A fragrant scent pervaded the parlour as the vases of roses from the garden were being sorted. It had been snowing since early morning, and the plants were brought in to protect them from the frost.
"Ahh! How nice it is to have such a pleasant sll in these peaceful surroundings!" Anryr said, inhaling deeply. "How I wish this tranquillity would last until His Highness returns with no more issues in the mansion!"
Rosalie, nearby and overseeing the servants arranging the vases, chuckled. "I thought I heard soone complaining not too long ago that this mansion was too quiet and boring when His Highness and the knights were on duty or at the duchy."
Anryr shot her a sidelong glance. "You know well that their stay this ti is different. It has never been so chaotic as it is now."
"I must say, it’s kind of exciting! Our healer got married to a prestigious clan, three of the knights are married too, and above all, His Highness finally has a spouse. Lady Raychard is such a good match for him!"
"Haa... you disliked her back then!" Anryr teased.
"That was before I knew her! Now, I’m so thankful that His Highness chose her over all the other won. Soon, she’ll be our Grand Duchess!" Rosalie bead.
"I’m happy for that, too. But seriously, the knights’ visit this ti nearly gives a heart attack! I’m on edge every ti sothing occurs. Nothing like this has happened before! Argunts, fights, duels, elopent, and even the recent explosion! How could I not be anxious?" the steward mumbled.
"Oh, co on! Bad things don’t happen without a reason. Look on the bright side. Sir Brooks has reconciled with the rest, and most of them are happily married. They are young and in their pri. I can feel love in the air every ti I look at them." The chief maid smiled.
"That love nearly ruined the mansion, you know! I never thought Mrs. Amares could be that terrible at cooking!" Anryr retorted.
After the explosion incident, the steward’s nagging began and continued for more than three days, grating on the nerves of the Knights of Gerhard like a persistent mosquito buzzing in the night.
Surrendering to his comrades’ pleas for silence, Eric eventually confessed and revealed the true instigator of the ’little cri,’ halting the reprimands imdiately. After knowing it was Callis’s doing, Anryr felt defeated and could only seal his lips despite his anger.
The derian princess, though no longer carrying the title since marrying Rafe, a commoner, was still of royal blood and ca from a distinguished clan well-respected by the Cassians. His high regard for her outweighed his frustration.
Thus, he decided to ignore the incident and pretend he didn’t know. As Eric had ntioned, acting oblivious would be the best solution in such a situation.
Rosalie giggled.
"She did it because she wanted to prepare a aningful gift to her beloved husband... sothing she made on her own. Everyone knows how much she has fallen head over heels for our cute healer."
"Well, now that we know of her special ’talent’, she should think of another hobby that’s beneficial and safe. I’m going to highlight this to my brother, Gerald, so he’ll be on his toes once they all return to the duchy. Who knows, she might blow up the palace’s kitchen next ti!" Anryr said with a wary look.
"Hush! She would take it to heart if she heard you!" Rosalie exclaid, playfully slapping her husband’s shoulder.
"I’m just saying... we need to be cautious since it involves the safety of others!" Anryr remarked.
"Dear, please—" Rosalie countered, but their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a servant who rushed in, crying out in alarm.
"Mr Foster! Mr Foster!"
Anryr grunted, looking up and rolling his eyes in annoyance.
"What now! Don’t tell another catastrophe has happened!" he said, glaring at the servant.
Feeling guilty, the servant held the hem of his winter tunic.
"I-I am not sure. But representatives from the palace have arrived!" he stamred.
Anryr’s expression turned serious at the statent.
Before he could ask for more details, a voice broke in, "No need to announce or anything. I’m in a hurry."
The steward turned to find Charles, the chamberlain of the King of Cassian, entering without a proper welco with two escorts.
"My lord! To what do we owe this visit today?" Anryr asked in surprise after bowing in respect. Rosalie also curtsied as a formal gesture.
"This is not a visit, Mr Foster. I’m here under the order of His Majesty, the King of Cassian, to relay a royal decree. Please call upon the Grand Duke’s representative, Sir Eric Navin, His Highness Prince Kiev Naver of Sabel Island, and Miss Elisabeth Canton to be present to receive it," said the chamberlain in a serious tone.
Anryr’s brow knitted. If only Eric had been summoned, it would have made sense, but why were Kiev and Elisabeth also ntioned? And a royal decree? The king must have deed this matter urgent since he sent his chamberlain instead of a carrier.
Curiosity quickly perched in the steward’s mind. However, knowing the gravity of the order, he couldn’t probe further or dilly-dally.
"I understand. Let relay the ssage and get them here quickly," he said, turning on his heel and making a swift exit.
It didn’t take long for the ntioned individuals to erge and gather, all wearing curious expressions. The Knights of Gerhard, intrigued by the sudden royal decree, also arrived alongside Eric.
"Anryr ntioned there’s a royal decree for Elis and as well. What’s it about?" Kiev asked, raising an eyebrow at the chamberlain.
"Indeed," Charles replied.
Without further explanation, the chamberlain pulled out a scroll from its leather casing from his robe and read it thoroughly. It stated that the second-in-command knight, Noah, the derian Prince, and his woman were to attend the palace without further details.
Eric’s grey eyes narrowed as he glanced at the chamberlain, silently indicating his desire for more information.
