[WARNING: This chapter contains mature content. Minors and those who are not comfortable reading this kind of scenes can skip the said parts. KONTI LANG NAMAN, pero ayan may warning na ulit, wala na sana maheart attack. Haha chereeet!]

PS: 9/26/23

Just wanna remind na please refrain from commenting titles, character names or scenes from another story. If ever meron pa next time, I will delete it na. Whatever yung mga naicomment na will leave ko na yun dun. But starting today if meron ulit, I will delete na. Thanks.

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Matapos sabihin ni Luke ang mga katagang iyon ay umalis na kami sa conservatory. Humabol pa si Lady Esther pero kaagad siyang hinarang ng mga Ravenstein Knights. Sa pagkakataong ito ay sumabay na siya sa amin ni Zephy sa karwahe. Buong akala ko ay ipapaliwanag ni Luke ang mga sinabi niya kanina sa harap ni Lady Niveah, pero tahimik lang ito buong biyahe pabalik namin ng mansyon. Nakatulog na si Zephy habang pauwi kami, kaya binuhat ito ni Luke, at dinala sa silid nito.

Nang makalabas sa silid ng bata, akala ko ay yayayain niya ako sa study para mag-usap pero hindi iyon ang nangyari. Tahimik lang akong nakasunod sa kanya, pero ang tinatahak niyang daan ay papunta sa silid nya.

"Your Grace!" Kaagad akong humarang bago pa man niya mabuksan ang pinto.

"Yes. wife?"

"Don't pretend like you don't know! What was that all about?" Tanong ko.

Mukhang wala siyang planong sagutin ako.

"Are you really going to be the next King?" Pagkukumpirma ko.

"I'm sorry if I didn't tell you sooner. It seems the Queen has secretly gathered the Royal Council about the succession, and it was immediately brought up the night of the party." Maiksing paliwanag niya.

Hindi ako sumagot.

"Upon the death of Archduke Cadmus Ravenstein-Alberta, I-"

"You became the next heir to the throne." Dugtong ko sa sasabihin niya.

He nodded. "Does the idea of being a Queen bothers you?" He asked.

'It's terrifying!' Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya.

Kung sa pagiging Duchess nga ay nahihirapan pa din ako, sa pagiging Reyna pa kaya.

Pero hindi ako ang problema dito.

Umiling ako. "I'm worried about you." Sagot ko.

"Me? Why?" Siya naman ang nagtanong.

"Alam kong wala kang interest sa trono."

"Y-Yes, but with the current situation, I need the title of the Crown Prince." Hinawakan ni Luke ang mga kamay ko at ipinantay iyon sa dibdib niya. "You were right about the King abandoning our troops in the war."

Hindi na ako nagulat sa sinabi ni Luke, dahil ang lahat ng iyon ay nabasa ko na sa librong isinulat ni Reru. Kung may iba pa sanang detalyeng nakasulat doon ay matutulungan ko si Luke. But that book focused on the romance, rather than the political side. The book ends with him, and Grachell's happy ending.

'Ugh!' Lihim akong nainis ng maalala nanaman si Grachell.

"And there's more." Natigil ang pag-iisip ko ng muling magsalita si Luke.

"What?" I asked.

He hesitated for a while bago muling nagsalita. "The death of my cousin, Archduke Cadmus, was orchestrated by the King. But we don't have any evidence, because the assassin that has been caught killed himself."

"W-What?!" Napasinghap ako sa sinabi niya, sabay takip ng isang kamay sa bibig. Napatingin din ako sa paligid namin.

"No ones here." Luke assured me.

"P-Pano nya nagawang ipapatay ang s-sariling anak?" Nanlambot ang mga tuhod ko sa isiniwalat ni Luke.

Agad siyang umalalay sa akin ng mapasandal ako sa kanya.

Bigla akong nakadama ng paghihina ng maalala kong maging ako man ay may kaparehong karanasan sa Archduke. Ipinapatay din ako ng sarili kong ama, dahil lang sa mga ambisyon nito, at upang pagtakpan ang mga kasalanang nagawa. Nanginig ang buo kong katawan ng maalala ang nangyari sa akin sa nakaraan kong buhay. Kahit ano pa man ang rason ng Hari, papaanong may mga magulang na kayang patayin ang sariling anak? He even allowed his mistress to disrespect the Archduke's funeral for wearing a red dress.

Hindi na ako tumutol pa ng buhatin ako ni Luke, at ipasok sa loob ng silid niya. He sat me on his bed, at kaagad siyang kumuha ng tubig na nasa bedside table saka iniabot ang baso ng tubig sa akin.

