The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 65: A Lesson in Steel

In the early mist, while the night still lingered above Veridonia and dawn had yet to appear, a line of carriages rolled through the cobbled roads. Their wheels rattled softly through the sleeping city, the sound muffled by fog drifting between the stone structures. The city remained mostly asleep at this hour. A baker loading crates paused outside his home, while a woman carrying water buckets slowed down to watch the passing procession. Their gazes followed the carriages until they vanished deeper into the sleeping district.

The convoy continued forward without pause, lanterns swaying faintly against the pale haze.

When they finally reached their destination, the wheels came to a halt upon the damp stones, and the horses let out tired snorts into the cold air.

The coachman exhaled and turned toward the carriages behind him.

"We have arrived at our destination, everyone," he called.

His voice was not harsh, yet it carried clearly through the quiet night. The knights escorting them reined in their horses as well, the rigid lines of their guarded expressions easing ever so slightly.

At his announcement, the attendants began emerging from the carriages one by one, moving together to unload luggage and supplies. Quentin joined them without complaint, carefully handling the heavier belongings with steady movements.

One carriage stood apart from the others, its dark exterior polished enough to catch the dim glow of the lanterns. Its door slowly opened, revealing Lucien in a fitted formal coat. He stepped down with measured grace before turning back. Adeline followed soon after, only for Lucien's gloved hand to close gently around hers as he guided her onto the ground.

The brief gesture drew the attendants' attention.

Yet the moment Lucien's cold gaze swept over them, they quickly lowered their heads and returned to their tasks as though they had seen nothing at all.

Ahead, the iron gates of the estate creaked open. A butler stood waiting beyond them, bowing courteously as Lucien and Adeline entered.

The scent of dew lingered heavily in the air. Mist clung to the sprawling estate grounds, drifting low over trimmed hedges and silent pathways. The gardens were silvered with moisture, every leaf and flower touched by the damp breath of approaching dawn, while dim lanterns still burned beneath the archways.

As they walked along the stone path, Adeline glanced at Lucien beside her.

"The meeting with the dukes later..." she began quietly. "Will I be included?"

Lucien did not answer immediately. His gaze remained forward, calm beneath the pale light of early morning.

"No," he said at last.

Adeline blinked once but remained silent, allowing him to continue.

"You witnessed the Dark Lord as well," Lucien said evenly. "But the meeting is not solely about what we saw that night. It is merely a matter between me, the emperor, and the other three. Besides, the council chamber of the Imperial Palace is not a place for someone without authority among their ranks unless permission is granted."

His tone was neither dismissive nor cruel. It was simply factual.

"They will also be less restrained with their words if fewer outsiders are present," he added. "That alone makes the discussion easier to manage."

Adeline lowered her gaze for a moment before giving a small nod.

"I understand."

Lucien's gaze landed on her. "Just leave the rest to me," he said, a faint softness lingering beneath his stern tone.