67 Affection

"What did I miss?" As Lucas Feuerlon walked towards Faustina and Maddie, the growing murmurs increased. Just a moment ago gazes were directed to Faustina, but now mumbles (not-so-silent chatters) were scattered all across Feuer Chateau. Nobles whispering. Disoriented faces, obviously making their personal assumptions.

Faustina can only name a few—several distinguishable and prevalent enigmas that are dispensed evenly among the arrays of the nobles.

"Look at her. Is that Lucas Feuerlon with her?"

"Don't tell me, she's..."

"The Duke's... illegitimate child? With the peasant woman? But her hair..."

"She's clearly possessing the Verteidigerin trait. But the duke only had two children..."

"Never mind that. Did you see the way she talked to Lilliane Desfiegro?"

"Oh, I saw that," says another. "Insolence. She's a Feuerlon, how could she be so... barbarous."

"Uncivilized, you mean?"