The Duke's Silence

Dione made a concerted effort to divert her thoughts from the complicated feelings surrounding Ezra by immersing herself in other matters.

Her first priority after Caleb had finally returned was to make good on her promise of not letting Lady Aisha go. 

Rumors about what happened at the tea party were spread like wildfire by Princess Valerie's people in an attempt to make Dione look like a cold, unforgiving woman. But because Caleb went out that same night to spread rumors of their own in Princess Dione's favor, most people did not find fault with her at all - especially since she had only been so extreme on behalf of the Gods.

In a nation that held deeply religious roots, the people praised Dione for her great faith in the Gods and said it was no wonder that the Gods themselves had chosen to grant her a marriage.

"That's a good thing, isn't it Your Highness?" Marianne asked when she noticed Dione's lips pulled into a frown.

Dione's expression reflected a mix of emotions as she explained, "Yes and no. It's certainly positive that public opinion is shifting in my favor. However, the higher I rise in people's esteem, the more vulnerable I become to others who might seek to undermine me."

Marianne's heart swelled with concern for her mistress. She was well aware of the immense pain and suffering Dione had endured since the death of her father, the Late Emperor. Her worry deepened as she considered the potential threats that might lurk in the shadows.

"But they wouldn't be so brash as to openly target you after you showed your claws at the tea party, right?" Marianne asked, her voice trembling with a mix of concern and apprehension.

Dione's small smile offered reassurance, and she reached out to touch Marianne's hand, imparting a sense of comfort. "I suppose so," she replied, her voice gentle. "But until we depart for the North, you must remain cautious and vigilant. Even if they dare not harm me directly, one can never predict what they might do to those I hold dear. Do you understand?"

Marianne nodded solemnly, her devotion to her mistress unwavering. "I understand, Your Highness. I'll keep a watchful eye, and I'll do everything in my power to ensure your safety and my own." 

She knew that her role as a maidservant extended beyond attending to Dione's physical needs—it also included protecting her from the schemes that swirled around in the palace and becoming an extension of her.

Dione hummed, "Hm, what would I do without my lovely Marianne?" She leaned forward slightly, ruffling the young girl's hair into a mess.

"Your Highness!" Though she complained, a smile blossomed on her face as she backed away. "That reminds me, I still need to pick up a refill on the herbs the doctor prescribed. Will you be alright for a short while?"

It had been two days since the doctor had prescribed her herbs and medication and Marianne had to go out and personally pick up the items whenever she had run low. Because of the strong potency of the medicine, it was refilled on a daily basis and there was never too much of it kept lying around her bedchamber.

"Yes, yes, I'll be just fine. Send in Sir Caleb when you leave please."

Once Marianne left the room, Caleb entered shortly after. 

His eyes were met with the sight of Princess Dione seated by the grand floor-to-ceiling window, which offered a breathtaking view of the garden below. Her honey-blonde hair was elegantly arranged in an updo, with a few loose strands framing her delicate features. In Caleb's eyes, she looked like a muse for the world's most renowned painter—a true embodiment of a Princess.

She looked up at the sound of the door clicking, her vibrant amber eyes trailing up to meet him.

"You wanted to see me, Your Highness?" He asked with a respectful tone.

Though he had never been rude to her in the past when serving her because of her status as the future Duchess Devland, he had never held any real respect for her like he did with the Duke. Blame it on the absurd actions of Princess Valerie that he had witnessed over the years but it made him consciously biased against her.

But Dione had got into a lover's spat with Duke Devland for him and saved him from suffering punishment. In a mixture of thankfulness and guilt from his absence causing her to be attacked, Caleb placed his respect for Dione at the same level as the Duke's.

"Yes," Dione nodded seriously. "Have you heard anything from the Duke as of late? I was under the impression that we would be making preparations to leave for the North soon after he returned but it's been so many days and I still have yet to see his shadow."

This matter weighed heavily on her mind. Not only were they supposed to set out for the North soon, but they also needed to meet with Saintess Naraina to formalize their contract.

It couldn't be possible that he had grown upset with her over their small spat the last time, could it?

Caleb appeared hesitant as he responded, "I haven't heard anything from His Grace either, Your Highness." His own uncertainty mirrored Dione's concerns.

With a sigh, Dione leaned back heavily on the couch nestled by the window. She closed her eyes, rubbing her temples in frustration, "You're his knight, how is it possible that you've heard nothing? Are you not supposed to be in the loop on these kinds of things?"

Caleb, looking somewhat embarrassed, ran his fingers through his hair before responding, "The Duke has always been an exceedingly private individual. Even those who serve closely by his side only have access to the bare essentials of information about him, if that."

Dione's frustration deepened. She found it challenging to comprehend the Duke's level of secrecy, especially when it was causing delays and uncertainty in their plans. "Can't you speak to him on my behalf, then? We can't remain in this state of limbo indefinitely."

Caleb hesitated for a moment before reluctantly admitting, "That might prove to be rather difficult, Your Highness."

"And why is that?"

The knight let out a resigned sigh. It seemed there was little point in withholding the truth. "The Duke has issued a strict order that he will receive no visitors, not even members of his staff or fellow knights. For the past two days, he has secluded himself in one of the guest chambers at the palace, and no one has had any contact with him."

A tight frown formed on Dione's lips. Just what was going on with Duke Devland? 

In the face of Dione's questioning gaze, Caleb spoke without thinking. In his mind, because they would marry and the Duke seemed to care for her, he would inform her eventually.

"His Grace, Duke Devland, is terminally ill."