Chapter 13

Iris decided to spend the night at the orphanage. She knew the children were shocked with the incident. Eli's wound needed to be attended too. Iris thought this will be the best time since no one will see.

As she used her power, some eyes from the wood direction lurked. Some gushes of wind were heard

Pshhyyuuuu… An arrow shot directly to the door of the orphanage.

"Got you." The arrow was caught by the hand of The Duke.

"I WILL HAUNT YOU."

"I heard some movement, and you are still here? Eheeeyyyy… still guilty??"

"Now is not the time to joke around, Jude. Here."

"Ah another one. How come?"

"Now, I am curious who they targeted? This always happen when me and her together. Maybe this is some kind of warning or sign?"

"It also always happened at night."

Inside they hear some steps, Selma get out. They cover her mouth as soon as she closed the door.

"Duke…" Selma shocked.

"Ssshhhss… Tell me anything happened inside?"

"Nothing, all clear, Duke. However, the Princess is not sleep yet."

"Not sleep?" Duke Iowyrthe turn his gaze to Marquis Judah.

"Let's go."

With the lightest step possible they were going inside. They stood in front of the door, when Agnes asked Princess, "Your Highness, just put him down. You need to rest too. It is been a long day."

"That's alright, Agnes. This is the most comfortable position for him with those wounds. That's what my mother did if I am in pain or sick. You may rest."

"Princess, why are you so kind. I will be by your side. Let me know if you need anything."

"Sure, make yourself comfortable."

With hand gesture, Marquis express his anger towards the Duke.

"Alright, send knights here. They still have to watch."

When Iris wake up some of the children already woke up. Eli seemed to get better too. Apparently, he took all the hit for the younger children. That's why he has so many wounds. They put him on the bed.

As she just about to walk back to her room, a young lady around her age appeared. She brought books and an umbrella.

"Miss Paulette…" the children shouted.

"Greetings to you, Miss Paulette. I hope you can take care of the children better."

"With pleasure, do I know you?"

"She is the Princess, Miss."

"I apologize, Princess, pardon my rudeness."

"No problem. Just please take care of them with love."

"Of course. You look pale, Princess." Miss Paulette inspired by the humility.

"Yes, I was about to rest in my room for a while. See you again." Iris then walked to her room. She felt cold. She then collapsed in her bed. She woke up when she heard knock on her door. She spruced up herself and answer the door.

"Ah, Marquis. Pardon me, I am still tired. How can I help you?"

"I just want to tell you the mandatory schedule. Since it was already past noon, how about an hour tea time with the Duke."

"I actually don't want to see him, but alright." She sighed.

"Where do you want it to be? I suggest the garden will be nice."

"I take your suggestion then."

"Sure, guess we will meet in two hours?"

"With pleasure, Milord."

She closed the door. An hour later, another knock came in. This time is Rosetta.

"May I help you prepare, Princess?"

"Thank you. I appreciate your help."

When Rosetta saw her right arm, she gasped, "Your arm, Princess! I will bring medicine."

"Later, Rosetta, after the tea. Now we will be late."

She wore a light purple dress with long sleeve. The dress was thin. Meanwhile, the wind of autumn blew. In a few days or weeks from that, winter will come. They walk to the Garden. The Duke Iowyrthe and Marquis Judah was already in the garden. The tea was served inside a white gazebo.

"Good afternoon, I didn't know there is this place. Pretty."

"Many things you didn't know."

Marquis, maids, servants, and the butler facepalmed in their heart.

They ate the cake silently. When the awkward mood went on and on, the Butler said, "How are things going, Your Highness?"

"Ah, it is okay. I have rest well."

"Are you okay?" Duke suddenly interrupted.

"I am fine." Iris answered short.

Rosetta muttered and pointed her arm, "Nooooo. Her arm hurts."

"Is your arm hurt?"

"I also don't like to repeat myself. I've told you; I am fine."

The Duke were burst red holding up anger. All his subordinate signed him to calm down.

"I want to reward you for handling yesterday incident. Apparently, you have something worth at the very least. What do you want?"

"I want three days off of the mandatory schedule. We can work it out right, Marquis?"

"Ah… Yes." Reading the nuance, Marquis Kvasir didn't dare to object her.

The Duke clenched his fist.