Tale 9
Snow Wolves

The Duke will stay in the battlefield for three years.

And by next year, Adelina is fated to die.

That’s how it played in the novel [Queen of Hearts].

But Adelina is determined to change her fate!

“Duchess, when are we going back to the North? After the Duke’s return from the war?” Sabrina asked one morning

“No. Now that the Duke is at the battlefield, I will take over his work so we will go back next week.” Adelina

“Will we be alright on this journey without him?” Sabrina

“Is the journey dangerous?” Luella asked curiously

“Yes.”  “No.” Sabrina and Adelina answered at the same time.

Luella was confused. So is it dangerous? Or not?

“Have you forgotten how we were attacked by wolves on our way to the Capital?” Sabrina

“I remember. But don’t worry, we will have more guards this time. The Crown Prince will personally escort us back.” Adelina said nonchalantly

“T-the Crown Prince?!” Sabrina and Luella gasped in unison

“Yep, his big bro probably threatened him so he will escort us back. Don’t mind his presence too much on the journey, he’s just an escort anyway.” Adelina said casually

“.......” Sabrina

“.......” Luella

The two were speechless.

Why is the Duchess treating the Crown Prince casually as if he’s mere air? She disregards his existence as if he’s just some random Tom, Dick and Harry.

Just then, they suddenly hear a soft knock on the door.

A servant entered upon the Duchess approval.

“Duchess, a guest has arrived.”

“A guest?”

Could it be... Lady Daniella Agrielle?

Why would she visit?

“Did she introduced herself?” Adelina

“It’s actually a man, Duchess. And he said he’s a Salvatore.” The servant answered

A Salvatore?

“Okay, lead me to him.”

***

Adelina was lead to the receiving room of the mansion, Sabrina and Luella in tow.

A man bow towards the three of them upon their entry.

His eyes were glued behind Adelina.

Hmm?

Who is he staring at?

“May I speak with you in private Duchess?” the man said without even bothering on introducing himself.

Adelina motioned for Sabrina and Luella to wait for her outside the room.

“But Duchess—”

“It’s alright.” Adelina cut Sabrina off. She must be worried about her safety, but Adelina who possess several Legacies is not afraid of danger.

Sabrina and Luella went out unwillingly, the man’s eyes followed the two.

“So what’s your business here?” Adelina asked as she sat down without a care. If the other party didn’t bother with formalities, then she will be as rude as him.

The man doesn’t seem to care either.

“I heard that you’re planning to take away Lady Luella to the North!”

“And what’s it to you? Who the hell are you?” Adelina asked with a raised eyebrow

“I’m the heir to the Dukedom of Salvatores in the South! My name is Devin Salvatore! And I don’t agree to you taking away my future bride to the North!” Devin

Devin Salvatore? Isn’t he one of Lilianna’s love targets? Why is he here? And the words coming from him implies that he’s interested  in Luella. Which confuses Adelina. If you like Lilianna, why are you here for Luella?

If she’s not mistaken, this guy is the same age as Luella. Which means he’s two years younger than her current self who’s already 24 right now.

In the novel [Queen of Hearts], it was never mentioned that Devin Salvatore was interested in Luella Salem. From chapter one until the end, it only said that Devin is inlove with Lilianna since they were students in the academy.

But with what’s happening right now, Adelina is even more doubtful of everything now.

An idea suddenly struck her mind.

Could it be that Lilianna have a legacy that could charm people? Is that one of the effects of the Legacy of Attraction? So it didn't just attract people? Can it actually charm them in a way that will make them fall for her? Is that her secret on how she collect her harem of bishounens?

But that’s not what’s important right now.

