Alora stood there completely frozen. She didn't even realize the door had opened until it suddenly moved again.
She jumped away from it.
Duncan stepped out.
"So you're still here?" His eyes scanned her face before a faint smile appeared. "I thought you would have gone to sleep already."
"I... I was waiting for you," Alora replied, though her heart was still beating wildly.
Duncan had changed into a dark blue fur-lined robe. It covered most of his body, yet the front hung slightly open, revealing part of his chest. His hair was still damp from the rain, making him look strangely softer than usual.
"Well," Duncan said lightly, "it's late. You should go and sleep, Alora."
"But you're still drenched."
"I'm perfectly fine now." He tilted his head, a teasing smile forming. "Or... do you want to wet me again?"
Alora's face instantly turned red.
"Oh no!"
She lowered her head immediately.
"Good night, my lord."
"Good night, Alora."
He winked before quietly closing the door.
Alora hurried away. The moment she reached her room, she threw herself onto the bed and covered her face with both hands.
His body flashed through her mind again.
The broad shoulders.
The rain ran down his skin.
The smile.
She sat upright. "No, Alora." She shook her head repeatedly, "What are you thinking?"
The maids entered with warm water for her night bath, but throughout the bath, her mind kept wandering back to Duncan. She scolded herself countless times before exhaustion finally carried her to sleep.
_____
The next morning, Alora entered the dining room after bathing and dressing.
Duncan was already there, casually eating slices of fruit while reading a document.
"Good morning, my lord."
"Morning, Alora." He looked up. "Come, Sit."
She obeyed and sat opposite him.
Silence lingered for a few moments before Alora gathered courage.
"My lord... I want to go home."
Duncan calmly placed another fruit into his mouth.
"But you're still recovering."
"I'm alright now." She looked at him hopefully. "What about my family? They must be worried."
"They are." Duncan nodded. "Lucas informed them where you were. Your mother didn't take it well."
Alora's expression immediately changed.
"She kept asking to see you."
A mixture of relief and guilt filled her eyes.
"Thank you."
She hesitated before asking another question.
"How did you find me?"
Duncan leaned back with a playful smile.
"I prayed to God... and there you were, standing right in front of me."
Alora frowned.
"My lord."
"What?"
"Please tell me the truth."
Duncan chuckled quietly.
"You're getting bold."
"And you're avoiding my question."
He laughed again before his expression slowly became serious.
"What happened between you and Herbert?"
Alora's smile disappeared.
"Nothing happened. He enjoys humiliating women... and unfortunately, I became one of his victims."
Duncan's jaw tightened.
"You'll never hear from Herbert again."
Alora blinked, "What do you mean?"
"I silenced him."
Her eyes widened, "You... killed him?"
"Yes." His answer came without hesitation, "I had to." Disgust crossed Duncan's face.
"Only God knows what he would've done if I hadn't arrived when I did."
Alora slowly sat back down. Her breathing became uneven, and then she folded her hands together.
"Thank you."
Duncan watched her quietly. "I investigated him. Someone led Herbert to you."
Alora immediately looked up, "Who?"
"Roxana."
For a second... She laughed.
"That's impossible." Her laughter sounded almost offended. "She would never do that. She's my friend, I trust her."
Duncan's eyes never left hers, "Not every friend deserves your trust."
The words landed heavily.
"Trust has a way of making even wise people foolish."
Alora became quiet, and then Roxana's smiling face appeared in her mind.
"No..." she whispered. "She wouldn't."
Duncan didn't argue, "Think about it when you're ready."
A long silence followed.
Finally, Alora spoke, "I still want to go home."
Duncan sighed before giving in, "Alright. You'll leave this afternoon."
Relief spread across her face.
"Thank you, my lord." She stood, bowed gratefully and left.
_____
Jasmine and Maya spent the morning shopping around the Noble District.
Inside a boutique, Maya held up a beautiful cream-coloured dress.
"I really like this one."
Jasmine smiled.
"It's beautiful... but this one is even prettier."
She pulled out another dress decorated with delicate embroidery.
Maya immediately shook her head. "No. That's too expensive."
"Oh, Maya." Jasmine laughed. "Nathaniel is your future husband. Spend his money."
Maya laughed despite herself.
"In my house, everything has a budget. Father doesn't let us buy things carelessly."
"Well, today we're ignoring Mr Ashbourne's budget."
The two women burst into laughter.
After buying dresses, they stopped at a jewellery shop. Maya admired a simple necklace.
"This is lovely."
"And affordable," Jasmine teased.
Soon, they were carrying several bags as they climbed into the carriage.
Maya couldn't stop smiling, and Jasmine smiled, too... but it didn't reach her eyes.
Maya noticed immediately, "Jasmine?"
"Hm?"
"What's wrong?"
Jasmine hesitated, "Nothing... it's just that since Nathaniel came to Valtheris-"
The carriage door suddenly opened, and Nathaniel climbed inside.
"Hello... my two favourite ladies."
"Your Grace!" Maya's face lit up.
"I finished earlier than expected." Nathaniel smiled. "I saw your carriage leaving, so I decided to join you."
"That was thoughtful." Jasmine forced a smile.
The conversation shifted.
Maya excitedly showed Nathaniel everything they had bought while Jasmine remained unusually quiet.
Soon, they arrived at the Ashbourne mansion.
Nathaniel helped Maya down from the carriage, walked her to the gate, and waited until she disappeared inside.
Only then did he return to the carriage.
The smile vanished from his face.
"She seems happy." He looked at Jasmine. "Did you tell her?"
Jasmine sighed, "I was about to."
Nathaniel closed his eyes briefly. "I thought you already had."
"That's why coming early was your mistake."
He leaned back heavily, "I'll tell her myself."
Jasmine looked out the window, "I hope you're ready for what happens after that."
Neither of them spoke again.
_____
**Unknown Manor**
A guard entered and bowed.
"My lord."
"Speak."
"We still haven't acted. I heard Duncan is searching for Christopher Wilson."
A loud laugh echoed through the room.
"He'll never find Christopher Wilson."
The man stood beside the window, watching the rain outside.
"No matter how hard he searches."
"My lord... Ambrose Wilson has been disgraced and thrown out of the Noble District. What if they begin investigating him?"
The man's smile grew colder. "They won't."
He slowly turned around. "He's a commoner, and no noble will waste resources chasing a commoner accused of stealing petty things."
The guard nodded. "But what if Duncan insists?"
The man walked closer until he stood directly in front of him.
"That's exactly why..."
A crooked smile spread across his face, revealing yellowish teeth.
"...I already have another plan waiting for them."