Chapter 55
It seemed like there were guests at Moonview Manor tonight.
Thomas blocked Deborah at the entrance. “Princess Deborah, it’s quite late. Is there something urgent you need to speak with His Highness about? I can relay your message.”
“I have something important to discuss with His Highness.”
There were some things she needed to say directly to Damian. Having Thomas deliver the message would only lead to more delays, and no one knew when she’d get any real information in return.
But tonight, unlike his usual warmth, Thomas unexpectedly stopped her from entering “Apologies, Princess Deborah, but His Highness is with guests at the moment and is unavailable…”
“Then I’ll wait until the guests leave and speak with him afterward.”
Deborah walked toward a nearby pavilion, clearly intending to wait as long as it took.
Thomas noticed that her ankle seemed nearly healed. Though she still walked a bit slowly, her stride was steady.
He hurried after her. “Princess Deborah, it’s chilly tonight. You’ll catch a cold sitting out here.”
“It’s fine. I’m not that fragile,” Deborah replied, shaking her head.
Her tone was too heavy to carry a smile. She couldn’t help but glance up at the dark sky. The weather seemed to be turning–overcast with the hint of rain.
“Thomas, could you light a lamp for me? I want to read for a bit,” she said.
Deborah kept her eyes fixed on the sky, where the moon was hidden behind thick clouds. The pavilion had some light, but it was too dim to read comfortably.
“Princess Deborah, perhaps you should return for now. When His Highness is free, I’ll inform you immediately.”
Thomas glanced up at the sky, which was heavy and overcast.
Deborah hesitated. Though it made sense, she stood for a moment, then sat back down. “I’m afraid he won’t want to see me. It’s fine—I’ll wait here.”
“The guests tonight… may not leave soon,” Thomas said, glancing toward the side hall.
Seeing Deborah’s determination, he added, “Let me go inform His Highness.”
“No need. I’ll wait here. I don’t require any special treatment since I’m the one asking for something.” Deborah was still clear–headed.
While Damian had been kind to her in the past, she couldn’t help but wonder if it was just a passing interest.
More often than not, his temper with her was sharp and unpredictable. Royal men’s minds were hard to understand, and she didn’t want to risk angering him again.
Thomas sighed and reluctantly went to fetch a lamp. He returned and placed it beside her, waiting quietly.
He had expected Deborah to grow bored, but instead, she pulled out a small book from her bag and began reading it intently.
“Witchcraft?” Thomas asked, surprised. “Princess Deborah, do you understand these dark arts?”
“I don’t fully understand it. I just started studying it, but I haven’t found any better books on the subject,” she replied.
“From what I know, witchcraft relies heavily on personal cultivation. Even with the best books, you can’t control the insects without practice,” Thomas explained.
“I know. That’s why I’m reading for now. When I get to Grieton and see the actual insects, I’ll be able to put what I’ve learned into practice.”
“You’re going to Grieton?” Thomas asked, stunned. “Do you know what kind of place Grieton is?”
Deborah didn’t look at him, still focused on her book. She nodded without saying a word.
Thomas’s concern grew. “Princess Deborah, have you discussed going to Grieton with His Highness?”
1/2
9:25 AM
Chapter 55
“I can’t see him,” she replied simply. “So, there’s no way to discuss it.”
“I’m not talking about Prince Simon. I mean… Prince Damian…”
Deborah was slightly surprised. “Why would my going there involve Prince Damian? It doesn’t really concern him, does it?”
Before she could finish, a cold, low voice interrupted from the side hall. “If it has nothing to do with me, why are you looking for me?”
2/2