"Thank you, Your Grace." Agad kong sabi matapos inumin ang tubig at maikalma ang sarili.

"I'm sorry, wife. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I just thought that you have to know." Lumuhod siya upang pumantay sa akin.

"I-I understand." Sagot ko. "But about what happened earlier, you were openly challenging the King's authority. Don't do that." Nag-aalala kong sabi. Kung ang sarili ngang anak ng Hari ay nagawa nyang ipapatay para lang mailagay sa trono ang anak niya kay Lady Niveah, ibig sabihin ay kayang kaya nya rin itong gawin kay Luke. No, he actually already did by abandoning the Ravenstein during the war.

"I did that on purpose."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

He chuckled, and run a handful of my hair on his hand, and kissed it. "So that the King, and everyone behind him would know that I won't go easy on anyone who touches my wife." His smiling face was immediately replaced with a serious one.

"Wag mong ipahamak ang sarili mo ng dahil lang sa akin." Paalala ko sa kanya.

"Your warning is too late, wife." Dinampian niya ng halik ang mga labi ko. "Just rest here, I'll tell your maid to prepare you a bath and a meal." Dugtong niya bago tumayo.

Hindi na ako tumutol sa sinabi niya. Pagkalabas ni Luke ay agad kong tiningnan ang kabuoan ng kama, saka tuluyang pumwesto sa gitna at humiga. Kinuha ko ang isang unan at niyakap iyon.

'Ang bango. Parang si Luke.' Nagpagulong gulong ako sa kama dahil sa naisip, at dahil na din sa tuwa. In the past napakaimposibleng makapasok ako sa silid niya, pero ngayon siya pa mismo ang nagdala sa akin dito sa silid, at sinabing magpahinga ako rito. Pero kaagad ding natigil ang kasiyahan ko ng maalala ang pag-uusap namin kanina.

Humigpit ang yakap ko sa unan.

Isa ang mga Wesleinster sa mga pangunahing kakampi ng Hari. Parehong hangad ng dalawa ang pagbagsak ni Luke. And they'll do everything para hindi mapunta dito ang trono.

Napabangon ako ng biglang maalala ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon.

Galing kay Sygmund Drake ang mga infertility potion.

'Hindi kaya't sinadya nilang ipainom sa akin ang potion, dahil gagamitin nila iyon bilang rason kung bakit hindi maaaring makuha ni Luke ang trono? Plinano na ba nila ang lahat mula umpisa? At ginamit ang kasakiman ni Count Frederick, na ayaw akong magkaron ng anak kay Luke, dahil plano nitong ilagay si Celestine sa posisyon ng Duchess?'

Kapag inilabas nila ang tungkol dito, awtomatikong hindi maaaring maging Hari si Luke. Hindi lang ang pagkakataon upang maging Hari ang mawawala sa kanya, kundi pati na rin ang reputasyon nya bilang Duke of Ravenstein.

All because of me. Ako ang magiging hadlang sa kinabukasan ni Luke.

Kung may ihihigpit pa sana ang pagyakap ko sa unan ay ginawa ko na, sa sobrang bigat ng dinadala kong problema.

Isa hanggang dalawang linggo ang hiningi ni Evans para pag-aralan ang potion.

'Sana ay walang mangyaring hindi maganda sa loob ng dalawang linggo.'

Ang sabi ni Luke ay magpahinga ako, pero hindi iyon ang nangyari. Sumapit na ang gabi at lahat lahat, pero hindi man lang ako nakaidlip. Wala akong ibang nagawa kundi ang bumangon at agad na lumabas ng silid. Nasa labas si Adellei at ilang mga katulong.

"Your Grace." Agad na bati ng mga ito, and made a courtesy.

"Would you like to have a bath or a meal first, My Lady?" Tanong ni Adellei.

"I'll have my meal first." Sagot ko.

"Yes, My Lady." Agad akong sumunod kay Adellei papunta sa dining room.

"Where is the Duke?" Tanong ko ng makaupo.

"His Grace is having a meeting with the Commanders, My Lady. The Duke said that you should eat first and not wait for him, as they might finish late." Sagot ng Head Butler.

"I see."

The cook prepared my favorite food, kaya kahit papaano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam ko. After drinking a cup of tea ay umalis na ako sa dining room.

"Your Grace, your bath has been prepared but I think the water has gone cold. So please give us a moment to prepare it again." Agad na sabi ni Adellei ng makalabas kami.

