Chapter 58
Deborah thought, ‘Go in? At this hour? Just the two of us–alone? That doesn’t seem appropriate at all.’
“If you’re not coming in, then get lost. I don’t have much patience,” Damian’s icy voice rang out again.
Deborah drew in a deep breath and finally stepped inside.
Her reputation was already in tatters anyway. And with the general’s estate in such dire straits, they couldn’t afford to wait much longer.
Damian sat at the edge of the bed. Even through the screen, his cold, oppressive presence seemed to fill the room.
Deborah was about to approach when his voice cut in again, sharper this time, “Close the door.”
“Your Highness…”
“Then leave.”
Bang! The door slammed shut–Deborah’s hand still on the handle, her frustration barely concealed.
From behind the screen, Damian watched her silhouette and gave a cold, mocking laugh. “You’ve got some nerve. You come here asking for help, and you still dare show me attitude?”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Deborah lowered her gaze. “Since you already know why I’m here, then you must understand the situation my family is facing. Your Highness, I beg you–please say a few words to His Majesty. Ask him to give the general’s estate just one month.
“My brother has always been loyal to the crown. He would never abandon his post without reason. Something must have happened to him— something serious.”
Still no response.
Through the screen, she could see only the shape of him sitting at the bedside. She had no way of reading his expression, no idea what he was thinking.
“Your Highness?” she called softly.
Nothing.
Then it clicked–he was ignoring her because she was still speaking from behind the screen.
Deborah hesitated. Considering all that had happened between them, her heart was far from calm.
He was about to choose a bride. Soon, he’d be married. She thought, ‘What woman can tolerate her husband being this close to another woman? Maybe he doesn’t care–it is a different time, after all–but I do!
“Your Highness, His Majesty summoned my grandfather to the palace. He calls it a visit, but in truth, he’s under house arrest. The king fears my brother might leak the situation in Ploria to the enemy.
“My grandfather is old. This kind of stress… I don’t know if his body can take it.”
And the longer this dragged on, the worse it would be.
If Ramiro didn’t return soon, the entire general’s estate would be held accountable. At best, they’d be thrown in prison. At worst… executed.
The fact that the king had only placed Henry under house arrest–by Deborah’s count, that was already far more mercy than they could’ve hoped
for.
“Your Highness, please help us. I just need one month. That’s all I’m asking.”
Still nothing.
After
After a long moment of hesitation, Deborah finally stepped around the screen–and froze.
While she’d been waiting at the door, Damian had undressed.
Now he was down to his inner robes–thin and light, clearly ready for bed. The fabric clung to his frame, and she could see the lines of his chest through it–his skin faintly flushed in the candlelight.
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9:25 AM
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Chapter 58
Startled, Deborah immediately dropped her gaze and turned to retreat behind the screen.
Damian’s lips curled slightly, his voice like ice. “Take one more step back, and I’ll wash my hands of the general’s estate for good.”
“Your Highness!” Deborah froze in place, heart pounding. She didn’t dare look at him, but also didn’t know where else to look.
If he weren’t Simon’s brother… if they hadn’t had so many complicated entanglements… maybe this wouldn’t feel so unbearable.
“Grieton’s forces are stirring up rebellion. The army is already pressing against Ploria’s gates. And the general responsible for defending it—Ramiro -has disappeared,” he said.
Damian lifted one long leg, resting his arm casually on his knee, his gaze fixed on her pale face.
“And now you want me to plead for him? If Grieton attacks, who would be willing to forgive him?” he asked.
Deborah finally lifted her head to meet his eyes. “My brother would never abandon the people without reason. But the fact is, he’s gone–and whether it was his choice or not, the consequences are real.”
“Your Highness.” she suddenly bowed. “The general’s estate is only asking for a chance to make this right. Please speak to His Majesty. Let me take my brother’s place. Let me defend Ploria.”
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