The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 71: The Silent War

The banquet had finally come to an end. One by one, the nobles departed the palace, exchanging graceful farewells before stepping into their waiting carriages. Outside, horses snorted into the cool night air as coachmen gathered the reins. Soon, wooden wheels rolled across the cobblestone roads, carrying their passengers beneath a sky scattered with stars.

As the last carriage disappeared into the distance, the Imperial Palace gradually fell silent.

Servants arranged the remaining lanterns throughout the halls before retiring to their quarters. Maids exchanged quiet bows as they finished their duties, while the Emperor and Empress withdrew to their private chambers for the night. Before long, the palace guards kept watch, their steps echoing faintly through the still corridors.

Yet one chamber still remained illuminated.

Hidden away from the main halls, warm orange lantern light spilled through the room. A large map of Veridonia covered one wall, while shelves lined with books stood opposite it, filling the chamber with the scent of old parchment.

Cynfael stood behind the desk with his arms crossed, dressed in a deep blue military uniform with a brooch pinned to his cravat, his gaze fixed on the closed door.

Beside him stood Sir Raymond, his vigilant eyes sweeping the dimly lit chamber.

A moment later, the door creaked open.

Lucien stepped inside, the lantern light brushing across his features as he inclined his head respectfully.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting, Your Highness. I just escorted my wife to her carriage before coming here."

Cynfael's brows knitted together—not in annoyance, but in thoughtful confusion.

It was unusual to see Lucien showing such concern for a marriage that had begun as nothing more than a political arrangement orchestrated by his father.

He gave a small shake of his head, dismissing the thought.

"Don't bother. I've only just arrived myself."

A brief silence fell over the room as Lucien approached the desk and came to a stop. Cynfael paused before continuing.

"Now then, let us begin."

He glanced toward Sir Raymond.

The knight understood instantly. With a brief nod to the prince and a final glance at Lucien, he slipped out of the chamber, the door shutting behind him with a soft click.

Cynfael watched the door for a brief moment before letting out a heavy exhale, the lantern flames reflecting in his eyes.

"Before I explain my request, there is something else I'd like to discuss." His gaze settled on Lucien. "It's about your certainty that you encountered a Dark Lord. After this morning's council, I came across information that may support your claim."

"If it's about that," Lucien replied without hesitation, "then I am certain, Your Highness. I wouldn't be standing here today if my wife hadn't saved me."

Cynfael did not respond, his eyes drifting toward the shelves of ancient records lining the chamber.

"Time has a way of burying history. Four centuries have passed since they last walked this world. Most people remember them only as legends, while others have forgotten them entirely. Even members of my family know little more than old stories. But the Imperial Archives preserved what others allowed to fade. I believe the First Emperor knew the prophecy would one day come to pass again. That is why the name Zandros, the Dark Lord mentioned in the records, piqued my interest."