"Okay." Nilibot ko ng tingin ang paligid. "Then I'll be in the drawing room. Just come in there when you're done." Dugtong ko.

The maids bowed and dispersed.

Pumasok naman ako sa loob ng drawing room. This is the largest drawing room in the manor, agad na tumawag ng pansin ko ang malaking grand piano sa loob ng silid. Kaagad na kumunot ang noo ko habang papalapit dito.

In my previous life, sampung taon akong naging Duchess. Nang umalis si Luke, unti unti kong inaral ang lahat ng mga kailangang matutunan ng isang Noble Lady na hindi itinuro sa akin sa Reiss County. It took me a long time to learn the etiquette, embroidery, painting, tea lessons, academics, at iba pa. Pero pagdating sa musika, napiga ko na ang kahulihulihang kulot ng utak ko, pero hirap na hirap talaga akong unawain ang mga nota. Kaya naman in my past life, pinatapon ko ang grand piano na to, matapos akong ipahiya ni Lady Esther sa isa sa mga tea pary na ginanap ng isang Noble Lady na mahilig sa musika.

Napabuntong hininga ako ng maalala ang pamamahiya ni Esther kanina.

I sat on the piano bench, and started pressing random keys. I flinch when the door suddenly opened.

"I heard you're here." Ang akala ko ay matatagalan pa siya sa pakikipagpulong kanila Sir Marcus, but he is here now.

"Y-Yeah. I just had my meal so..." I immediately put my hands on the lap. Umurong din ako ng konti to give him a space. Agad naman siyang umupo sa tabi ko.

"Do you play piano, wife?" Kaagad na uminit ang pisngi ko sa tanong niya.

Nahihiya akong umiling.

A Lady should at least know one or two instruments. Pero hindi ko talaga kaya.

"I'm sorry. It's because I am lacking that the Ravenstein Dukedom is being ridiculed." Yumuko ako dahil sa sobrang hiya.

"You're doing great, wife." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan iyon, kaya napaangat ulit ako ng tingin sa kanya. "The Duchy has changed a lot in a couple of months. I am proud of you. Don't mind those Nobles, today is the last day they will ridicule you like that." Dugtong pa niya.

My eyes widened when I heard his words. Kakasabi ko lang kanina na wag nyang ipapahamak ang sarili, pero heto nanaman siya at nagbabanta.

Pareho kaming natahimik sandali, bago siya muling nagsalita.

"And I was also at fault, because I did not treat you well, the Nobles looked down on you. So I would like to apologize for all my past actions. I must have greatly hurt you back then. I am sorry, wife."

"T-That..." Hindi ako makatingin ng maayos sa kanya.

"Kung naging maayos ang pagtrato ko sayo dati, ay baka naging masaya tayo sa umpisa palang. I made you suffer just because you are Count Frederick's daughter. I hope you could forgive me, My Duchess." Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko.

Kung hindi dahil sa ikalawang pagkakataon na ibinigay ni Reru ay hindi mangyayari ang lahat ng ito. Hindi ko mababago ang sarili ko. Hindi mo magugustuhan ang dating ako, na bulag sa lahat ng mga gustong ipagawa ni Frederick. Kahit wala sa eksena si Lady Grachell, mas lalo lang tayong magkakalayo, kung sa pagbabalik mo ay walang nagbago sa akin. If it wasn't for this second life, we won't get to see this side of us. "M-Marami rin naman akong pagkakamali dati. Parating mainit ang ulo ko, at parati rin akong mahigpit at masama ang pakikitungo sa mga servants, lalong lalo na kay Zephy. Masyado kong ipinipilit ang sarili ko, at kung ano ano pa. I wasn't able to apologize for that, I am sorry, Your Grace."

"I'm glad I was able to survive the war, makakabawi pa tayo sa isa't isa. Let's only make good memories from now on." Nakangiti sabi ni Luke.

Hindi kaagad ako nakasagot sa sinabi niyang iyon. Mangyayari lang ang sinabi niya kapag nakahanap na ako ng lunas, at kapag napagbayad na ang lahat ng mga may kasalanan sa amin.

"Here, let me play you a song." Siya ang bumasag ng katahimikan.

He started playing a piece. My eyes instantly landed on his fingers, that is gracefully hitting the keys. Luke's fingers are long, hindi tulad ng sa akin. Nagpalipat lipat ang tingin ko sa daliri naming dalawa, comparing it.

