The sound of the horses' hooves was echoing in the White Canion as they were riding slowly.
"Where are we going, Duchess?" Jefre finally broke the silence.
"To Hiron. She wasn't going to tell him anything more, she wondered how she would explain Jefre's presence in front of Hiron. No... she should rather be wondering how she will kill him when they get there. She frantically considered her options. Hiron could fight, but Setia already knew that Jefre was really good. He probably would kill Hiron and then play with her and most likely cut her throat. She has to think differently, after all she's dealing with a freak and you can't handle them logically.
"Don't overthink it." Jefry's voice immediately brought her back to reality .
"You won't get rid of me easily. You better relax and lean on me."
Haleon, she felt like he was reading her mind. She sat stiffly on the horse, trying not to touch it as much as possible. She was tense, so she leaned back and adjusted to his riding rhythm. That's exactly what she'll do, she shall act as he wants her so that he'll let his guard down. Sooner or later the opportunity will come. They rode in silence for a while.
"Who gave you the order to eliminate me?" She finally decided to ask this question.
"Don't you know it already?"
"Aktis?"
"Yes."
So, unlike she expected, instead of Tendred, she became the target. Jefre was an Aktis' man, that could be very helpful. It depends on how long he has been working for her. This is probably his first order, that's why she's still alive. She had many questions for him, but she didn't really have any power over him, only he had control over her and the entire situation.
"Have you been working for her for a long time?" She decided to delve deeper into the topic.
Jefre remained silent.
"You won't tell me anything more." It was more of a statement than a question.
"NO." Jefre replied. " It's not time for such talks yet."
The road widened, and before them lay the hidden entrance to Hiron. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go in there now and bring this man to his friend's house. Jefre, however, stopped on his own.
"Is it here?" He asked calmly.
She felt shivers run down her spine, who was this man?!
"Why do you think it's here?"
"You held your breath when we got to this place, and there are wheel marks." He pointed to the small grooves in the ground.
"It's here, - she confirmed. - Can I get off the horse now?"
"We'll both get off - he grabbed her arm tighter for a moment - and remember, I'm right behind you, my duchess."
Setia turned around. She didn't have a blindfold on her face, Jefre took it and put it in his pocket.
"I know after all I gave you my word. My word matters. An old friend lives here - she swung her leg and slid from the horse to the ground - for him you shall be my guard."
"Yes, ma'am." Jefre smiled and followed her lead.
***
Dagrana was studying Gorsep's face, who was sitting next to her. They rarely saw each other, except for one thing. With great determination he visited her in the alcove twice a week. He fulfilled his duty as a husband, just as he signed all documents and gave subsequent instructions to his officers. Although no, he seemed to enjoy ruling more than he enjoyed their intimate time together. For the first three months in Kanror, she barely saw him during the day, and if they did meet during meals, he was still mentally absent. But something has changed. Her court has been expanded by several members of the more important local families, and Gorsep became happier.
He was constantly making changes to more important positions. Even now, sitting next to her during supper, he listened to Iridius's whispered remarks. He nodded twice, finished the glass of wine and Dagrana knew that in a moment he would get up from the table, signaling her to follow him. It was one of those two days in a week.
A moment later she was sitting in her chambers, dressed in a delicate nightgown. She decided that she would tell him today. She hadn't bled in two months and it was a sign that she was expecting a baby. If she just tells him about it, his visits will probably end and she won't even have this substitute for love. He devoted more time to that redhead Erona. She made herself more comfortable on the bed and straightened her blonde hair. Erona surprised her. Her husband's lover asked her for help, she wanted to return home, and that was very good. Especially now that she's pregnant, she doesn't need a competitor. The door creaked open and her handsome husband walked into her bedroom without a word. He stood by the bed and calmly undressed, looking at her without emotion. When he leaned over her to place his customary kiss on her lips, she pulled away.
"I would like to talk to you." She started shyly.
Gorsep frowned and sat down next to her, folding his arms over his chest.
"What do you want to talk about?" The tone of his voice did not encourage further conversation, but Dagrana could no longer let it go.
"I am pregnant." After a few seconds of silence she mumbled quietly "I think so."
"Are you sure?" His face brightened.
"I haven't bled for two months, the older one said it was a sure sign." Dagrana looked at Gorsep's pleased face.
"I'm very happy." Her husband kissed her on the forehead, the way an adult kisses a good child, such comparison crossed her mind. "You made me very pleased with this news.
"I have a request for you. She knew that now would be the more difficult part of the conversation.
"Of course, I guess you want me not to bother you again with the wife duties. I understand, you can calmly await the arrival of the baby." The satisfaction on his face deepened.
"That's not what my request is about." After this reaction, Dagrana no longer felt the need to hold back , letting him have his own piece of rejection as well. "Actually, I was asked for help."