The Bloodrose Family (Part - II)

Continued From...

'Royal palace... It seems to him that the royal one was trying to protect the rat. So they could use this rat to create further unrest for him in the future.'

"She talked about it during the awakening day celebration?"

"Indeed, her Majesty Queen Violeta was the one who brought this topic during her talks."

The existence of his daughter would not remain a top-secret, he knew of it. But it was not something, the Queen could come to know as she wishes. Duke Armaturov has suspicion how she came to know of it.

The royal blood is not hereditary and his Majesty, King Luther Vennon Sangrey has assumed that position several years back, by taking advantage of the loophole in this same truth. However, it didn't give him the satisfaction that the power and authority he so desired should provide as he would have to return it to the rightful heir if one appeared someday. This became his weakness, which resulted in his current state of suspicion and paranoia.

"Are you sure you couldn't find anything about the one pulling the strings behind the scenes?"

"There's is no mistake, I have investigated in depth but no one from the royal faction made any visits to the palace."

Royal faction consists of those clans who helped King Luther all those years ago in ascending the throne. As two hundred years have passed, it has grown in size since then. His own clan was in the opposition. Currently, the most favored was Magnus clan, Queen Violeta's maternal family, and Payne clan, Duke Rojas Payne's family. Both clan's members have been behaving more outrageously and his Majesty has assumed a stance of closing one eye on them. It is more shocking to hear that this time it is none of the clans who are behind this. He skimmed through the report once more.

"Then I assume she got this information through him?"

"I have not been able to find if it has anything to do with his Majesty, but if you wish, I shall continue my investigation."

Duke Armaturov had wondered what would the royal one do when faced with this news. And they really were not pleased with it. Nevertheless, he cannot do anything about it. And although he is not afraid to offend him and believes in Atlas skills, it is not urgent to have it investigated. There are more pressing matters that need his attention.

"That's fine, it's not important anymore. Soon the sneaky rat will come out on his own. Currently, it is of the essence to give a direction to this news, so it will not be able to leak more information." He provided a brief description of his conclusion. It did not take him too long to make his decision. He could not go through this one like his any other responsibilities, therefore he has to accomplish this himself.

"Please give me your orders Master." Atlas was ready to receive his order but first, he would take a rest, yet the next order made him doubt his hearings.

"I will be going to Araceli tomorrow with Vladimir. For now, you will stay here, in the mansion for security. Go back to your duties."

Atlas: "..." 'Master, what happened to the promised *rest for a while* for my tired mind and soul.

Zoran: "..." He feels pity for this valiant knight.

Duke Armaturov did not notice the colorful expressions of his subordinates.
'The brat needs to attend the awakening ritual which only happens once a year and tomorrow is the last day of the one-week long ceremony.' He couldn't delay this any longer, but the priority is to arrange everything here before he leaves for the Araceli. It would take two days of time for him to return in case he travels through the teleportation gate. And it is out of the option to use his own magic warp, as it could not cover such long-range.

"Oh and call Nester here."

Just hearing the first word, Atlas almost believed his Master's conscience has returned. In the end, it turned out to be this. Some years have passed and those twins still don't like to get involved with him. If he goes to deliver the message, the likelihood of getting challenged for a duel is high, as it has been the case since ten years ago.

'Ah... I just want to take a nap. Is it that difficult of a wish?!'

Now he knows why Master did not punish him. He really wishes to beg for the punishment from him instead of dueling with that guy...

"As you wish Master." In the end, he accepted his defeat and departed for his pending doom.

Duke Armaturov could not focus back on the work. His red eyes glowed even darker when he was in deep thought. He habitually asked his Butler.

"Zoran, where's your Lady?"

Zoran was a kind of butler to keep the information regarding every movement in the mansion. So for him, it was very easy to answer the inquiry. Yet, this time he delayed in replying. He hesitated a bit then replied.

"Her Grace hasn't received any message from her lady in waiting, Lady Emrys and spirit familiar, Miss Freesia, as such she is doing a ritual to reestablish the link to Miss Freesia."

At those words, Duke Armaturov froze. His head ached and he felt that same fear of losing her, then it was replaced by the anger of frustration. And this anger was targeted at himself.

'Ha... I told her to not conduct any kind of ritual for the time being. It is my fault, I should have known better than to believe that she would do as such. Whenever she chooses to do something she is just as persistent as myself. And she is extremely protective of her people, that's why I do not interfere until she wishes to. But this time she went too far...'

Then immediately after that he stood up and used warping to take off leaving behind a single sentence.

"I'm going there."

'My Lady forgive me for letting you down.'

Zoran knew that he breached the trust of his Master but it is also his duty to look after the safety of his Master.

The door of Cordelia's chamber creaked open and Nester poked his head in the gap between the two gates and whispered as if it would not disturb the sleeping baby, "Ah! Edrie I forgot to mention that bast*rd came back from the Capital. I will teach him a lesson when I see him and if he dares to come near young Lady or yourself call for your big brother!"

Baby Cordelia who was having a peaceful time taking nap at once woke up again from the creaking noise no need to mention the so-called whispering. She just wanted to make this disturbing individual disappear. Her head was throbbing from all the smallest disturbances. Still, she diverted her attention to the new information obtained from the chatterbox.

'A new individual... Most probably a knight like these two. Judging by the way chatterbox speaks of him, either he doesn't like the new knight or they both are hostile to each other.'

Chatterbox Nester unaware of his dark future where his name would change was planning how to beat up Atlas.

Edriesa froze for a few seconds, but before he could notice she corrected him in a few degree colder tone, "Nester Xarya do not call me that next time."

It couldn't be found out what irritated her more, the name or the news of Atlas's return. But the frown on her small face seems to throw daggers at her twin brother. Baby Cordelia could feel the changes in the mood of Edriesa. She herself could not tell how she perceived it but she was sure that she did not mistake.

'She has strong feelings for this man... Either hate or love.'

"When did you got so big to call your brother by his name...?!"

His aggrieved tone almost made Cordelia believe him. Truthfully she wanted to receive more information if it can be attained but the conversation was going in the similar path it went last time.

"Say one more word and you are forbidden to enter this chamber in the near future..." Finally, Edriesa expressed her unwillingness to discuss any further. And it did render her twin speechless.

'And it came as it should...' Cordelia couldn't help but comment inside. She certainly wished for him to answer back so that he couldn't enter her chamber again.

Next second the door to the chamber was shut closed bringing back the peaceful tranquility which made Cordelia lull to slumber.