Thank you Kassy_murphy for the golden ticket :)
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Rebecca stared at her for a few seconds before a small smile graced her lips. "Very well, lady Elysia, I understand. I am sorry for being too forward."
"It is no problem, and I understand that you are simply concerned for me," Elysia reassured her governess with a polite smile. "I promise you, there is no reason to worry. I have no intention of running away from the palace."
"Very well, then. I'm glad you have found happiness here," Rebecca said with a softened tone and a smile. "Shall we continue our lessons? I hope you have not forgotten all that you have learned."
""Yes, I am eager to learn something new, and I assure you, I have not forgotten," Elysia replied, placing her hand on the table with a determined smile.
"That is good. I brought a new novel for you to read," Rebecca explained, pulling a book from her brown bag. "It is a bit different from the one you read before, with a bit more challenging grammar."
She pushed the book across the table to where Elysia was seated, "It is an interesting one, I have just read it myself."
Elysia's eyes followed the governess hands to the cover of the book, it was titled 'The Night Whisperer'. She wondered what it was about. "What is it about?" She questioned.
"A girl who fights against the tyranny of her King. It is a good one like I mentioned before, you will enjoy it." Rebecca said.
"Thank you very much, I will make sure to read it," Elysia said, picking up the book from the table and placing it on the chair beside her.
"You are welcome. You will read three to five pages each day, and I will question you about what you have read," the governess added.
"Of course. Thank you again," Elysia replied.
"I think that is all for today. I will let you rest. We shall begin properly tomorrow. Please remember to read the first three chapters. We will discuss it then," Rebecca said, lifting her bag onto her lap and adjusting the strap on her shoulder.
"I will do so," Elysia replied as she stood up and began to escort her governess to the main entrance.
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Azreal was in his study, sifting through a pile of papers and documents when a knock sounded on the door. A guard opened the door, "Your Majesty, Lord Dargan is here to see you, he says it is urgent." He said.
Azreal sighed in irritation, "Let him in." He said to the guard who bowed and stepped out of the room.
Dargan entered, his leather boots leaving muddy stains on the King's pristine rug.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." Dargan greeted with a deep bow, his cracked voice filling the room.
Azreal's gaze remained fixed on the papers before him as he spoke, his voice laced with irritation. "Is there a reason you are in my study, ruining my rug with your dirty shoes?"
Dargan's eyes flickered to the mud stains on the rug, his lips pressing into a tight line. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was not paying attention. It had just rained where I was coming from, and I suppose that explains the muddy shoes." He said, his voice tinged with remorse.
"What are you doing here, Dargan?" Azreal lifted his eyes to look at the man in front of him.
"I came to see you," Dargan teased, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "It has been a while, and I was growing deeply bored."
Azreal's expression remained cold, his eyes glaring at the man in front of him, his mood clearly soured. Dargan couldn't help but notice, it seemed Azreal was particularly cranky today.
"Bored? I never knew I had a source of entertainment that interested you," Azreal leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Not really, though. I didn't see Sevastian on my way here. Where is he?" Dargan inquired, his tone more serious now as he glanced around the room.
"He traveled to take care of some important matters," the king replied, his tone neutral. "When he returns, I will be sure to let him know you asked for him."
"Ah, he did not inform me he would be traveling. Otherwise, I would have followed him, anything to escape this horrible boredom and emptiness," a sigh escaped the Duke's lips.
"You should visit the brothel," Azreal suggested, his voice lacking interest in the conversation. "I am certain there are people who could keep you company there."
"I was there last week. I am in no mood for that now," Dargan replied, pulling off his coat and placing it on a nearby coat stand. He then asked, "Where is the lady? I heard she managed to run away from you."
A smirk played on Azreal's lips. "Did she?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement.
"Are you denying that she ran away from you?" Dargan asked, his brow arched.
"I still do not know why you are here," Azreal muttered, growing increasingly irritated by the Duke's presence.
"I also heard that she still walks freely after the stunt she pulled. I always thought you were too lenient on her. She is a stubborn woman, a human, and needs to be treated with an iron fist to keep her in line. Do you not think so, Your Majesty?" He turned to face the King, his expression challenging.
Azreal narrowed his eyes at the Duke. "For someone who has nothing to do with this palace, you care an awful lot about my affairs with Elysia." His voice grew colder, darker. "You should pray I do not find your little informant, or else I will send their head in a box to you." He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "For the last time, Dargan, why are you here?"
Dargan felt his throat tighten as Azreal's gaze bore into him, cold and murderous. The King's eyes weren't just warning him, they were threatening him. A single wrong word, and Dargan knew his life would be over in an instant. He quickly shifted, knowing better than to push the King further. He cleared his throat and, without another word, placed the letter on the table. "I have a letter for you from the bailiff of Windermere," Dargan said, handing it over. "I got it when I was in town two days ago."
Azreal glared at Dargan before picking up the parchment, opening it, and reading its contents. "A rogue obliterated a young farmer beyond recognition. The villagers are scared for their lives," Dargan added.
"When did this happen?" He inquired, using his fingers to massage his temple.
"A few days ago. A group of young men went in search of the rogue, they found nothing, just the mutilated body of the man." Dargan replied.
""You may take your leave. I wish to be left alone." Azreal leaned into his chair, closing his eyes.
Dargan opened his mouth to speak, but Azreal beat him to it. "Do not fucking test me, Dargan. Get. Out!" His words were heavy with threat, filling the room with a chill.
Dargan saw a dangerous golden flicker in the King's eyes and knew better than to provoke the fury of the King's dragon. He offered a small bow before walking out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.