Formerly, the Fallen Daughter of the Duke: Volume 4 [Parts 1 to 8] by Ichibu Saki

Author:Ichibu Saki
Language: eng
Format: epub

After Gilbert exited like a whirlwind, Claire put her head in her hands. “There’s so much to be concerned about,” she groaned. “To start with, the Lupty hunting tournament was of old a means by which to choose a princess consort. Those with a claim to the throne would compete in hunting ability, and whoever brought down the largest game animal could propose marriage to whichever young lady he might fancy.”

“You know so much about this,” said Lui. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

“Yes, I do know much and more. Furthermore, the young lady who received the proposal would not be allowed to refuse. Of course, I doubt any woman would refuse a marriage proposal from a man in the royal family, but all the same...” Claire trailed off. “I learned that this is an especially hard rule for this particular tournament. They will accept no reasons for refusal. Any who dares will have no peace for as long as they live in Lupty.”

Lui made no response to that, and Claire paused speaking as well. An uncomfortable silence followed. It would’ve been too far of a stretch for Claire to suggest that Gilbert’s invitation had nothing to do with the history of this event. He must be aware of the custom surrounding the tournament, she thought. And he did say he was throwing this together last minute, didn’t he? Had we prior notice, Vik would never have permitted me to come to Lupty alone for fear I might be crowned goddess.

She did not know what schemes Gilbert was hatching. Even though the rationale behind his illogical arguments and actions was so riddled with holes she found it amusing, she trembled at the thought that she could not foresee what lay ahead of her.

In order that she might calm herself and leave these other feelings behind, Claire changed the topic to something less harrowing. “Say, Lui, has there been any word from Paffuto?” she inquired.

“My apologies. I should have told you before Gilbert started spouting all that drivel. I have a letter from His Majesty the King which reports that Vik is on his way here to pick you up. He has already left and will arrive in two days’ time.”

Claire paused. “Vik is?” Her eyes opened wide, and she froze in place.

Lui nodded gently. “That’s correct. It says he is coming at once. I gather that he couldn’t help but worry after all. Of course, you’re not the one he finds concerning; it’s all Gilbert’s doing.”

“How pitiful of me,” Claire said. “After all I did to persuade Vik to let me come alone despite his worries, now I need him to come rescue me from Prince Gilbert, just as he predicted.”

The only things he hadn’t foreseen were Charlotte’s presence and Prince Gilbert offering her asylum. Claire’s heart sank as she thought about how she was powerless to rectify the situation on her own.

“Claire,” Lui said, in a stroke of sisterly kindness, “you’ll be able to see Vik in just two days.

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