Rosie's Games

"An invitation from the Queen? Did she not know that a dreadful disease has suddenly plagued the estate?" the Duke thundered, his dissatisfaction laced with anger. He glared at Denys, demanding a full account of the recent events in the palace. His fingers clenched around the invitation as he considered tearing it apart.

Denys hesitated for a moment, aware of the Duke's growing rage. "It appears that Queen Aurinda has been growing closer to Lady Dorothy," he began cautiously. "The Lady has been pleading with the Queen to visit the estate and help heal the afflicted, but Her Majesty believes it would be too dangerous for her. However, it seems the Queen wishes to celebrate Lady Dorothy's birthday and honor the Madam simultaneously, hence her desire to see the Madam."

Lucas, his mind drifting to the slumbering form of the new Duchess, a result of their passionate affair the previous night, couldn't help but smile. "She will not be coming," he declared a note of triumph in his voice.

"Yes, Your Grace," Denys responded, his tone respectful yet tinged with concern.

"Is there anything else?" the Duke inquired sharply, his patience wearing thin.

"Her Majesty also seemed determined to convince Lady Dorothy to stay permanently in the palace, despite the chaos reigning in Aster," Denys revealed.

"So, the Duke of Aster has finally decided to make his move?" the Duke mused aloud, his eyes gleaming with a mix of anticipation and malice.

"Yes, Your Grace. The political landscape in Aster is in turmoil, and the other members of the Seven Families are neglecting Aster, diverting their attention to the Blaize Family. The return of His Blessedness Blaize has captivated everyone's interest, and they await the Blaize Family's next move," Denys explained.

"Excellent," the Duke sneered, a wicked smile forming on his lips. "The absence of Federico has weakened the Lux Family, and Martin Lux will not be able to hold on. He will seek assistance from the others."

"Do you have any instructions for Aster?" Denys asked.

"Naturally…." Lucas spoke, a smirk plastered on his face. "Let us make it more chaotic…"

Meanwhile, Rosalind, still nestled in bed, cradled her tea in trembling hands. She had already used her light blessing to heal her exhausted body, but the wounds ran deeper than mere physical weariness. Her mind was a battlefield of emotions, unable to bear the weight of her thoughts.

"So, an invitation," she muttered, desperately attempting to divert her attention from the memories of the previous night. Three days ago, the Duke had ordered the estate's gates to be closed, and they had spent those days sequestered together in their chamber.

The Duke's intensity was overwhelming, and at times, Rosalind felt like she was being consumed by his presence. Yet, deep within, she relished the intensity, reveling in the exhilaration of their tumultuous connection. She couldn't deny the allure, the dangerous allure that captivated her senses and left her yearning for more.

Clutching the steaming cup of tea in her hands, Rosalind's lips curled into a wry smile. "Doesn't she know about the disease that has befallen our estate?" The Duke had abruptly declared the closure of the entire estate due to the sudden outbreak, plunging the kingdom into a state of panic.

Nobles were already flocking to seek an audience with the Duke, offering their assistance in any way possible. But Rosalind's concerns lay elsewhere. With news of the Duke's apparent weakness spreading, opportunistic individuals would undoubtedly emerge, ready to exploit the situation and bare their fangs.

"Why would she extend an invitation, fully aware that our soldiers have fallen victim to this disease?" she pondered aloud. "Has she gone mad under Dorothy's influence?"

"Your Grace, I believe, that the Queen is testing your resolve," Magda ventured, her voice laced with caution. "It could very well be because of Lady Dorothy."

Rosalind scoffed and cast the invitation aside. "No need to bother with a response. The Duke has his own plans to expose those plotting against us. We must focus on what we can control."

She shifted the topic to the construction of the teleportation device, a matter of great importance. Magda promptly handed her a report that she had diligently gathered.

It was common knowledge within the estate that the Duke and Duchess had been staying in their chambers for most of the day, their desire to produce an heir as quickly as possible no secret.

In fact, rumors of their quest for an heir had already spread like wildfire throughout the estate.

This was the result of the Duke's marriage. After the marriage reached the ears of many families, they immediately thought of pushing their own daughters and sisters to the estate, thinking they could easily become the Duke's concubine and have his child.

Everyone in the estate thought that this was the real reason why the Duke closed the gates! The Duke and Duchess must have understood the need to secure their lineage and the anticipation of a little Duke and Duchess frolicking in the snow soon sent ripples of excitement throughout the entire estate.

Amidst the backdrop of disease and uncertainty, the prospect of new life brought a glimmer of hope to all those residing within the once bustling and now isolated walls.

Rosalind's smile widened as she considered the progress made by the Blaize Family. "It appears that the Blaize Family truly stands by their word," she remarked, her excitement palpable. The completion of the teleportation portal was drawing nearer, and she eagerly anticipated its realization. Her gaze shifted to Magda, who wore an enigmatic smile.

"Magda, please ensure that we assign someone to oversee the workers constructing the portal, with particular attention given to those from the Blaize Family," she instructed.

Magda's smile broadened, but there was something strange about it, something that gave Rosalind an odd sense of unease. It was as if there was a deeper meaning behind Magda's gaze, a hidden message waiting to be deciphered. Rosalind couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this interaction than met the eye.

She clearly told Lucas not to bite her neck to avoid any marks! Did he actually leave something on her skin?