A shiver ran through her as she realized, her only option was to turn to the very person who had planned this nightmare.
She, a proud viscountess would now have to plead for mercy from the very same man who had unleashed such chaos upon her life.
She clenched her fists in anger and fury but the truth remained that Julian was her only possible savior in this trap he had set. She hoped that she could somehow negotiate with the devil.
Back in the king's room, Duke Ethwer spoke up, "Let's remain here and protect His Majesty. The assassin may attempt another attack." The other dukes nodded in agreement.
The king however, softened his gaze as he turned to Julian. He had a faint smile in his face.
"My grandson has grown to a wise and strong man," he said with pride clear in his voice.
Alden's eyes watered with emotion at the king's words. Hearing the king finally recognize Julian as his grandson was a proud moment for Alden that he had waited for countless years to be part of.
However, Julian simply offered a polite smile and was not moved by the king's sudden acknowledgement.
What happiness could he feel from someone who needed almost two decades to finally acknowledge his own grandson?
He could not entertain the idea and did not want to indulge in such wishful fantasy of him having another grandfather out of nowhere. He clearly did not acknowledge the king as his grandfather, but he did not dare show it.
The king who was unaware of Julian's deeper motives, continued, "He possesses the sharpest mind among us. While we were quick to suspect the Viscount, a man who has served this kingdom loyally for many years, Julian alone saw the wisdom in granting him the chance to prove his innocence."
The dukes nodded in agreement all oblivious that this was all planned by Julian himself.
Alden chuckled with pride shining in his eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty, it seems age is catching up with us. Soon, I might need to step down and let the younger generation take the reins."
The king laughed, "If you call yourself old, then I must be a bag of bones by now!"
Duke Hans joined in, "Nonsense, Your Majesty. You will still rule for a thousand more years."
The king and the dukes shared laughter, and for a moment, it seemed as if the assassination attempt never happened in the first place
"Who" The viscount asked.
The viscountess looked around and with a low whisper, "Julian" she said.
The viscount swallowed hard while his mind raced as he processed her words. "Julian?" he asked.
"How can Lord Julian save us? And why do you call him a devil?"
The viscountess looked around cautiously as if ensuring no one was listening before leaning closer.
"Because we do not know who he truly is," she whispered. "No one does. Not the king, not the dukes, not even his own father."
Her voice rose slightly as anxiety seeped into her words. "He hides his true self behind a mask of charm and grace"
The viscount's mind raced as he processed his wife's words.
"What are you talking about?" he asked in disbelief. "How can you even say such a thing?"
Discover stories with mvl
The viscountess looked him in the eye, her expression a mixture of fear and desperation. "I can't explain it all right now," she said, her voice trembling, "But he's the only one who can help us. We have no other choice."
The viscount's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why would he help us? What could we offer him?"
She hesitated for a moment before responding, her voice quieter but filled with an undeniable tension. "He will not help us out of kindness but he will if we give him what he wants"
The viscount's eyes widened as he realized the implications of her words. "You mean... we have to bargain with him?"
The viscountess nodded solemnly. "Yes. We'll have to offer him something he wants"
The viscount's eyes widened as he realized what her word's implied.