Agad na nag-init ang mga pisngi ko ng may ibang maalala. Lihim kong iniling ang ulo upang maalis sa isipan ko ang mga pinaggagagawa ni Luke sa akin gamit ang mga daliring iyan. Ikinalma ko ang sarili, hindi ito ang oras para mag-isip ng kung ano ano dahil seryosong nakikipag-usap si Luke.

"Do you like it?" Tanong niya ng matapos ang tinugtog na pyesa.

"Yes, your hands felt really great."

Huli na ng mamalayan kong nasabi ko iyon ng malakas, na dapat ay sa isip ko lang sasabihin. Luke often had an expressionless face, but the moment he heard my words, his blue eyes widened with surprise, and his red lips parted in awe.

"I-I mean..." Please! Gusto kong kainin nalang ng lupa.

"I just wanted to show off my skills, but it seems my wife has some unattended needs."

"N-No!" Agad kong paglilinaw.

"I'm not planning on doing anything to you tonight, because I don't want to stress you even more. Pero ako ang iniistress mo, wife. Kakahingi ko lang din ng tawad sa mga kasalanan ko, pero dadagdagan ko na kaagad." He leaned forward for a kiss.

"N-No wait, Your-" Pero huli na ang lahat para tumutol, kaya kaagad kong isinara ang bibig.

Ngumisi siya ng malapit ng magdampi ang mga labi namin. "Open your mouth. I want to taste you so bad." He wrapped his forearms around my waist at mas pinaglapit pa lalo ang mga katawan namin.

Mariin akong napapikit at sinunod ang sinabi niya. The moment I opened my mouth, a damp flesh hurriedly penetrated inside, and starts to fool around. He already kissed me countless times, so I already know that he likes to do it rough, intense, and with lots of biting.

"L-Let me breath-" Pakiusap ko ng bahagyang naghiwalay ang mga labi namin.

"I want you, wife." Bulong niya, at agad na bumaba ang mga labi niya sa dibdib ko.

"H-Hold on, Your Grace. L-Let's go to the bedroom first!" Kung kaninang umaga ay napigilan ko siya sa garden, mukhang sa pagkakataong ito ay hindi na. Agad naman siyang huminto sa gustong gawin at kaagad na tumayo ng marinig ang sinabi ko. He bent a little and wrapped his arm under my knees, and the other on my back and lifted me up.

Buong akala ko ay lalabas kami ng drawing room, pero sa halip ay iniupo niya ako sa keyboard ng grand piano na agad tumunog ng maupuan ko. I was suprised when he started to strip his upper garments, and loosen the buttons of his pants.

"No. I can't wait anymore." Matapos sabihin iyon ay ang suot ko naman ang binalingan niya. He rolled the hem of my dress up, and exposed my legs, na agad niyang pinadaanan ng mga palad niya. "Do you know how much I want you right now?"

My chest tightened after hearing those words, but, "Y-Your Grace! This is the drawing room! What if someone comes in!?" I panicked.

"Is that even important? Can't you see you're husband is dying to have you now?" Nakangising sagot niya bago ako ulit halikan.

'Talagang mamamatay ka kapag may nakakita sa atin dito!'

He pulled the ribbon at the back of my dress, kaya kaagad na bumaba ang suot kong damit. Kasabay ng pagbaba ng suot ko ang pagbaba rin ng halik niya.

✦✽.◦.✽✦

Even with the slightest movement she make, the keys from the piano would make a low ting sound. Pero hindi mapigilan ni Morrigan ang pag-arko ng likod niya ang bumaba ang paghalik ni Luke sa leeg niya.

"You smell so good." Agad na nag-init ang pisngi niya sa sinabing iyon ni Luke.

Kaagad niyang itinulak palayo ang magkabilang balikat nito. "Y-Your Grace, let me have my bath first." Pakiusap niya. His words made her conscious, as she was sweating a lot during the tea party.

Pero mukhang wala na itong planong pakinggan ang lahat ng hinaing niya, dahil sa halip na pagbigyan ang pakiusap ay muling inilapit ni Luke ang mga labi sa leeg niya, he drew hot breathe on her neck, and lick her soft skin. "You taste good, I like it." He utter, and bit her neck hard.

"Ahhh!" Sa gulat ay napayakap siya dito.

He had bit her many times, he would nibble every parts of her body every time they indulge in their carnal affairs. Surprisingly, rather than pain, the tingling sensation brought by his bites excites her. Isang ideya ang pumasok sa isipan ni Morrigan.

