As Evelyn remained in her room, the doctors visited frequently to check on her amidst all the chaos and uncertainty that gripped the castle. Rumors began to circulate, fueled by whispers and speculation, that Evelyn was pregnant with Duke Sable's child. The words spread like wildfire throughout the dukedom, finding their way into the ears of the Butler, who saw an opportunity amidst the turmoil. Duke Sable, seemingly unfazed by the rumors, continued to pay regular visits to Evelyn, his demeanor cold and distant as he attended to her needs. Amelia, growing increasingly agitated by the situation, sought guidance from her father as they made their way towards the Duke's office.
"Father, what should we do?" she asked, her voice tinged with frustration and impatience.
"The plan will proceed accordingly," the Butler replied, his tone firm and unwavering. "We cannot allow that woman to give birth to another daughter."
With determination in their hearts, the Butler and Amelia entered the Duke's office, where Duke Sable sat, immersed in his papers, seemingly oblivious to their presence.
"My daughter is here, Milord," Butler announced respectfully, drawing the Duke's attention away from his work Duke Sable glanced up, his expression impassive as he acknowledged their presence. "Hmm," was his only response.
"Send her to Evelyn's chamber and let her attend to her matters," Duke Sable ordered, his voice betraying no emotion as he issued his command.
"Of course, my lord," the Butler replied with a respectful bow, before turning to leave the office, with Amelia following closely behind.
As they made their way to Evelyn's chamber, a sense of unease settled over them, the weight of their secrets and ambitions hanging heavy in the air. With each step forward, they knew that the fate of their plans rested on the delicate balance of power within the castle walls.
The knock on the door echoed through Evelyn's chamber, disrupting the somber silence that had become her constant companion. Wearily, she shifted in her bed, the weight of her grief and despair pressing down upon her like a suffocating blanket. As the door creaked open, Evelyn's tired eyes lifted to meet the sight of the Butler and Amelia standing before her, their presence a stark reminder of the tangled web of deceit and betrayal that surrounded her.
"What do you want?" Evelyn's voice was hollow, devoid of emotion as she regarded them with a frown. Her once vibrant spirit had been crushed under the weight of her sorrow, leaving behind only a shell of the woman she once was.
The Butler stepped forward, his demeanor cold and detached as he announced their purpose. "My daughter, Amelia, will be attending to your needs," he stated bluntly, his words ringing with an air of authority.
Evelyn's eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the mention of Amelia, her tired mind struggling to comprehend the implications of their presence. "Is it the Duke's order?" she inquired, her voice tinged with bitterness and resentment.
The Butler nodded curtly in response. "Yes, he personally gave permission," he confirmed, his tone betraying no hint of emotion.
Evelyn's laughter rang out through the room, a bitter sound that echoed off the walls like a haunting melody. "Great," she scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "After murdering his own daughter and labeling his wife as crazy, he brings his lover to take care of me? What's next? Poisoning his wife?"
Amelia's expression darkened at Evelyn's words, her eyes flashing with anger and resentment. "Watch your tongue, woman," she hissed, her voice laced with venom. "You have no right to speak to me in such a manner."
Evelyn's laughter only grew louder, echoing through the room like a haunting melody. "Oh, I have every right," she replied, her voice filled with bitter amusement. "After all, I am just a pawn in your little game, aren't I? A means to an end, nothing more."
The Butler's gaze hardened as he stepped forward, his features twisted with anger. "You would do well to remember your place, Duchess," he spat, his voice dripping with malice. "You may have birthed the Duke's daughter, but that does not grant you immunity from consequences."
Evelyn's laughter died away, replaced by a steely resolve as she met Butler's gaze head-on. "Consequences?" she echoed, her voice low and dangerous. "What consequences could possibly compare to the pain of losing a child? Tell me, Butler, do you know what it's like to have your heart ripped from your chest and trampled upon?"
The Butler's expression darkens and a smirk spread over his lips "That is irrelevant," he replied curtly, his tone dismissive. "Your feelings do not factor into the equation. All that matters is the success of Duke's plans, and you would do well to cooperate if you value your own well-being."
Amelia stepped forward, her eyes ablaze with fury as she regarded Evelyn with thinly veiled contempt. "You may think yourself clever, Duchess, but you are nothing but a pawn in this game," she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "And soon, you will be removed from the board altogether. As I will take over and give birth to Duke's child. Don't mistake Duke's sympathy as love."
With a final, disdainful glance, Amelia turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, the Butler following closely behind. Left alone once more, Evelyn's heart burned with a fierce determination as she vowed to herself that she would not go down without a fight. Whatever schemes they may have planned, she would find a way to thwart them and protect her daughter, no matter the cost.
To be continued...