Chapter 93 - - 93 - Desire and Duty

Chapter 93: Chapter - 93 - Desire and Duty

Anne walked through the dimly lit hallway alongside Princess Sylvie, their footsteps echoing against the ancient stone walls. The news had spread quickly through the palace—Prince Andrin had escaped from his cell just hours ago. Now, Anne found herself being summoned to meet with Queen Cynthia, and the weight of the situation pressed heavily on her shoulders.

When they reached the queen’s chamber, Anne’s eyes fell upon Queen Cynthia seated upon an ornate chair that resembled a throne—perhaps it was simply because the queen occupied it with such natural authority. The queen’s expression was troubled, her fingers drumming against the armrest.

"So you’ve heard the news, I’m assuming," Queen Cynthia said, her voice carrying the exhaustion of a ruler who had weathered too many storms.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Prince Andrin escaped just a few hours ago," Anne replied, bowing her head.

"Indeed. It will bring shame to the royal family." Queen Cynthia’s jaw tightened. "People will assume someone from within our own blood helped him escape. If word spreads, there are chances of rebellion as well—especially since Prince Andrin is a public enemy and the person who poisoned the public water supply."

"What should we do, Mother? If word gets out, things will be truly dire," Princess Sylvie said, her brow furrowed with worry.

"We need someone we can trust to hunt down Prince Andrin. Someone powerful enough that the news doesn’t spread beyond our control," Queen Cynthia said, her eyes narrowing in calculation.

"Then perhaps we can use Lord Lucien," Princess Verna spoke up from where she stood. "He is strong, and you’ve given him your personal emblem. He helped Princess Sylvie and serves as her champion. What if we asked him?"

Ever since Verna had witnessed Lucien during the Trial of Imperial Succession, she had been terrified of him. But she also remembered Queen Cynthia’s words—that he might be the only hope for them. So to please her mother, she wanted to get closer to Lucien, because that was what her mother desired.

"I’ve already made my decision to involve Lucien. He was involved when Prince Andrin was captured for this crime—he was the one who proved it—so he will get involved regardless. But I want him for more than that." Queen Cynthia paused, her gaze sweeping over her daughters. "If only one of you could marry him, things would be much easier."

"I-I’ll try to get closer to Lord Lucien," Princess Verna said, her voice betraying her hesitation.

Queen Cynthia studied her daughter, recognizing the source of her reluctance. There were two reasons: first, Verna was terrified of Lucien; second, she harbored a soft spot for her bodyguard Norrik—a man who was clearly in love with her, though Verna herself seemed uncertain of her own feelings. But getting closer to Lucien was far more beneficial for them in the long term. Queen Cynthia approached and cupped her daughter’s cheeks.

"My daughter, I know you may not like Lucien, but if he is who I believe him to be, he is the only person who can save you—and the demonic nature that runs through our blood. I don’t know how much time we have, but if neighboring countries discover the truth about us, war is imminent. And who knows—perhaps our own subjects will turn against us as well. So please, whenever you make your decisions, make them wisely."

"I understand, Mother. I will not disappoint you," Princess Verna said, her voice steadier now.

"Then tomorrow, Princess Verna and Anne, inform the retainers that you’ll visit Vale Mansion in a few days. Lucien isn’t here right now, so it will take him some time to return," Queen Cynthia instructed.

"Why Anne, Mother?" Princess Sylvie asked, confusion evident in her tone.

"First, I want Anne to resolve her conflict with Lucien. In the future, it could become problematic. Second, I want Anne to prove her loyalty once again—because last time, she betrayed you, and I don’t want that to happen again. Especially now that she is entangled in our royal family’s secrets." Queen Cynthia’s voice carried a domineering edge that brooked no argument.

"Any questions?" the queen asked.

"No, Your Majesty. It is a befitting way to prove my loyalty toward Princess Sylvie and Your Majesty. Thank you for giving me another chance," Anne said, bending to one knee with her head bowed.

At the Vale Estate, Lucien had returned. He stood in his bathing chamber, warm water cascading over his sculpted form as he processed the news of Prince Andrin’s escape. He didn’t care much about the prince himself, but he understood that this single factor could lead to something significant—or perhaps nothing at all. His mind churned with possibilities as he stood with arms spread, his blonde hair wet and clinging to his shoulders. Maisy worked diligently, cleaning his arms and shoulders—muscles like steel carved into perfection. She had always loved this duty, the intimacy of caring for him.

Her fingers traced the contours of his shoulders with practiced familiarity, feeling the tension coiled beneath his skin. The warm water dripped from his body, and she watched the steam rise around them, creating a private world where only the two of them existed.

"So, how was the trip, my lord? I hope you enjoyed your vacation... without me," Maisy teased, a playful smile on her lips.

"It was good," Lucien replied simply. Then he grabbed her, pulling her closer until her face was mere inches from his. "But it would have been better if you were there."

Maisy’s cheeks flushed crimson. "My—my lord, if you missed me, then why didn’t you take me with you? I felt... lonely."

Her voice had dropped to a whisper, vulnerability bleeding through her usual playful demeanor. The days without him had stretched endlessly, each one blending into the next without his presence to anchor her.