She rammed her nose on his neck, and inhaled his scent, Luke's masculine scent penetrates her small nose, and it excites her. His body stiffed in an instant. With her new found courage, she lick his neck and suck it hard like he does to her. His shoulders shuddered, and he let out a low moan.

"Ugghhh— what are you," His voice cracked, and he lean his head on her shoulder. His body has become hotter.

Seeing his reaction, she wanted to do more. Morrigan rained kisses on his neck up to his ear, which to her surprise has turned red. A smile drew on her face. Itinuloy niya ang balak gawin, she bit the tip of his ear, and suck it.

"Oh, f*ck!" He groaned. Luke raised his head, and looked at her, his face is flushing red. "Wife, even if you cry tonight, I will not stop." His hand reached her s*x swiftly, and parted the thin cloth that covers it.

He grabbed his c*ck, that has been erect and painful since earlier, and rubbed it on her entrance. "Hhhgghh-" She flinched, and immediately looked at the door. She's afraid that someone who doesn't know they are inside will come. Muling bumalik ang atensyon niya kay Luke, when he rubbed the tip of his member on her wetness. "Y-Your Grace, let's-" Yayayain sana niya ito sa huling pagkakataon na ituloy ang lahat sa loob ng silid nila, but Luke already inserted his member inside her soft wet flesh.

Napaarko siya sa sensasyong dulot ng bigla nitong pag-ulos sa loob niya. Her insides coiled around his member tightly.

"Ah-" He grunt, and clasped her thighs with both hands. He started to thrust inside her, again and again.

"Ahh! Ahh- ohhh-" Agad niyang tinakpan ang bibig ng mapalakas ang pag-ungol niya. The more he thrust deeper into her, mas lalong lumalakas ang pag-ungol ni Morrigan. And every time he thrusts, her back hit uncomfortably at the fall board. "Hmmph." She let out a low painful moan, na kaagad na napansin ni Luke. He pulled his member out and hoisted her up. He walked straight to the settee, and sat Morrigan on his lap.

"Lift your hips, and put it in yourself." Agad na bumaba ang tingin ni Morrigan sa bagay na nasa pagitan ng mga hita niya ng sabihin iyon ni Luke. He is still hard and huge.

What he instructed was too embarrassing, hindi niya iyon kayang gawin. Luke chuckled as she has already stiffened from embarrassment of his words, her whole body has turned red. Realizing that she can't do it, he lifted her hips up and pulled her to his center. He pressed his throbbing s*x against her core, and slowly lowered her down. When half of his member was inside her, he pause for a moment and waited for her to relax, before he greedily pushed his whole length inside her. She gasped loudly, as the sudden insertion has hit her deeper than usual. She was full to the brim. Morrigan reached out to her stomach to feel how deep he was inside her, and Luke followed her hand that rested on her belly. "F*ck." He mumbled.

He tore her dress and underwear that is blocking the view of their joint body, and threw it on the floor. She was shocked that he tore her dress, and now completely naked in front of him, inside a room that anyone can walk in and out freely. Luke, who couldn't control his burning lust, frantically thrust inside her. "Ahh! No— wait!" Napakapit siya sa balikat nito, kasabay ng pagbilis ng tibok ng puso niya. The position allowed him to be deeper, and reach her ends, she shivered to the pleasure he gave her.

Morrigan's body swayed up and down, her breasts brushed over his hard body, adding more unbearable sensation. Kahit anong pigil niya ay hindi niya mapigilan ang paglabas ng mga ungol niya. She screamed and moaned helplessly. "Ahh— stop- hmmm- haa-!"

"Cry louder, wife." He teased her.

"Aahh! Ughhh- L-Luke, a little slower please." She pleaded, almost screaming.

"F*ck." Instead of appeasing his lust, it gets ahead of him upon hearing his name on her quivering lips. She has never cried his name before in the middle of the act, kaya hindi niya akalaing makakadagdag iyon sa gana niya. His wife pleaded to go slower, but no matter how much he chastise himself, he can't bring himself to do so as her insides felt really good. He rammed her insides deeper, harder, and faster.

"Ahh! Yeah- ahhnng- Ahhhh!" She screamed gasping for air as her climax reached her, she tilted her head back. Her legs trembled under his violent thrusts.

He grabbed her buttocks and burried his c*ck all the way inside her, as he spewed out hot liquid deep inside her core. Her inner walls squeezed his manhood dry.

