Chapter 3: The Black Lady
On the Princess's 5th birthday the Duke and Duchess decided that it will be celebrated inside the palace and on this particular day, an unexpected visitor arrived to pay their respects to the Duke.
"A visitor?"the Duke asked with his brow arched. He was walking in circles in the throne room, his expression grim and tired due to fatigue.
"Yes, your Majesty. They said they would want to discuss with you about the rebels threatening to cross the border. They have come to help us in the battle against them."the General said.
"But I have not asked for help."
"But your Majesty—!"
"General, I am well aware of your intention to stop the rebellions as soon as possible but allying ourselves with people of power who has no clear intention on why they would want to help us, will only put our position in danger. We are neutral and fair, and I would like to keep it that way to avoid conflict with the neighboring Cities. If I do accept their offer, it would mean taking on a side and if that happens, a war could be inevitable. Emerald City is a flourishing country, and know that greedy men will do anything in their power to make it theirs."
The Duke's skinny body, and tired expression says it all from the General's position. And, he only wanted to help the Duke he serves, to take off some of the burden of His Majesty but he also know how stubborn the Duke can be when it comes to his ideals and principles regarding the matter of his people or the City.
It is that same stubbornness why he decided to follow and protect the Duke till death but it seems that stubbornness is causing the Duke greater pain that the General can't even imagine.
"I understand, your Majesty.",and the Duke nodded dismissing him.
It hurts his pride, how useless he feels but if it pleases the Duke, he would follow his wishes, no matter how reckless it was. He swore to protect him and so, he will.
The visitor however overheard their conversation and in the darkness, she emerged surprising both the Duke and the General, who was about to leave.
"My apologies for eavesdropping, your Majesty."
The Duke's brow furrowed and the General touch the hilt of his sword but only ever so slightly.
"How did you get in here?"the General asked, not lowering his guard in the mysterious woman's presence.
"I sincerely apologize if I surprised you but I was too shy to present myself when you, gentlemen were discussing something serious. Isn't that right?"
The woman, clad in all black mischievously smiled at the Duke then at the General, confidence emitting from her. Her expression and the way she stand with dignity, gave away that she is not just an ordinary young lady passing by.
The Duke noticed this, and he walk towards the General to stop him from drawing his sword.
"Name yourself."the Duke ordered and the lady in black bowed her head in the presence of His Majesty.
"I am the noblewoman sent from the Southern city, here to offer the Duke our help against the uprising of rebellions in the West borders. I wish to have an audience with his Majesty as soon as possible and I also have something important that I need to discuss with His Highness...", then she looked at the General who was still looking at her with doubtful eyes.
"...privately.",she said finishing her sentence.
The Duke's chest heaved as he sighs. He wasn't completely convinced, and how the young lady got in without him noticing her presence is a little bit odd but he cannot turn away a woman for it is against his principle to do so, as a gentleman.
"I understand.", then the Duke nodded once more to the General, gesturing that he leave them alone.
"I am truly grateful and honored, your Majesty."and she bowed her head once more.
The Duke walked towards the door leading to the hallways, east of the palace, where his study chamber is at.
He opened it and when a maid passed by he ordered that she bring snacks and tea for their guest.
"Follow me.",he ordered the young lady and the woman gladly walked towards him, closely following him from behind.
When they arrived at his study room, upon entering, the Duke was surprised by the Princess running towards him at full speed and eventually, leaping into his arms and giving him an embrace. The Duchess was also waiting for him inside the room, letting out a gentle laugh when she saw her daughter and husband hugging each other.
"Daddy! I missed you!"the Princess exclaimed as she hug her father tighter.
The Duke raised the Princess with his arms and kissed her cheek. He smiled lovingly at his wife then to his daughter who has now longer hair and a missing tooth in front that he noticed when she smiled at him.
"I missed you too, my Princess. But shouldn't you be preparing for your birthday?",then he playfully pinched the child's nose. The Princess giggled.
"She was but the Princess insists that she show you her teeth.",the Duchess spoke softly.
The Duke looked at the Duchess then back at the Princess.
"Look! Look, daddy! My tooth came out! Will the tooth fairy come, and take it?", The Princess said in so much excitement as she point at the gap of her teeth.
"Well,well, if you behave and prepare for your birthday like a good girl, maybe the tooth fairy will come, and give you a gift."
The Princess was delighted when she heard this and she immediately nodded in agreement to what her father said.
The Duchess was gazing happily at the Duke and the Princess when someone caught her attention, she didn't notice there was somebody else in the room besides them till now.
The Young Lady bowed her head at her when their eyes met, and the Duchess did the same. The Duchess had an odd feeling towards the young woman and she can't really explain what it is.
"Now, daddy have an urgent business I have to attend to. So can my Princess wait for a while? I promise I'll see you after daddy's job is done."
The Duke gently let the Princess down from his arms, and with one bended knee he looked at the little girl directly into her eyes. He made sure he sounded convincing and sincere as he make a promise to her, he doesn't want to ruin his daughter's birthday because of his duties he needed to tend to.
"Okay. I'll see you later, daddy. I love you.", And the sweet Princess kisses her father on his cheeks.
The Duke felt his heart melt at his daughter's sweet gesture. He miss spending time with his family so much.
"I love you too." The Duke answered looking at her daughter then to the Duchess who slightly blushed when their eyes met.
They stared at each other, not more than a minute then the Duchess holding the Princess's hand bid farewell to the Duke, leaving the young lady in black alone with His Majesty.
The Duke closed the door and offered the young lady a seat. The lady sat on the chair opposite to where the Duke's desk is, and she was smiling at him, giving the Duke a mysterious sensation.
From the look of her eyes, intelligence was a given. The Duke have the impression of her as someone very clever that's why he have this feeling that he shouldn't readily accept what the woman in front of him has to offer. He need to closely watch her action and her way with words.
"So, where were we?"
It's a war of wits from hereon.
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