Their relationship transcended that of master and servant—it went deeper than even childhood friends. Lucien immediately grasped her hand and pulled her into the water. Her long maid’s skirt soaked instantly, clinging heavily to her legs.

"Ah, my lord! What are you doing?" Maisy gasped, though her body offered no resistance.

Lucien moved behind her, his presence warm and close. The warmth of the water surrounded them as he embraced her from behind, his lips brushing her ear.

"You tell me—what do you think? Did I not miss you? Every night I thought of you." His voice was a low murmur, his breath warm against her skin, sending shivers cascading down her spine.

She didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned back against him.

Their kiss was desperate, filled with all the longing that had built during their separation. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the warmth of the water and the closeness between them. His hands rested around her waist as she held onto him, neither wanting to let the other go.

The moment grew more intimate, but before anything further could happen, a pair of maids entered.

"My lord, Princess Verna is here to meet you."

Lucien pulled back, his expression composed despite the interruption. Maisy lowered her gaze, still visibly flustered by how suddenly their private moment had been broken.

"Tell her to wait. I’ll be there in a few minutes. Take care of her properly," Lucien commanded.

One maid immediately left to attend to the princess, while the other remained standing awkwardly.

Lucien stepped out of the water, water streaming down his body as he headed for his chambers.

Maisy emerged completely soaked, her dress heavy with water, her hair slightly disheveled and her face still flushed from their interrupted moment. Her eyes were cold as she looked at the standing maid—the intruder who had shattered their stolen moment.

"Maisy, you’re completely wet. Let me get you a towel," the maid offered.

"Are you stupid? Couldn’t you have come later? It’s so hard to find time with Lord Lucien, and you ruined it," Maisy snapped, her tone frustrated but laced with dark amusement.

The maid flinched. "I’m so sorry, Maisy, but the guards said it was urgent."

"It’s fine. I don’t know what would have happened otherwise." Maisy’s face flushed at the thought. She hugged her arms around herself as she tried to regain her composure.

Verity, the maid, watched Maisy’s expression shift—from irritation to something dreamier, more private. She had heard rumors about Maisy and the lord, whispers exchanged in the servants’ quarters, but watching Maisy now, the girl’s feelings were written plainly across her face.

She stepped out of the water, her clothes dripping, and walked past Verity. Before leaving, she paused and looked back at the bathing chamber—at the water still rippling from where Lucien had been.

A small, secret smile curved her lips.

Princess Verna and Anne sat together in a luxurious room—an unusual pairing, as they were not often seen together. Along with them was Norrik, Princess Verna’s bodyguard. The Vale family’s fortunes had changed dramatically; they were no longer a fallen house.

"Don’t worry, Princess Verna. I’m here. I’ll protect you if anything happens," Norrik said, though deep down he knew he was afraid of Lucien. If Princess Verna hadn’t yielded during the trial, he would have been rotting somewhere deep in the ground.

"It’s fine, Norrik. Lord Lucien is an ally, and we’re here to seek his help, so there’s no need to be wary," Princess Verna assured him.

"She’s right," Anne interjected. "You weren’t even able to defeat me—what could you possibly do against him?"

Anne had fought Lucien once and had been on the verge of death, but she respected a strong man.

"If it’s for Princess Verna, I could fight even Lucien Vale," Norrik declared.

"Oh, really?"

The familiar voice came from behind Norrik—from his very shadow. Lucien emerged from the darkness, his shadow predator ability manifesting in a way none of them had ever witnessed. Everyone was stunned, too frightened to speak. They had known Lucien was powerful, but the revelation that he still possessed hidden abilities shook them to their core.

How many things are you hiding, Lucien? Anne thought, her mind racing.

Lucien smiled warmly and bowed toward the princess. "It’s an honor to meet you, Princess Verna. So, what can I do for you?"

"I know you already know what’s happened while you were gone. Prince Andrin has escaped the prison," Anne said.

Lucien and Anne had fought once and had barely conversed since, yet she felt as though she knew him—after all, they had exchanged blows in a battle that people still spoke of with reverence. Their legendary fight had been recorded, and people watched it over and over just to feel the adrenaline. Lucien didn’t mind casual conversation; in fact, he hated the pleasantries and noble rules that governed courtly life.

"Oh, Prince Andrin? Ah, if I remember correctly, wasn’t he your lover as well?" Lucien said, his tone teasing.

"Yeah, yeah, you bastard. You got that right—you really do love pissing people off," Anne shot back, her teeth clenched but a smile playing at her lips.

"Maybe," Lucien replied, his smile widening.

Anne sighed. "I know you hate these etiquette games, and I hate them too, so let’s just get down to business."

Lucien sat down, and everyone else followed suit, releasing a collective sigh of relief. Princess Verna and Norrik had been terrified that Lucien might become angry, but they relaxed when they realized Anne understood him far better than they did.

"So, what is Prince Andrin up to these days?" Lucien asked.

"Well, we have a few clues from our shadow agents and..." Anne paused, then continued, "I think he plans to start a war."

Lucien sighed.