Her body collapsed on him, Luke immediately hugged her and rained kisses on her forehead damped with sweat, comforting her trembling body from the climax. She sniffed, and whimper underneath his embrace. Pareho silang naghabol ng hininga. A thin liquid run down on Luke's cheeks, he was sweating all over as well.

"Let's bath together, wife." Suhistyon niya.

"W-Wha-What?!" With all the strength left in her, she raised her body and looked at him in disbelief.

He pulled his manhood out of her and carefully lay her on the settee, saka inayos ang suot na pants. He grabbed her torn dress on the floor and covered it on her. He lifted her again and went straight to the door. "What? You desperately want a bath earlier, right?"

"I do! Pero hindi ka kasama!" She protest. "W-Wait! Put on your clothes first, Your Grace!" He is only wearing his pants, and his top is still naked.

Luke chuckled on her perplexed face, saka binuksan ang pinto, ignoring her words. Morrigan's body flinched with shocked when they were greeted with the maid's red and embarrassed faces. Usually, maids would line up, and greet their master. They are trained to have outmost professionality. But when they saw them, mukhang hindi alam ng mga ito kung saan pupunta o kung saan titingin. Kulang nalang ay tumakbo ang mga ito palayo. Adellei who would always speak first, looked like she had swallowed her tongue. Ilang segundo din bago nila naayos ang kanilang linya, at yumuko.

"Y-Your b-bath i-is r-ready, Y-Your G-Grace!" They said in unison, with trembling voices.

'D-Did they hear us?' Ang agad na pumasok sa isipan niya. Sa sobrang hiya ay hindi magawang sumagot ni Morrigan. Wala siyang ibang nagawa kundi ang isubsob ang mukha sa dibdib ni Luke.

"I'll take it from here, you are all dismissed for tonight." Si Luke ang sumagot sa kanila, and he walk away.

"I-I told you! What if they went inside the drawing room?!" Inis nitong sinuntok ang dibdib ng asawa.

"That's why I told you to cry louder." Her jaw dropped hearing his words.

"Your Grace!" Inis niyang saway dito.

Pano niya haharapin ang mga maids ngayon?

✦✽.◦.✽✦

Napabuntong hininga si Morrigan ng kinabukasan ay uminom nanaman siya ng vitality pill. Dumadalas ang pag-inom niya ng mga ito sa iba't ibang kadahilanan, pero ang salarin ay iisa lang.

Surprisingly, Adellei didn't pester her about what happened last night. Sa kauna unahang pagkakataon ay mukhang nahihiya itong kausapin siya patungkol sa ganitong bagay. She didn't say anything foolish like 'I should have prepared a sexy lingerie' or anything similar. Pero hindi lingid sa kanya na mukhang masaya ito.

Morrigan was also embarrased, kaya mas gusto niyang wag muna siyang kausapin ng personal maid niya. Hindi din kasi niya maipaliwanag kung bakit napunit ang suot niyang damit at underwear.

"Buti naman at nagising ka na!" Nagulat siya ng bigla siyang harangin ni Celestine.

Morrigan rolled her eyes, and instructed Adellei to leave them alone.

Nang maiwan silang dalawa ay kaagad nanaman siyang tinaasan ng boses ni Celestine.

"What the hell is that last night?" Celestine interogates her.

"What do you mean?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Morrigan.

"Why is the Duke carrying you in his arms?! Bakit siya pumasok sa silid mo?!" Sunod sunod na tanong nito sa kanya.

Morrigan's lips drew into a smile.

'So she saw us?' Hindi niya mapigilan ang pagngisi niya. Celestine's upset look is worth to watch. Her face is red with rage, at kulang nalang ay sugurin nito si Morrigan sa inis.

"Hindi mo ata ginagawa ng maayos ang trabaho mo!" Inis na bulyaw niya kay Morrigan, na para bang tuluyang kinalimutan na nasa loob siya ng mansion ng Ravenstein, and that the woman in front of her is the Duchess.

"Celestine, kahit pagbalibaliktarin mo pa ang Rohheim, asawa ako ni Luke. What ever he asked me in private, it's my duty as his wife to follow." Paalala nito sa kapatid.

"You could have said no!" Mariin nitong sagot.

"My husband wants me in bed, how could I say no?" Pang-iinis niya dito.

Celestine has started her education as an adult lady, kaya natitiyak ni Morrigan na alam nitong hindi maaaring tumanggi ang isang babae sa kagustuhan ng kanyang asawa.

Her face fumed with anger. "I will tell father about this!" Banta niya at inis na iniwan si Morrigan.

