Next chapter be very dark...
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In the resplendent foyer of the illustrious Goldcrest mansion, Stella's anguished sobs echoed through the grand space, drawing the attention of her devoted companions, Elena and Martha.
Their graceful figures stood by her side, radiating a comforting aura that enveloped the distraught mother.
"Stella, my dear, please calm yourself," Elena's voice carried warmth as she extended a delicate hand towards her friend's trembling form.
Stella's crying persisted.
Elena's brows pressed together with worry, "Believe me when I say that Velice will be found. The Duke has spared no expense nor effort in his quest to locate her."
Martha's voice, firm yet filled with compassion, chimed in, "Indeed, my lady. The Duke has dispatched more than half of his loyal guards across the vast expanse of our kingdom, combing every nook and cranny. Rest assured, she'll be found."
Tears streamed down Stella's once radiant face, her slender frame shaking with an unending jumble of fear and hope.
"But what if she isn't found, Martha?" her voice trembled.
This was the weight of a mother's despair.
Martha in all honesty was uncertain, she didn't know the best way to approach this subject. If it was her own son who suffered this, she'd react in the same manner. "We can't entertain such thoughts, my lady. Velice is strong and resilient, just like her mother. She undoubtedly possesses the strength to endure, until the Duke's guards, trained to protect her with their lives, bring her safely back to us." She spoke with a warm, reassuring expression.
Elena's delicate fingers danced lightly across Stella's hunched back, each gentle stroke a soothing balm to her weary soul. "Remember, my dear, your love for her is a beacon in whatever distress she's in. It'll guide her home. So please, don't lose hope."
Overwhelmed by the weight of her emotions, Stella found solace in the embrace of Martha, collapsing into her comforting embrace.
With each ragged sob that escaped her lips, the opulent walls of the foyer bore witness to unyielding loyalty and a mother's unwavering faith.
Yes, Greldine wanted to curry favor with the Goldcrest family, but at the same time his wives wanted to help however best they could.
As a mother, they could easily relate.
Just a few meters away from them, Duke Hermann stood in earnest conversation with Viscount Greldine Zegion and Viscount Sonova Beech.
The grandeur of the Goldcrest mansion formed an imposing backdrop to their intense discussion, the echoes of their voices weaving through the marble hallways.
With his arms folded, Greldine leaned in closer, his steely gaze fixed upon the Duke.
"Duke Hermann, surely there must be a reason behind the young lady's abduction. Did her captors have any motive? Any grievance against you?" Greldine asked to the point it came out like an interrogation.
Hesitation flickered across Hermann's visage, a glimmer of unspoken knowledge concealed within his deep-set eyes.
He spoke in a measured tone.
However, hidden beneath his tone were unspoken secrets.
"Greldine, my apologies, but I cannot divulge all that I know at this moment. Rest assured, there's a reason behind this tragedy, one that I'm not yet ready to disclose," said Hermann.
"...understood..." Greldine nodded.
The was tension heavily residing in the air as silence enveloped the trio, broken only by the sigh that escaped Sonova's lips.
He interjected, his voice tinged with exasperation.
"While the captors may not have a clear motive, it defies all logic for them to take Velice without demanding something in return. Who would go to such lengths merely to spite nobility such as yourself?" [Sonova]
A thin film of perspiration formed on Hermann's brow as he struggled to find an adequate response.
"You're right, Sonova, a demand for ransom would have made sense. However, they have left no such indication. It appears, my friends, that we'll have to resort to a different means of finding her." [Hermann]
Viscount Greldine's eyes narrowed, his voice filled with concern.
"Itʼs been twenty-nine long hours. News of her disappearance may have already spread throughout the Falrynth. Such events often ignite a firestorm of gossip and speculation. Her captors will be on high alert." [Greldine]
Sonova nodded in agreement. In all he'd said so far, a sliver apprehension painted his tone.
"Indeed, the kingdom buzzes with whispers of her absence. With your guards deployed throughout the land, interrogating suspects, it's only a matter of time before the truth reveals itself. It seems you've inadvertently set the stage for everyone's curiosity to be piqued." [Sonova]
Hermann didn't make a mistake by doing this, but with no ransom in place, he had to act with immediate response.
The fact that someone in Falrynth Kingdom knew what his daughter was, came as a serious concern to him.
...however...
I have to ensure my daughter is found...
...whoever took her is definitely aware of how valuable she is, the more Velice suffers wherever she is, the higher the chances she's resigned to herself to letting death claim her...
Maybe it's my fault, I wasn't a good enough father. Stella and the maid were the ones who really took care of her.
...my daughter has had to live in silent resentment of herself for as long as she's lived...
And what she is, isn't even her fault...
Lost in the depths of his thoughts, Duke Hermann could not help but feel a wave of remorse sweeping over him.
The memory of his daughter's pained expression, the countless times she tried to voice her self-loathing, all came rushing back, gnawing at his heart.
Unbeknownst to him, a single tear escaped his eye, tracing a glistening path down his cheek.
Startled by the tear, Viscount Sonova Beech moved closer to Hermann, concern progressively filling his voice.
"Your Grace, are you alright?" he asked with furrowed brows.
With a slight nod, Hermann attempted to dismiss their concern, assuring them that it was nothing to be alarmed about.
However, Viscount Greldine Zegion wasn't so easily fooled.
"You're crying, Hermann," Greldine pointed out, his voice carrying genuine worry. "Clearly, something troubles you, and it's more than enough reason for our concern."
Hermann wiped away the tears, managing a sorrowful smile as he tried to gather himself.
Placing his hands on their shoulders, he expressed his gratitude to the two viscounts.
"Thank you for your unwavering support... my friends." [Hermann]
Viscount Sonova bowed his head slightly, a mix of genuine concern and hopeful ambition flashing in his eyes.
"We're honored to stand by your side, Duke Hermann. Rest assured, we'll do everything in our power to aid you in this trying time." [Sonova]
Greldine nodded in agreement, as always, he was determined to offer his help however best he could.
"Indeed, Sir. Your pain is our pain, and we will not rest until Velice is safely returned to your arms." [Greldine]
Hermann's heart swelled with gratitude, knowing that he had true allies in these two noble friends.
Yet, in the recesses of their minds, they felt the stirrings of ambition.
The Duke's acknowledgement of their friendship meant not only emotional support but also the potential for stronger alliances and favors in the future.
"Now, I need to join in the search for my daughter..." [Hermann]
"We'll join you," said the two viscounts.