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Love, Amy
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"You have done pretty well, you answered seven questions correctly out of ten." Rebecca praised, making Elysia blush lightly.
"Thank you, Miss Rebecca," her cheeks stained with red as she smiled. Elysia had practiced well to make sure she would pass the test. It still pained her a little bit that she had failed three, but she promised herself she would study harder to get everything right next time.
"Your handwriting is also getting very good, I am very much proud of you." Rebecca smiled, "you will read the next three chapters which I will quiz you on tomorrow." She added, keeping her eyes on the young woman who sat opposite her.
"Very well, Miss Rebecca," she replied. Elysia was really looking forward to telling Azreal about her progress so far. She would perhaps write him a letter—that was what she would do.
Rebecca hesitated for a second before speaking, "Tell me, my Lady, are you aware of recent affairs of the rogues. My cousin in Lakewood told me of the horrible creature." She said, picking her words carefully.
Elysia pressed her lips in a thin line, "Yes I am aware. It is indeed a horrible thing."
"I do hope the King is doing something about it," she moved closer to Elysia lowering her voice, "People are beginning to talk, my Lady, they question their safety now."
Elysia's eyes widened at the woman's words. This was one of the things she feared—people spreading rumors and gossip about the recent rogue activities. She couldn't help but think about how Azreal would feel when he heard these rumors.
"There is nothing to worry about," she assured the woman. "The King is working to make sure the rogues are dealt with." She offered Rebecca a smile, but the woman didn't seem convinced by her words.
Leaning closer, she asked. "And what exactly is the King doing to de-escalate the situation my Lady?"
Elysia caught her lip between her teeth, thinking of a response to give her governess. Telling the woman about the magic was not a good idea,"I do not know of the King plans, but I am certain he is working on it." She said instead, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
Rebecca watched her intensely before a smile appeared across her lips, "It amazes me how much you trust the King, considering the fact that you left him not more than a week ago."
Elysia swallowed hard, her hands clenching her dress tightly. She didn't like where the conversation was heading. "I never said I did not trust the King," she said firmly, her voice steady. "I trusted him with my life before, and I still trust him with it now. Nothing has changed."
"Hmm, I am glad you have figured things out with the King," the governess said, her tone measured. "But I must remind you that, unlike the relationship you share with the King, the people of Valeria do not share the same level of trust. When situations waver, so does trust." She added, hoping to prod Elysia into revealing more, anything that might help her redeem herself in the eyes of her master.
"Thank you for your concern, Miss Rebecca," Elysia replied, her tone sharp and firm. "But I still stand by my words—the King will put an end to the rogues soon, and everything will be just fine." She spoke with determination, refusing to let her governess' doubts undermine her loyalty. Elysia wasn't going to let anyone speak ill of Azrael, not now, not ever.
"Very well, my Lady," Rebecca replied, her voice laced with an air of disdain. "I hope, for the sake of the people of Valeria, that you are right." She offered Elysia a smile, but it was cold, the edges of her lips barely curling. Elysia could see that the smile did not reach the woman's eyes.
The lesson continued without any more side talks, but Elysia couldn't shake the unease from their earlier conversation. It felt as though her governess had changed into someone she no longer recognized.
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Azreal had heard from Marcus that the Duke had brought a whore into his palace, how very foolish of him to take advantage of Azreal's hospitality. He had no problem with Dargan fucking the whole brothel, but bringing one to his palace was something he wouldn't tolerate.
Azreal had spent the last few days mulling over how to resolve the brewing issues, but now, Dargan's careless actions had only added to his already full plate.
Without a second thought, Azreal descended the main staircase, his steps heavy as he walked down the hall. When he reached Dargan's door, he pushed it open without knocking, finding the room as chaotic as expected.
What the...?" Dargan stumbled out of bed, struggling to pull his trousers up to his waist, fumbling with the zipper as the young blonde woman beside him hurriedly tried to fix the lace of her dress.
Azreal's eyes blazed with fury as he stepped into the room, his voice a low growl. "Are you fucking stupid, Dargan? Have you grown so bored of the brothel and your manor that you bring your whores into my palace?" His voice thundered with darkness, sending a chill through the room.
Dargan's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger as he stammered, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I did not mean to offend you." He attempted a smile, but Azreal's golden icy glare stopped him dead in his tracks.
"You!" Azreal's voice was venomous, a command that cut through the tension like a blade. "Get the fuck out."
The woman didn't need to be told twice. She scrambled to put on her shoes, her hands trembling, and bolted out of the room, muttering frantic apologies, her face flushed with humiliation.
"This is quite unfortunate, Your Majesty, and I am deeply sorry. This will not happen again, I promise you," Dargan apologized, keeping a careful distance from the King.
Azreal's eyes narrowed as he took a slow, deliberate step toward Dargan, his voice dripping with venom. "You always manage to get on my last fucking nerve, Dargan. Bring another whore into my palace, and I will see how well you can fly without your wings."
Dargan opened his mouth to speak, but the lethal intensity in Azreal's glare silenced him before a word could escape. The King turned to leave, but not before his eyes caught the scorpion tattoo on Dargan's chest. It was an odd mark, one Azreal was familiar with.