Silvercrest (3)

After delighting herself with the food in front of her, Celine raised her hand, gesturing for the maids and attendants to leave the room. She wanted a moment of solitude to gather her thoughts and then discuss matters of import with Atticus.

"Thank you, everyone. You may go," Celine spoke in a gentle yet authoritative tone.

One by one the maids and attendants bowed and curtsied before exiting the dining hall, leaving Celine to herself.

"Atticus," She called out to her personal attendant.

He once again appeared out of nowhere, as if by magic and perhaps it was.

Celine leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on her attendant. "Atticus, what news do you bring from the Silvercrest estate?"

Atticus cleared his throat, trying to maintain a composed demeanour. "Miss Celine, there are a few matters that require your attention. Firstly, I'm pleased to inform you that the expansion of the crystal mine to the north of the duchy, as per your mother, the duchess's, wishes, has been progressing smoothly. The miners have reported a promising discovery of high-quality crystals, which will significantly benefit our magic department."

Celine's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "That's fantastic news, Atticus."

"Indeed, Miss Celine," he replied.

Celine's attention sharpened as she sensed a change in her attendant's demeanour. "Is there something else you'd like to share with me?"

Atticus paused briefly, his expression turning slightly sombre. "Yes, Miss… I regret to inform you that your father, Duke Alexander Silvercrest, has fallen ill as of this morning. The court physicians are attending to him. His condition this morning was quite grave, however he seems to be doing better now."

"What do you mean he's sick?!" She exclaimed.

A wave of panic and concern washed over her as she absorbed the news. Her father had always been a pillar of strength and guidance in her life, and the thought of him being unwell struck a chord within her.

"He was fine just the other day when all three of us had dinner!" She continued, her voice filled with confusion.

Atticus raised his hand, trying to calm the young girl's unease. "I understand your shock, your grace. It seems that your father's illness…Developed rapidly overnight."

"What illness is it? Is he going to be alright?" Celine's face contorted with worry.

"I do not know, Miss."

"Can I go see him?" Celine asked.

"Yes, of course, Miss Celine."

***

Atticus nodded sympathetically. "Please, Miss, allow me to accompany you to his chambers. The physicians have allowed visitors, but they advise caution as his condition is still delicate."

Celine rose from her seat, her appetite forgotten as she followed Atticus out of the dining hall and through the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion. The once-familiar hallways now felt ominous, and the air around the place felt heavy and suffocating.

Finally, they arrived at a grand oak door, adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of the Silvercrest family's legacy. Atticus paused, his hand resting on the doorknob.

"Miss Celine, I hope you'll be alright. Your father's appearance may be unsettling, but he's doing better than he looks," Atticus cautioned her.

Ceiling took a deep breath, steadying herself for what lay beyond the door. With a firm nod, she reached out and pushed the door open, revealing her father's room bathed in the soft glow of candlelight.

The room was spacious yet intimate, decorated with plush furnishing and shelves lined with books. At the centre of it all lay a four-poster bed, draped in rich velvet curtains. The place smelled of incense and medicine.

Duke Alexander Silvercrest, a man who once exuded power and authority, now laid frail and pale against his silk sheets.

Her heart sank at the sight of her sickly father. She approached his bedside, her steps slow, the gravity of the situation had finally weighed upon her.

"Papa," she called out to him, her voice choking with emotion.

Duke Silvercrest's eyes fluttered open, his gaze momentarily clouded before focusing on his daughter. A weak smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Celine…my dear, you've come."

"Yes, Papa. You'll be okay right?" Celine asked, almost pleading while she held her father's hand as she sat next to him.

The duke mustered a reassuring smile, though his voice betrayed him. "I'm fine, my dear. It's just a small illness, nothing for you to worry about."

"But you're not fine!" She retorted, tears now falling the side of her face.

"I can never seem to escape from you, my little girl." He said weakly.

Alexander reached out gently and cupped his daughter's cheek, wiping her tears with his thumb. "It's ok, don't cry, my dear," he said, his touch was feeble yet filled with tenderness. "I've known for a while, I was poisoned, I just do not know when."

"Poisoned?" Celine asked in shock, her expression turning from surprise, to anger, and then back to being solemn.

"I will not pass from a poison like this, but…I won't be capable of managing the family's affairs anymore. At least not until a cure is found…"

"But who would dare? Who did this, father?" She asked anger now threatening to overwhelm her as she held her father's hand that was caressing her cheek.

"It's okay, my dear. These things happen. Your mother has already made the necessary preparations."

"Hic…" Her crying suddenly grew more intense. "I love you, Papa." Celine hugged her father.

"I love you too, my dear," he whispered under his breath, he was growing weaker by the minute. "Remember that no matter what happens you're my daughter, you have the strength to overcome any challenge."

The duke's eyes shifted slightly, as if focusing on something beyond the room. "There is something else I must tell you, Celine. Your brother will finally be coming home, so you won't be too lonely even without me, haha…" He chuckled, his voice beginning to grow coarse.

Surprise flickered in Celine's eyes. She had not seen her older brother in years, as he had ventured off to distant lands to pursue his own path. The prospect of his return both intrigued and unsettled her, but if he was being forced to return then things at the estate didn't bode well.

Rest now, and focus on getting better. I will be here, by your side, Papa."

Duke Alexander nodded weakly, his eyelids growing heavy. "Thank you, my dear... I love you."

Celine sat in silence, watching over her father as he drifted into a peaceful slumber.