Galwynn Palace

"What?" Victoria exclaimed while her father became dumbstruck. He had thought the Duke would forget about it. As for Victoria, she was already scared that the Duke would surely hurt her. He won't spare her after how she had disregarded him the previous day.

Balor saw the confusion in their eyes and for a fleeting moment, he felt pity for them. His own question was, 'why the young lady?' "without further ado, the young lady shall return with me to the palace." He made his points clear and Victoria's father swallowed hard.

"What if she doesn't go with you? I would like to personally see the D—" Patrick was suddenly interrupted by the guard, not allowing him to finish his words.

"Then I'm instructed to end both of you at this moment," and he pulled out his sword which was so polished.

Victoria then stepped forward with a determined expression on her face. She wasn't ready for this and neither was her father but could she let him take the fall? No. She had caused this trouble yesterday and also was the one to answer to the punishment, accordingly. "Don't touch my father, he was respectful towards the Duke. Take me to the Duke," she noted before looking behind her to see her father, visibly shaking from her decision.

"You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. Haven't you heard of stories about the Du–" Patrick paused as his eyes met that of the guard. "Just allow me to go in your stead. I'm already old Toria, there isn't much left with me except you. So please, stay." He pleaded to his daughter.

"Father, don't be negative. I did offend the Duke with my actions, I should pay for it willingly not you. You are the best papa I'll ever have. I can't bear to lose you after mother," Victoria said as tears ran down her cheeks. "I'll be back papa," she added before pulling away from his grip.

Just as the guard was about to leave, Patrick immediately grabbed him by his tunic. "Please, don't allow him to kill her. Please. She is all that I have."

Balor felt cautious. He was being put into a tight spot. The Duke would definitely listen to him and the lady's father knew that. "I'm sorry Mr Donovan, the Duke's words are what I follow." Then he pulled Victoria towards the street and into the rain.

"Victoria!!!" Patrick yelled as he stared at his daughter being pulled away like a criminal. Meanwhile, his yell has also drawn some people's attention. Their doors and windows began to unlock as they stared at the baker's daughter being pulled away by a royal guard. Unaware about what was happening.

Amongst these spectators were Mrs Donald who suddenly picked up her umbrella, stepped out of her house and headed towards the Donovan's.

When she got to the small house, she stepped in because the door was opened and on the floor was Patrick who looked pale and cold. Immediately, she went on her knees to check if he was still breathing.

"Poor Patrick. What happened this time?" She whispered to herself before trying to pull the man towards the couch.

While the guard wasn't bothered by the rain, Victoria was shivering all over. "Are we going to the palace by foot?" She asked the man who was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He was still pulling her by her wrist, which was so tight and Victoria was sure that it would turn purplish by tomorrow

When they were now in the open, a black velvety carriage came to a halt a few steps away and Balor dragged the girl towards it.

While Balor was opening the door, Victoria took that as a cue to remove the wet hair from her face.

"Get inside," the guard's strong voice reached her ears. She immediately stepped inside. To Victoria's surprise, the inside was bigger and more warmer than what she had thought. Making herself more comfortable on the seat, the carriage started moving. Heading to the Galwynn Empire where she has never stepped foot before.

*

"Your Grace, another letter has arrived from the Everia King." The governor said as he politely dropped the letter on the desk in the Duke's study. "Also, Lady Macbeth is quite persistent on wanting to leave the palace to visit her friend," he added.

Hareton sighed as he slowly twirls the glass of wine in his hands. "Allow her."

"She wants to leave unchaperoned, Your Grace," the governor added with caution.

Hareton's eyes shot glares at Julius who likes prolonging his conversations. "Then she stays in the palace. If she wants to leave, a guard must be sent with her. You're dismissed." He then closes his eyes to go through all the things in his head.

Just then, Julius the governor entered again. "I'm sorry for disturbing you but–"

"But what Julius!" The Duke yelled in annoyance.

Julius swallowed. "Lady Victoria has arrived alongside Balor, your favorite General commander."

"You don't need to remind me of Balor." Hareton replied before standing up from his seat. Moving his head from side to side, a spark entered his eyes. "Then I shall see Lady Victoria first."

*

The moment the carriage stepped into the mighty gate, Victoria stared in shock and disbelief. Before her was the grand palace of the Galwynn Empire, which stood majestically atop a low hill, its marble walls glistening in the faint sunlight.

The intricate ceramic tiles that adorned the roof shimmered with a subtle blue hue.

Majestic spires, crafted from the finest silverwood, stretched towards the sky, their delicate patterns a testament to the empire's master craftsmen.

As the carriage approached the palace, the soft rustle of the wind through the meticulously manicured gardens created a soothing melody, which she could feel through the window while the gentle burble of the crystal-clear fountains provided a sense of peace and serenity.

The entrance, flanked by imposing stone statues of Galwynn's mythical founders and some strange creatures, led to a grand hall with a ceiling that seemed to disappear into the clouds.

The carriage came to a halt and Victoria stepped out. The rain has finally ceased and the sky was a little clearer than before. Small puddles formed on the concrete ground and Victoria couldn't stop adoring the beauty of this magnificent palace.

While she was enjoying the sight, Balor interrupted her. "It's time for you to meet His Grace."

Victoria felt her heart shatter upon hearing that. Then she started following Balor as they ascended the long stairs leading to the huge door of the palace.

Just then, a sulking lady steps out with a guard behind her. Next, came a man whose hair was now a mix of black and grey. The middle aged man was neatly dressed in a black pants and a red tunic which adorned him perfectly.

"Julius, alert the Duke about the arrival of Lady Victoria," Balor said and the man politely nodded before disappearing behind a door.

Meanwhile, Victoria kept filling her eyes as she stared at the heavenly looking silver chandeliers which were hanging from the high ceiling of the large hallroom.

Then she heard sharp and eager footsteps heading towards her. Bringing her eyes to look ahead, she saw the Duke heading towards them with a smug smile on his face. He was cladded in a black shirt and pants, which matched fairly with his skin and dark hair and dark polished boots.

"Welcome to my gentle abode, sweet Victoria," Hareton grinned mischievously.