Chapter 154

"That, I cannot say for certain," Ruth muttered. "The duke we know would never tarnish the Croyso name by engaging in an act of revenge. Especially not one that would be viewed as disgraceful. He may be a terrible despot of a man, but he's not a fool willing to jeopardize his authority by openly defying the Council's decision."

Ruth paused and walked to the corner of the infirmary, where there was a cauldron simmering on the brazier. "But a dying man becomes indifferent to the future," he continued, stirring the cauldron's contents with a ladle. "His family's prestige, even his own status, might mean little to him now. Who knows if he is even thinking rationally with revenge on his mind."