Elysia kept her word and did not let Azrael touch her. After a swim in the lake, they returned to their chambers, where Elysia quickly fell asleep. Azrael, though, had to relieve the burning tension in his manhood before he could think of sleeping .
He only managed a few hours of rest before the morning sun streamed through the window. Slowly, he rose from the bed, his gaze falling on Elysia, who was sitting by the window, engrossed in a book.
"When did you wake up?" His voice made her turn to look at him, her green eyes meeting his.
"An hour ago. You seemed really tired, so I didn't want to disturb you. Are you alright?" she asked, her tone gentle.
"You would not let me touch you, love. How do you think I am feeling?" Azrael raised an eyebrow at her, barely holding back a smile.
"If you are on your best behavior, I might let you touch me, dear Azrael," Elysia teased, her smile widening.
"Then I will be a saint for you, Elysia," Azrael replied, leaning back on the bed with his hands behind his head.
Elysia laughed softly, shaking her head. She returned to reading her novel, amused by his words.
---
A few hours later, Azrael left his room and headed to his study. He had some work to do and documents to review. As soon as he opened the door, he found Rohan lounging carefreely on his couch with his feet on the table.
Azrael rolled his eyes and walked over to his chair. "What are you doing here, Rohan? And take your shoes off my couch, those are expensive and hard to clean."
Rohan grumbled, kicking off his shoes and settling more comfortably on the couch. "I have been here for a while now. There's something I need to discuss with you."
Azrael crossed his arms, his tone sharp. "I hope it's something important."
"It is," Rohan responded. "It's about Sevastian.".
This piqued Azreal's interest, "What about Sevastian?" He inquired.
"I am sure you are aware that he has been suffering from serious nightmares that are keeping him awake. He's starting to look like a ghost....not exactly an attractive one, I must add," Rohan explained, rising from his chair.
"You are..." Just then, Sevastian entered the room, carrying a small box. His gaze shifted between Azrael and Rohan, both of whom were staring at him.
"I brought a package for you. The bailiff of Vilewood sent it with urgency," Sevastian said, placing it on the table. His eyes then shifted to Rohan. "Are you really walking around without shoes, Rohan?"
Rohan glanced toward the side of the couch, where his shoes lay. "I wish I could, but my shoes are over there," he replied, pointing to them.
"What did you want to tell me about Sevastian?" Azrael asked, turning to Rohan.
"Ah, yes. I was saying he's starting to look like a ghost, not exactly an attractive one, and I think we should send some help his way," Rohan repeated, flashing a grin at Sevastian before shifting his eyes back to the King.
"I am working on it," Azrael said. "I have called for a few physicians who specialize in curing nightmares. It's their specialty, apparently."
"We could try that too. However, I am sending for a healer from Luminae. I just need your permission to proceed with my plan. The healer is someone I trust and works miracles," Rohan assured with a smile.
"Very well, we will explore every option until one brings us the results we seek."
"You do know I am standing a few feet away, right? I can hear everything you are saying," Sevastian said, pressing his lips into a thin line.
"Do you have an issue with what we are discussing?" Azrael asked Sevastian.
"I would not dare. It seems like the both of you have already made up your minds," Sevastian replied.
"Well, that settles it then," Azrael said, clapping his hands together. He moved to the box, his gaze scanning its contents before he ripped it open. Papers spilled out, and he pulled out a letter from the bailiff.
Your Majesty,
I hope this message finds you well. I believe I may have discovered the identity of the mysterious man. I managed to uncover information about the third imposter, who was also found dead in his home. It appears all three of them were brothers, sharing the same father. Although I haven't been able to determine who their father is yet, I am confident that he is a nobleman.
I discovered that the fourth person on the list is not dead after all. Surprisingly, the man faked his death for whatever reason, and centuries later, his name appeared on an invitation for a private ceremony in Brimshire. My research revealed that he has been active across Valeria and beyond.
He used several aliases, but when combining the first letters of the names—Luncith, Uanak, Caliste, Addams, and Nathaniel, it comes together as "Lucan," which I believe to be his real name. Lucan has accumulated significant land, houses, and even operates a large farm with over a thousand employees which is outrageous.
My thought is that this Lucan man likely developed issues with his father, leading him to rebel and create chaos in Valeria. His anger could stem from past conflicts with the noblemen, and being an illegitimate child, his frustration isn't quite surprising.
I will continue my research, but this is all I have for now. I have left the location of his farm in the box incase you wish to visit.
Stay safe and good luck,
Harold.
Azrael passed the letter to Sevastian who read it out for loud for all to hear. Sevastian placed the paper back in the box and glanced up to Azrael to see his features tighten. "Is there a problem Your Majesty?"
His gaze shifted to Sevastian. "I have heard that name before. One afternoon, Azar held an impromptu meeting with his council members and they were all discussing about Lucan becoming an inconvenience." Azrael couldn't help but ask himself, 'Who is Lucan, and what connection does he have to my father?'