'May mabuti naman palang naidulot ang ginawa ni Luke kagabi.' She thought.

Nagawa niyang inisin ang kapatid, without any efforts.

Muling naglakad si Morrigan. Meron siyang hinahanap, at mayroon iyang mahalagang pakay rito. Nang lumabas siya sa garden ay kaagad naman niyang nakita ang hinahanap.

She needs to talk to Drystan. Kasama nito si Sir Ross at nag-uusap ang dalawa. Nung nakaraang araw palang dumating si Drystan pero mukhang naging magkasundo kaagad ang dalawang kinakatakutan niyang magsama. Ilang beses na niyang naririnig na magkwentuhan patungkol sa mga sandata at mga taktika sa pakikipaglaban ang dalawa.

Bago pa man siya tuluyang makalapit ay umalis si Sir Ross dahil tinawag ito ng isa pang Knight. She took the oppurtunity to be able to talk to him alone.

"Drystan!" Kaagad niyang tawag dito.

He immidiately faced her and bowed. Drystan looks so good on his Knight uniform. Kahit pa ba labag ito, dahil hindi naman siya miyembro ng kahit na anong Order.

"Is there a problem, My Lady?" Agad na tanong nito kay Morrigan.

"Nothing. I just came to give you this." Nag-abot siya ng blue pills na nakalagay sa isang maliit na bote.

Dahil lahat ng pills na ginagawa ni Morrigal ay kulay asul, nagtatakang ekspresyon ang isinagot ni Drystan.

"I promised that I'll give the cure to your sister." Paliwanag ni Morrigan.

"Pero hindi ko naman nalaman ang lunas, o kung san gawa ang potion." Sagot ni Drystan.

"Nope, what you did is enough. Hindi ko alam kung pano kita pasasalamatan, and this is all I can think of." Matagal na niyang ginawa ang mga pills na inaalok kay Drystan. Pinagpuyatan niya itong gawin ng pumayag ang binata na magtrabaho para sa kanya.

She immediately noticed his eyes watered, at halatang pinipigilan ang pagtulo ng mga luha. Kaagad na inabot ni Drystan ang bote ng pills. "Thank you, My Lady." His voice cracked, even though he is smiling.

"Thank you, Drystan!" Hinawakan nito ang kamay ng binata at marahang tinapik ng ilang beses bago bitawan. "By the way, I have another favor to ask." Kaagad niyang dugtong.

"What is it,My Lady?" Tanong ni Drystan.

"Can you bring Cecie in? I'd like her to be my daughter's aid, and friend. Hindi magkalayo ang eded ng dalawa. Zephy will turn six, soon." Naisip kasi ni Morrigan na walang kasing eded na kasama sa mansyon si Zephy, kaya masyadong mahiyain at halos ayaw makihalubilo sa ibang bata.

Normally, Nobles would bring in a child from another Noble household to be their kid's playmate, friend, or aid. Pero dahil sa nangyari sa tea party kahapon, she doesn't want to get involved with any of them, especially her daughter.

"Does His Grace knows?" He asked.

"I'll tell him about it later." Simpleng sagot niya sa tanong nito.

"I understand." Kaagad na yumuko si Drystan, at nagpaalam.

Sinundan siya ng tingin ni Morrigan.

Thanks to the magical perfume Evans gave them, hindi mapapansin ni Luke ang amoy at presensya ni Drystan. Pagnagkataon ay baka nagkagulo na dito sa mansyon sa oras na maamoy o maramdaman ni Luke ang presensya nito. Buti nalang talaga at pumayag si Evans na gawin ang perfume. Galit na galit ito kay Sir Ross, for exposing their master's strength and weakness. Pero sa huli, pumayag pa din ito. Espadang nasa leeg niya lang ang katapat. She felt sorry for Evans, pero she needs all the help she can get.

Napabuntong hininga siya. Napakaraming bagay na ang isinaalang alang ni Sir Ross para lang tulungan siya sa mga problema niya.

✦✽.◦.✽✦

Maagang nagising si Luke para sa pang araw araw na morning training ng mga Knights. The Knights stationed at the second mansion has their own Commanders, but still, he wants to suprevised them. He looked at the woman sleeping besides him, and smiled. Hinalikan niya ang pisngi ni Morrigan at itinaas ang kumot hanggang sa balikat nito, bago marahang bumaba sa kama at lumabas ng silid. He wanted to stay beside her, until she wakes up, but he has important duties to do.

