窃情谋欲

People were surprised to see the Duke outside of his room, but none bothered to speak anything as they all had things to do.

Both of them stopped at a large door, it was one of the guest suits.

"Go on," Damien said. "She's been worried about you. Don't make her more sad." He said with a hint of worry just to make it clear he indeed cared about all of them.

"I..." The Duke started. He wanted to say something, but nothing came.

"It's okay Dad. If anything, she will be extremely happy to see you outside of your room. Just go in and talk."

With a determined nod, the Duke knocked on the door.

"Come on in." They heard a sad yet firm voice. The voice which the Duke had heard before, the voice of his wife.

The Duke took a deep breath, and he opened the door.

Damien saw his mother gasping at the sight of her husband, she cupped her mouth and let out a small gasp. She quickly rushed towards him, wrapping her arms around him.

"Oh my God!" She hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Duke Zadkiel had nothing else to do other than to wrap his hands and hug his wife tightly, so he did that.

'Well, it's their problem now. I should meet the new Duchess. Don't ask for sex! Don't ask for sex!' He left the scene as there was nothing else for him to do.

He wanted to just get out of here and go home. The whole ordeal has only done damage rather than good.

Though Viper and Blaire are an addition to his list.

...

It took him another fifteen minutes to find the new duchess. She was in her new office room commanding some of her soldiers when he knocked on the door.

"Come in." She said, her voice firm and commanding. There was no touch of sadness nor of joy. She was simply a woman who knew what she wants.

He opened the door and entered the room.

"Huh..." He stopped as he saw a beautiful lady sitting behind her desk, she was wearing a long, blue dress, and her brown locks danced beautifully in the gentle breeze. She was looking at him with her dark eyes, and a faint smile played on her lips.

Sir Allister stood behind her, clutching the hilt of his sword.

Three or more soldiers stood opposite of the desk and they all turned to look at the guest.

"Sorry to interrupt your meeting, Duchess Blaire," he said.

"Leave us alone." Blaire dismissed the soldiers, they bowed, and exited the room.

Blaire looked at Sir Allister and then back at Damien.

"Sir Allister, you too." She commanded.

"But my lady--" He started to protest but she held her hand.

"He's a hero, commander," she said. "He should be treated as one. Leave us alone."

He reluctantly bowed and left her.

There was a momentary silence, as the two gazed at each other

He slowly walked in, closing the door behind him.

His footsteps sounded loud as they echoed throughout the room and only stopped as he stood near her. He scooped the documents off the table and placed them far on the table before leaning on the table.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey yourself," she replied.

"How are you holding up?" He reached out and caressed her cheeks.

She felt his hand, the warmth of it as she closed her eyes. "Fine," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "A little tired, but fine."

Blaire looked up at him and forced a small smile. He could see the pain in her eyes, the grief that she was trying to hide. He knew what it was like to lose someone, to feel like the world had ended.

"I'm sorry about your father," he said, reaching out to take her hand in his. "If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

Blaire looked down at their hands, feeling a small comfort in his touch. "Thank you," she said, her voice breaking slightly. "It's been difficult, but I'm managing."

He squeezed her hand gently, silently conveying his support. "You don't have to do this alone," he said. "I'm here for you, always."

Blaire looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "I appreciate that," she said, her voice softening. "It means a lot to me."

They sat in silence for a moment, just holding hands and taking comfort in each other's presence. The sound of the wind outside was a soothing background noise, and the room felt peaceful and calm.

Finally, Damien broke the silence. "Would you like to take a walk outside?" he asked, standing up from the table. "It might do you some good to get some fresh air."

Blaire looked up at him, considering his offer. After a moment, she nodded. "Yes, that sounds nice," she said, standing up from her chair as well.

As they walked out of the room, Damien placed a reassuring hand on her back. They walked in comfortable silence, enjoying the quiet beauty of the castle gardens. As they reached the small pond, Damien turned to Blaire.

"I know this must be hard for you," he said, looking at her with compassion. "But just know that you're not alone. You have people who care about you and want to support you."

Blaire looked at him, her eyes filled with tears. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "I really appreciate it."

Damien leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Always," he whispered, wrapping his arm around her as they continued their walk.

"I may have to return to my estate," he said. "As you know, father is not taking it well. I think it would be best if we stayed there until everything settles down."

"Ah, you're going to abandon me now?" She looked at him with a hint of betrayal.

"Wha- no! No." He shook his head. "I wouldn't leave you, ever."

"Relax, Damien." She chuckled. "I was just teasing you."

He stopped on his track and grabbed her hands, seriousness in his eyes."Look..."

She placed her finger on his lips. "I know what you're going to say." She said. "It's not your father's mistake. He didn't know there was a way to save him. It's not his fault."

"Blaire, I..."

"Shhhhh...relax," she said. "What done is done. Dead is dead and we can only care for those who are alive. Take your family and go home. He needs the rest. I can manage here. Don't worry." She squeezed his hands.

"Thank you," he said. "Honestly, thank you very much."

...

So it was decided that Duke Zadkiel and his immediate family, except Daemon and the soldiers, were to leave the duchy for recovery. Daemon and the soldiers were to stay back and help the new duchess to the full of their capacity.

But before that, he needs to see some people, or else trouble is sure to be followed. After all, he wanted to end this problem here, don't want to take them back to the duchy.

Like the only thing he did today, he knocked on the large door.

"Come in," the voice was neither commanding nor overbearing, it was just calm and nonchalant.

He sighed and pushed open the door.

The curator of the Grand Magic Judiciary was seated near a table, reading some documents. She adjusted her round-rim glasses as Damien stepped inside.

She wore a simple white blouse under a black coat and a skirt. Her long, black hair was tied in a bun at the back of her head.

"Good afternoon," he greeted her. "I was wondering if you could spare me a few minutes of your time."

The woman looked up at him, her eyes taking in his appearance. "Of course, young master," she said, standing up from her chair.

"So I was wondering if you still have questions for me? You know, regarding the incident." He said, looking into her eyes.

She gestured for him to follow her. So he did. "Of course, I have questions, young master," she said. "How can I not have any? And I can't leave without knowing the truth."

They walked to the length of the room before she opened a large door, allowing the wind to sweep in. It was a pleasant wind, with a hint of coldness in it, and a faint scent of autumn flowers wafted through the room.

Inside was a balcony overlooking the rocky, stony landscape.

"This is my favorite spot," she said. "I love watching the sunset here. It's very calming."

Damien looked at her, taking note of her words. It was true, a beautiful view it was. The scenery and the lady.

Damien's baby dragon stirred in his pants as he looked at the curator.

'The fuck? She looks like the hot secretary from the video before the boss ravages her as a punishment. Fuck!'

Indeed, she was looking like one, but what can he do? Make one move and he's dead. He knows about her; her view of beauty and lust.

She knows she's hot and sexy. Her busts and buns are top on the list of most desired objects in this world, but she despised people that view her as one. The only way to get through her heart is by being a professional and a gentleman. Which our hero will never come to be.

He sighed internally and looked away from her.

He leaned on the railing, gazing at the horizon and the sun as it sank into the sea.

"Have your memory returned?" She asked, with the same monotone.