, attempted one last desperate appeal. "I did it for the future of Valorian! I sought only to protect the kingdom from instability, from the weaknesses that will arise if we continue down this path of emotional folly."

King Edmund's expression was one of bitter disappointment. "You have misunderstood what makes this kingdom strong. It is not cold ambition or manipulation that will keep Valorian united, but loyalty, honor, and love. The very things you sought to twist."

Before the duke could respond, Captain Elias stepped forward. "We found evidence of your dealings with our enemies, Alaric. Letters promising influence and land to those who would ally themselves with your cause. You were willing to betray Valorian itself."

The final blow had landed. Alaric's face fell, and his once sharp demeanor dissolved into defeat. He knew there was no escape.

King Edmund turned to his guards. "Duke Alaric Montford, you are hereby stripped of your title and holdings. You will be imprisoned for your treachery until your trial."

As the guards seized him, Alaric cast one last venomous look at Caden. "This isn't over. Your love will destroy you."

With that, he was taken away, leaving the room in stunned silence.

As the heavy door closed behind the traitorous duke, Queen Seraphina exhaled deeply. "We must ensure that Valorian is united and safe, but not at the cost of losing ourselves to greed and deception."

King Edmund turned to Caden and Elara, his expression softened. "Caden, Elara, I see now that the strength of this kingdom lies not in rigid tradition, but in the bond of those who are loyal to it. You have proven yourselves in the face of adversity. We will move forward together—stronger, wiser, and more united."

Elara, overwhelmed by relief, took Caden's hand, their love now free from the shadows. For the first time in years, she felt as though the future was truly theirs to shape.

With Alaric's treachery revealed and the court united, Valorian was safe for now. But this chapter had taught them all that love, loyalty, and the courage to confront darkness would always be their greatest strength.