Ilang oras din ang iginugol niya sa training grounds. When the Knights finished their morning exercise, pinagduelo niya ang mga Knights upang makita ang mga kakayahan ng mga ito. He aslo sparred with Sir Marcus, and the other Commanders bago umalis ng training grounds.

Pagkapasok sa mansyon ay ang asawa kaagad ang hinanap niya. Pero sa halip na si Morrigan ang makita, nakasalubong nito ang nakababatang kapatid ng asawa.

"Good morning, Your Grace!" Masayang bati nito sa kanya.

"Good morning, Lady Celestine." Ganting bati niya.

"Did you just finished training?" Pagpapatuloy na tanong ni Celestine.

"Yes." Tipid na sagot ni Luke, habang pinupunasan ang mga pawis niya.

"Are you perhaps looking for my sis- I mean, the Duchess?" Malambing na tanong nito.

"Yes." He nodded.

"She's right over there. We were talking. I'll go with you." Pagyaya nito.

Luke doesn't want to offend her, as she is his wife's sister. Kaya muli siyang tumango at sumunod dito.

Muling bumalik si Celestine kung san siya nanggaling kanina. Wala na si Morrigan sa lugar kung san sila nag-usap, pero kaagad naman nitong natanaw si Morrigan sa labas, at kausap si Drystan habang nakahawak sa kamay ng binata. Kaagad gumuhit ang isang ngiti sa labi ni Celestine. "There she is." Itinuro niya si Morrigan. "Oh, my." Agad na dugtong ni Celestine ng makasunod si Luke sa tabi niya. She made sure she sounded surprised seeing her sister holding Drystan's hand.

Mas lalo siyang natuwa ng makita ang pagsama ng tingin ni Luke sa kamay ni Morrigan na nakahawak kay Drystan.

"What is a Reiss Knight doing here?" Iretableng tanong ni Luke.

"He's a Knight sent by my Father to escort me, Your Grace." Sagot ni Celestine.

Hindi pa din nagbago ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni Luke kahit binitiwan na ni Morrigan ang kamay ng kausap na Knight.

"He isn't my personal Knight, but my sister, the Duchess personally asked Father to assign him for me. That Knight, and my sister has a close relationship back in the County. She must have missed him a lot." Pagsisinungaling nito.

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo ni Luke ng marinig ang mga katagang 'She must have missed him a lot'.

Luke gave Celestine a side look, bago muling ibinalik ang tingin sa asawa. For some reasons, the Knight standing in front of his wife felt familiar. He was sure he has sensed his presence before, hindi lang niya matiyak kung saan at kelan. He can't smell anything too. Usually, once he felt a certain presence or smell them, he would never forget them.

"By the way, Your Grace..." Muling nagsalita si Celestine, sounding so concerned.

"Yes, Lady Celestine?" Maging sa boses ni Luke ay hindi na niya maitago ang pagkainis. Gusto na niyang lapitan ang asawa at ilayo ito sa kausap na Knight.

"I-I heard what you said at the tea party yesterday. About being the next King..." Napahinto ito sa pagsasalita.

Bumuntong hininga si Luke, gathering all the patience left in him. "Yes?" Muli niyang tanong.

"Did my sister not tell the Duke about her condition?" Nag-aalalang tanong nito.

"What condition?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Luke.

"T-That-" Kunwaring nag-alangan si Celestine.

His patience is wearing thin.

"My sister is infertile, Your Grace." Malungkot nitong dugtong, pero sa loob looban niya ay masayang masaya siya sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon.

"W-What?" Napalitan ng pagkagulat ang buong mukha ni Luke.

"Oh, my god!" Nagkunwaring tinakpan niya ang bibig gamit ang dalawang kamay. "I-I didn't mean to interfere, it seems my sister has not tell His Grace yet." She made a crying sound. "I-I'm sorry, Your Grace." She bowed as a courtesy, at nakangiting iniwan si Luke.

_______CHAPTER 24________

OKAY, BIGLA KO NAALALA HOLY WEEK PALA, TAS ETO TINATYPE KO. BURN RERUSHI BURN! AY CHAR!

Thank you sa mga votes, comments, and rl mga new readers. Hindi ko na kayo maisa isa, but always grateful for chosing my story as your next read.

By the way, baka di ko agad masundan tong UD dahil nga Holy week. My mudra has some strict rules during this season, so baka itapon si lappy, haha. Char. Pero depende pa. Matigas ulo ko eh. Ay char ulit.

VOTES. COMMENTS. RL.
are highly appreciated.
(つ✧ω✧)つ 🤍