Chapter 12 - 12 - Duchess Maria’s Doubts

Chapter 12: Chapter 12 - Duchess Maria's Doubts

Zeph's POV

"Elsa, my dear, hide behind me, now," she panicked, shielding her child from the looming shadow of a giant bear. She couldn't comprehend how such a colossal beast had found its way into the heart of the city.

"N-no, m-mother! I will distract this monster; you run," Elsa insisted with determination, causing my face to twitch. This mother-daughter duo needed some common sense.

I stepped into the light, revealing my face as I offered, "Come with me. I'll protect both you and your mother, Elsa."

But before I could finish my sentence, a voice interrupted, "What a pleasant surprise, Young Master Zephyr, coming into our Duchy."

At that moment, the only thought racing through my mind was, "Shit, what awful timing."

.

.

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"Oh, Duchess Maria, what a pleasant surprise," I exclaimed, maintaining my facade of surprise.

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Maria's POV

As I continued with my official work related to the Duchy, my ring suddenly buzzed, causing me to startle. It only buzzed for important announcements from 'The Obsidian Order,' and I couldn't believe the name I saw – 'Duchess Kassidy.'

How she managed to attain such a position was beyond me. She had abandoned her child, deeming him useless. Still, her newfound status implied that she had found a suitable heir.

My mind raced as I received news of Young Master Zephyr entering my territory. While it wasn't prohibited, the manner of his arrival and sudden departure from his county raised questions.

There had to be something significant that happened.

I couldn't help but notice him approaching Elsa. I knew her name because I had witnessed her being mistreated by other children many times.

I often saw her mother consoling her, but I had never intervened. Now, with Zephyr taking an interest in them, I couldn't help but wonder about his intentions.

Did he have some peculiar fascination with them?

Was he interested in that woman's body?

However, his statement about coming to meet me piqued my interest.

There had to be a connection between his visit and Kassidy's newfound status.