“The heir of the Salvatores you say?” Adelina

“Yes, and I demand you to leave Lady Luella alone!” Devin

“Demand? Don’t you know how rude you are right now?” Adelina

“R-rude? Me?” Devin

“You act rude because you are the heir to the dukedom of Salvatores. But do you know who I’am?” Adelina

“Y-you’re the Duchess of Lancaster.” Devin

“Exactly. If you’re going to act rude, come back when we’re on equal standing, heir of the Salvatores.” Adelina dismissed and stood up to leave the room

Devin was at a lost. As the heir to the Dukedom of Salvatores, he was so used to people fawning at him. The Duchess was the first person to ever talk down to him like this aside from his father, the current Duke of the Salvatores. Even his Mother was respectful towards him ever since he was chosen as heir!

What a novel experience!

Isn’t she too.....cool?

“W-wait Duchess!” Devin stopped her from leaving

Adelina looked back and raised an eyebrow.

“Can you please help me?” he said, lowering his pride.

“Help you? Why should I do that?” Adelina

Devin cannot respond. Yes, why should she do that? He was rude to her so why should she help someone like him?

“I... I apologized for my rude actions.” Devin

“Apology accepted.” Adelina

Devin’s eyes lit up, “T-thank you!”

“For what?” Adelina

“For... Of course it’s because you’re agreeing to help me..?” Devin suddenly felt unsure

“I never said I’ll help you though.” Adelina

“.......” Devin

“But if you’re truly sincere, talk to Lady Luella about your feelings. I won’t help. But I will allow her to grant you an audience anytime. That is, of course, if she’s willing to meet you.” Adelina

“Thank you Duchess!” Devin

Adelina simply smiled before she left the room.

She saw the worried Sabrina and the fidgeting Luella after she walked out of the door.

“Are you alright, Duchess? That man didn’t do anything weird to you right?” Sabrina

“I’m alright.” Adelina

“A-are you sure, Duchess?” Luella is also worried

Adelina smiled at Luella. Now that she’s under her wings, Adelina will protect her. And if the heir of the Salvatores is sincere towards Luella, the daughter of a baron, then isn’t that like a real fairytale where a prince married a humble girl?

She’s looking forward to how Luella’s love story will unfold.

***

Days continued to pass by.

“Have you heard the rumours?”

“Of course! It seems that Duchess Adelina charmed the heir of the Salvatores!”

“This is a huge scandal if proven true!”

“I heard that Sir Devin has been frequenting the Sullivan’s mansion these past few days!”

“Oh my, is the Duchess seducing him as a substitute to her husband in case the Duke die on the battlefield?”

“I think so! The Duchess thinks that she can fool us, but we can see through her plans!”

“What a whore!”

“Shhh! If someone hears you, you might get thrown to prison!”

“For what crime? Slander? Heh! I’m just telling the truth so why should I be scared?”

This is how people start to believe the rumours to be true.

However, the centre of this crazy rumour is completely unconcerned.

“Why is that guy here?” Maxwell complains as he pointed towards Devin who’s talking happily to the timid Luella.

They were resting after a day’s journey back to the North. As promised, the Crown Prince escorted their party on their journey back to the Dukedom of Lancaster. However, Maxwell is obviously unhappy about Devin’s presence. Isn’t this guy the reason why his sister-in-law’s reputation is being tarnish?

“Why are you angry with him? You two were very similar so I thought you’d get along well. I guess I was wrong.” Adelina

“How would I get along with a fool like that?” Maxwell

“Why not?” Adelina

“Wait a minute! Sister-in-law, are you perhaps implying that I’m a fool just like that guy?” Maxwell

So you’re not that slow huh?

“Of course not! I don’t think you’re a fool. But what’s my opinion against thousands of others?” Adelina immediately denied

Maxwell frown. Why does her answer felt off for some reason?

“Don’t worry, even if you’re really a fool, I’m sure you’re not the dumbest person on the planet.” Adelina

“........?” Maxwell

“Just pray that he won’t die soon.” She added

Maxwell was speechless. The way she hurts his feelings is very similar with the Duke. No wonder she’s the Duke’s wife! The two were a match made in heaven!

“By the way, tell your men to never put down their guards tonight. This place is near where we were attacked by wolves last time.” Adelina reminded Maxwell

Maxwell immediately nod to show that he understands.

