War-Torn by J E Keep & M Keep

Author:J E Keep & M Keep [Keep, J E & Keep, M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pathforgers Publishing
Published: 2015-12-20T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 18 – The Nobles

It took the bulk of the day for Duke Samei Ellefor to get access to the Rensford manor. The shiny-helmeted Landsreck guard kept the compound walled off all day, putting the whole of the neighbourhood on high alert. Even with the diminished fortunes of the nobility, the death of one was still a tremendous affair.

Passing through the dark, ominous halls in his crisp suit, the Duke kept his head high. The soldier guided him into one of the larger parlors, and inside, he was surprised to see who was gathered. Or at least, he tried to act surprised. The Queen’s own doctor stood by the side, but before him was the Queen’s arbiter, a tall man with a severe look. He wore a brown suit with gold regalia upon it, including the chains-of-office.

There were no guards, but present was one genuinely surprising person. Duke Ellefor didn’t recognize the young man, but he dressed like a noble, to be certain. The sour look on his face amplified the effect.

Most importantly, however, was his daughter. A whole day of being brushed aside and questioned on the death of the late Duke Rensford must have taken a toll, but she was a keen actress too, and so he went to her immediately and in a very rigid but fatherly manner put his arms about her. “Ahh, my dear girl,” he husked. “What terrible tragedy befalls you so soon.”

Her eyes were rimmed with red, and as soon as his arms wrapped around her form, she sobbed again. She’d changed into a simple black dress that suited her figure, and her fingers wound into the rich fabric of his suit. “I will never love again!” she wailed in protest before she sniffled and pulled away from him, swiping the tears from her cheeks.

That was laying it on a bit thick, he thought, but he patted her back and kissed her neatly arranged hair. “There there, child,” he said soothingly. “You’ve many years ahead of you yet.”

The other occupants of the room gave them their moment, and Duke Ellefor looked to them. “She should return to the Ellefor estate for now, until she’s calmed herself.”

The sour-looking young man chimed in, “She’s welcome to return for good as far as I’m concerned.” He wore the uniform of a young noble who had just finished his term at the front. Or more precisely commanding troops who served at the front. Noble officers rarely so much as saw the frontline trenches.

The Royal Arbiter held up his hands, silencing protest. “The Queen recognizes that there is an issue of inheritance here to be resolved.”

Samei’s heart skipped a beat. The Queen was moving fast apparently.

Caprice’s lower lip trembled and her brows furrowed as she looked over them all rather skeptically. “I’ve lost my husband, the man I gave my maidenhood to, and you wish to discuss business?”

The room of men all seemed to look a bit uncomfortable at her discussing sexual matters so blatantly. All but the sour-looking young man that eyed her skeptically, that is.

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