"Don’t ask. I’m not allowed to say why. His Majesty will reveal it himself," Charles replied quickly, anticipating the knight’s question.
"I’m not asking about that. I’m just wondering why His Majesty would issue a royal decree. If he wished to et , I would always be ready to seek his audience," Eric stated.
"Probably because of ," Kiev interjected. "I’m not his subject, so he probably thought I would refuse. But the order for Elis to attend as well intrigues ."
"You are indeed not considered his subject since you’re his honourable guest. However, as long as you reside within this kingdom, you are bound to follow its rules and regulations," the chamberlain explained.
Eric sensed there was more to this than t the eye. A royal decree was unusual and indicated sothing significant.
"Lord Enos... are we in so kind of trouble?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.
A cacophony of murmurs erupted among the gathered knights, anxiety etched on their faces.
"You are not. Not until anyone is found guilty," Charles remarked with a hollow smile.
That response was enough to hint that sothing serious was indeed brewing.
"In that case, I wish to take the other knights as my escorts," Eric demanded.
"You may do so as you wish." The chamberlain nodded.
Eric turned to his n and ordered, "Sir Skyler and Sir Jarr... you will be coming with . The rest, stay and guard the mansion as usual."
"What? Why can’t we go as well?" Eli protested.
"Sir Skyler is the third-in-command knight. If anything arises regarding the knighthood, he would be able to assist . As for Sir Jarr, his reputation at the palace as the second son of His Grace, the Duke of Sanad, is well-known. If we were in so kind of situation, I might need his help to pull so strings. As crucial as it may seem, Lady Raychard’s safety and well-being are of utmost importance, so I need the rest of you here," the second-in-command knight explained firmly to his comrades.
"I understand. I will ensure her safety," Damon responded, nodding firmly.
Eric then turned to Kiev, asking, "Do you wish to bring your guards as well, Your Highness?"
The derian Prince shook his head dismissively.
"Let them stay and assist your knights. I won’t be needing them. I’m sure this won’t take long," he said confidently.
Standing at his side, Elis looked nervous. But Kiev smiled and held her hand to calm her.
"Don’t worry. His Majesty might only be missing dancing with you," he joked, a playful glint in his eye. "But I don’t think I will allow it this ti. These days, I’m becoming quite jealous when any male marvels around you, my dear."
Charles cleared his throat, seemingly fazed by such clingy remarks. However, the rest didn’t seem bothered.
With several newlywed and betrothed couples in the mansion, gestures of affection and words of devotion were common. As Rosalie had said, love was indeed in the air.
"All right, then. Let’s get ready to embark," said Eric, rallying everyone.
"Ah, before that..." Charles interjected. "Her Majesty Queen Elda also requested Mr Rafe Amares and Lady Bridgette Lynn to co for a separate audience with her at a ti of their convenience."
"Noted. Since we are already going to the palace, why not have them join us?" suggested Eric. "Would Her Majesty the Queen spare her ti for the audience today?" he asked the chamberlain.
"That shouldn’t be a problem. Since we are now in the winter season, most of her daily schedules have been vacated for rest. She’ll surely be glad if those two ca today," Charles replied.
"I’ll let them know imdiately, Sir Navin, Lord Enos," said Rosalie, bowing in respect. She then turned and rushed off to convey the ssage to the healer and lady-in-waiting.
Rafe soon ca rushing in with Callis, followed closely by Bridgette.
"What is this all about, Lord Enos?" the healer asked, slightly out of breath.
Eric and the others had just left to prepare when they arrived.
"Her Majesty wishes to know about Lady Raychard. She intended for you to report directly to her on the lady’s current state of health," Charles inford them.
"Her Majesty the Queen stated so?" Bridgette asked, her brow furrowing.
It had been a while since the last ti she reported to her.
"Yes, Lady Lynn," answered the chamberlain.
"What about Sir Navin, Sir Brooks, my brother, and Elis? Why are they being summoned by the king? I heard it’s a royal decree," Callis interjected, having been inford by Rosalie.
"That, I cannot tell. It’s beyond my lips to speak," said Charles, his expression unreadable.
Feeling the tension in the air, the derian Princess asserted determinedly, "Then, in that case, I’m coming too!"
"Callis..." Rafe called her na gently. "They probably won’t let you in. I also won’t be seeing His Majesty King Kyden as I am only summoned by Her Majesty the Queen."
"It doesn’t matter! I must go, Rafe! Please! I would be more anxious if I stayed here!" Callis insisted, full of hope.
The healer sighed, contemplating the reason behind the sudden royal decree. He could discern its gravity. Relenting to his wife’s desperate gaze, he turned to Charles.
"Can she co too?" he requested.
"I don’t see a reason why not. However, she shall neither enter the throne hall nor the audience chamber. She may wait outside if she is fine with that," the chamberlain replied.
"I’m all good! I can wait outside or wherever as long as I’m at the palace!" Callis exclaid eagerly.
"All right. Please prepare yourselves to set out. We shall embark imdiately once everyone is ready. I will be escorting the entourage," said Charles in a steady voice.
Rafe and Callis nodded in agreent while Rosalie and Anryr exchanged concerned glances.
A sense of unease gnawed at their hearts as they sensed sothing was amiss. This felt more anxiety-inducing than the explosion incident!
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