The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 41: Under Moonlit Siege

In the frame of the darkened night beneath the canopy of trees, Valerie walked with measured strides, finally emerging from the woods and making her way toward the estate. The distant silhouette of her figure was soon recognized by the knights on patrol, who quickly approached her.

"Captain, what happened? Are you alright? I heard from the young la—" one of them began, only to be cut off as Valerie raised a hand.

"I'll fill you all in later. For now, stay alert and guard the gates."

The knights nodded, immediately spreading the order. Some took position by the entrance, their spears held stiffly at their sides. Others climbed atop the walls, keeping watch over the perimeter with sharpened eyes.

Valerie's boots made soft contact with the cobblestone path as she moved steadily toward the manor. When she reached the grand entrance, a chestnut-haired figure darted into her path—Quentin.

They met each other's gaze. For a brief moment, silence passed between them.

Then Valerie broke it. "Where is the young lady?"

"I led her to her room. She's probably resting now. Took me a while to convince her that her uncle will return shortly... and with the Duchess gone too, she's even more worried." Quentin frowned, studying Valerie. "Though by the look in your eyes, I'd say you know exactly what's going on and the Duke's disappearance. Care to enlighten me?"

Valerie sighed and nodded. "I do. He told me his intentions. I knew he might leave, but not the exact moment he'd do so. One thing's certain though, we need to hold this place and protect the young lady. That's what he entrusted us to do."

"Hm? His Grace didn't tell me that," he replied, lips curling into a grin.

Valerie said nothing.

"So, you're still keeping me in the dark about His Grace's grand plan, huh?" Quentin said, raising a brow. "What, afraid I'd mess it up with my charm?"

Valerie shot him a deadpan look. "Tch. Alright, brown head."

Quentin smirked, clearly satisfied.

Valerie exhaled through her nose, unamused. Then she opened her mouth to speak, recalling the meeting with the Duke back in the early morning.

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In Lucien's office, the first light of sunrise crept over the horizon, its golden glow slowly filtering through the windowpanes and casting a soft, warming hue across the quiet room.

Valerie stood across from Lucien's desk, her brows drawn together in thought. For a moment, she hesitated—measuring her words carefully—before finally meeting his steady gaze.

Lucien broke the silence first, his voice calm but firm.

"Let me make this clear. From what you've reported—your knights' sightings, the dark barrier spell, and what I've shared with you about my... my wife going out at night, it's safe to conclude that her companion, Melissa, has been using dark magic, correct?"

Valerie gave a small nod. "It appears so, Your Grace."

Lucien hummed, his gaze drifting to the window, as if the spreading light helped him see beyond the room.

"If that's the case, then she may be a threat, just as you said. And there would be no reason to show restraint against her."

He paused, his voice lowering with quiet gravity. "But I want to see the bigger picture. For someone so close to my wife to fall into something like this... there must be more at play."