Chapter 23 "Abomination"

Silence fell on us, the chilling breeze of the north blowing.

She laughed, scoffing at my declaration

The duke showed up, approached us with a few long strides as of to stop her from saying anything further.

What did she mean by abomination? Did the duchess not die because of childbirth?

More mysteries and more secrets no one is willing to unveil...

I need to know more about this.

I asked despite the glares of the duke

The duke released a powerful aura of freezing energy making which put us all to our knees. The aura became sharper and heavier, the time of my finger started to become blue from the cold.

I passed out.

~~~~

I woke up to the sound crackling fire wood.

The entire charade I caused for some forewood ended more or less with a success. I mean, I did get the firewood I wanted so I guess that's a win?

But despite that, I can't shake the words that hag spat on my face. The duke's reaction made it obvious that something is being kept a secret from me and it's related to Satiana's birth and The death of the duchess.

I can't ask the duke nor the hag about this since they'll find it a perfect reason to punish me, and since I don't want to freeze to death I think I'll skip asking them again.

I just need to be patient, surely an opportunity will present itself in the future. After all, all secrets must be revealed at some point.

At that moment an idea popped in my head

I asked

She suddenly dropped the silver water jug, spilling the water on the carpet covered floor.

She frantically approached came closer with a face that had more expression than I had ever seen on her

I said taking her shaky hands off my shoulders

Why is she reacting this strongly, I only considered this as a way to get the answer straight from the horse's mouth, aka the duchess.

she held my hands in hers and looked me in the eye

Well, a ghost seance isn't the answer so I'll just have to get it from someone else.

And here I thought I would do some real life ouija board! What a disappointment...

Someone came knocking at the door and entered when given permission. A maid servant brought in a letter on a silver plate.

I took the letter and stared at it for a moment thinking whether I should or shouldn't open it.

It's from the cheating bastard. I wonder if he's in the temple again, kissing that nun?

I was already in a bad mood because of the duke and the hag I have for an aunt, and now this...?

I opened the envelope and began reading the letter. Two lines after I scoffed

After reading the content I shred the letter to pieces and instant burned it with a click of my fingers not leaving any ashes behind.

He's inviting me to a tea party hosted by the princess as his plus one. I see that he do care about his public image at least?

I still need the prince by my side for now, he has yet to finish fulfilling his role as my human shield (read:garbage cheater shield) until I succeed in my plan.

She nodded her head

A tea party huh? It's good that I turned that brat Priscilla into my pawn. Let's see how far this will go.