Adelina shared a tent with Sabrina and Luella that night.

It was the middle of the night when Adelina was awakened by the howling of the wolves.

She can also hear the footsteps of the guards who’s rushing in ever direction to fight off the wolves.

“W-what’s happening Duchess?” Luella who was awakened by the commotion asked in confusion

“Are we under attack?” Sabrina who was traumatized by what happened last time asked nervously

“I think we’re under attack. But stay calm, panicking won’t help in this situation.” Adelina said calmly

Sabrina and Luella nod in unison.

The three of them went out of their tents to check the situation.

She saw Maxwell giving instructions to some of his men.

Devin showed up in front of them in an instant. Salvatores possess the Teleportation Legacy. The original Adelina copied this legacy when their family once attended a banquet held at the Salvatore Dukedom when she was still a teenager. Although she cannot teleport at a far away distance, this is still a very useful legacy especially in times of emergencies when she needs to escape immediately.

“Lady Luella, Duchess Adelina, Lady Sabrina, it’s too dangerous to be on your own. Allow me to guard you.” Devin offered

“Guard the two of them. I will help to fend off the wolves.” Adelina

The three stared at her in shock.

“That’s insane! Do you want to throw away your life, Duchess?” Sabrina said worriedly

“Trust me, I’m a Medallian. With the Crown Prince and the heir of the Salvatores around, I can fight by mirroring their legacies.” Adelina

Sabrina was shocked. The Adelina she knew of is timid and afraid of the world. Although Adelina has been acting unusual these past few months, this is the first time that she realized how much Adelina changed after she became the Duchess of Lancaster. She’s like a completely different person.

Luella on the other hand, was moved by Adelina’s bravery. She always view her as a saviour who showed her the light, and each passing day, the Duchess kept showing her that she made the right choice of following her that day.

Devin was surprised, he heard about Adelina before. She’s famous for her dazzling beauty, but she’s timid and rarely seen in the high society. She’s always surrounded by rumours mostly because she’s engaged to Niklaus Grayson Sullivan since childhood. Devin heard that she’s a pushover. He can’t even remember meeting her back during their academy days. But seeing her now, he realized that the Duchess of Lancaster is far from what the rumours made her. She’s actually.... cool.

Adelina teleported towards Maxwell’s side which surprised the Crown Prince. But he pretended to act cool and kept on instructing his men.

“Are we surrounded?” Adelina asked

“Yes. We are under the attack of Snow Wolves.” Maxwell

“That’s bad news indeed.” Adelina agreed

Snow Wolves are good with camouflage. Their snow-white fur creates the illusion of invisibility against the white snow surrounding the Northern territory. But that’s not what makes them troublesome to deal with. Snow Wolves are known for having a big pack. And they travel and hunt down their preys with number.

“We’re currently outnumbered.” Maxwell

Although Maxwell is confident that they won’t die, he’s afraid that many will fall to ensure their survival. As the Crown Prince, he knew that sacrifices are needed for the greater good. But as a person, he still want to save as many of his comrades as he can.

“If we can defeat their alpha, then these wolves will fall back in fear.” Adelina

“That won’t be easy. Just like humans, some beasts also evolved with the passage of time. And to be an alpha of a pack of Snow Wolves, that wolf must possess powers to control such a large number of wolves.” Maxwell 

“Then to minimize our lost, we must stay put and just defend together.” Adelina suggested

Maxwell shook his head, “If we do that we will be nothing but a fish on a chopping board. We will be slaughtered. We must move forward to attack.”

“No, stay put. I will move to distract them and hunt down their alpha.” Adelina

“Are you crazy? The Duke will bury me alive if I ever agree!” Maxwell

The howling of the wolves are getting closer by each passing second so Adelina said in a hurry, “I’m not asking for your permission though.” And she vanished after saying that.

“Fnck.” Maxwell

~~~~~~~~