"A little birdy told me an intruder would appear," Duke Cassian said in a mocking tone, his sword still pointed at Craige.
Craige had expected this. He knew the moment they set foot in the western territory,
someone would inform Cassian.
He slowly raised his left hand in surrender, while his right arm remained wrapped
protectively around Luren.
Cassian's gaze dropped to their clasped hands, and he let out a disgusted scoff.
"So this is why you refused to marry my sister?" he sneered. "Because you preferred a man?" He tilted his head with a twisted smile. "If I had offered myself instead,
would you have said yes?"
Craige wrinkled his nose and coughed awkwardly. "That's… gross, man."
Keith let out a dry cough, biting back a laugh. He'd known both men since they were
young. Beneath the sarcasm and barbed words, he could still feel the thread of their old friendship, tense, but not yet broken.
"Arrest them," Cassian ordered his knights, his voice sharp and cold.
Craige's team didn't resist. They hadn't come to fight. This was a mission for peace,
even if it meant complying with Cassian's demands… for now.
Their hands were bound behind their backs as they followed Cassian and his knights.
They were led to the back entrance near the dungeon.
"Is Duke Cassian serious about putting His Grace in the dungeon?" Keith murmured,
disbelief clear in his voice.
"Don't you think this will lead to chaos?" Clara asked, her brows furrowing in concern.
"Cassian, what is the meaning of this?"
The former Duke arrived just in time, his voice stern.
"Your Grace, welcome to the West," Castelo said, giving Craige an apologetic look.
Treating Duke Craige this way was unacceptable, he was the kingdom's defender.
"Thank you for the warm welcome," Craige replied with a faint smile, his voice calm but
edged with quiet authority.
"Cassian, release them at once," Castelo ordered, turning to his son with a sharp glare.
"Tsk! Release the esteemed guests," Cassian muttered through clenched teeth. He knew what he did could spark an uproar, especially if the king found out.
"The King sent a formal message about your arrival… it seems Cassian didn't bother to
read it. I deeply apologize, Your Grace," Castelo said, bowing in shame.
"That's understandable, Former Duke," Craige responded gently, nodding. He understood Cassian, he was the same. Both had once run from duty, chasing swords and
roaming their lands instead of facing responsibilities.
"Please follow me to the receiving area, Your Grace," said Gab, who came running, panting slightly. He was Cassian's aide, the one who always handled the paperwork his
lord neglected.
"Whatever you came here for, you won't get anything. You'd better just go back," Cassian
snapped bitterly before storming off.
Luren shifted uncomfortably. The former Duke Castelo, kept glancing at him with eyes
full of sadness. Luren couldn't understand why. The look made his skin prickle, like the old man saw something in him he himself didn't see. Perhaps sensing his discomfort, Castelo gave him a warm, reassuring smile.
"Let's talk inside," Castelo said gently, gesturing toward the manor.
"I believe His Majesty's letter clearly stated that we requested the West's support in
dissolving the harem, to ensure the safety of Prince Claren," Craige began as
they took their seats.
"I fully support the King's decision. Frankly, it should've been done years ago. Allowing that harem was a mistake. Most of them only sought power through concubinage," Castelo sighed, his voice tinged with frustration. "But you know…the final decision is not mine to make."
"I understand," Craige nodded, then added, "That's why I came. I need to speak to Cassian."
As he spoke, Craige noticed Castelo's gaze kept drifting toward Luren.
"Ah, forgive me. I haven't introduced them properly. This is Luren Hearthveath and his sister, Clara Hearthveath."
"Greetings, sir. We apologize for not introducing ourselves earlier," the two said in
unison, rising to bow respectfully.
"It's quite alright," Castelo replied, offering a kind smile. "There was quite a lot happening when you arrived. I'll have the butler prepare your rooms. You're welcome to stay here as long as needed, until you can convince Cassian."
After dinner, they all retired to their assigned rooms. Cassian, notably, never appeared during the meal.
As they reached the stairs, Craige leaned in and whispered to Luren, "Do you want to
stay in my room tonight?"
Luren glanced around, hesitant. "No… It's better if we sleep in separate rooms. This
isn't our manor, and it wouldn't be appropriate."
Craige let out a soft sigh but smiled nonetheless. "Alright. Good night… I'll miss you tonight."
Luren blushed faintly and whispered back, "Good night… I'll miss you too."
"Ugh, stop that, you two!" Clara groaned, clearly unimpressed by the couple's affectionate exchange.
Keith chuckled heartily, shaking his head before disappearing into his own room.
It was the first night Craige and Luren had to sleep apart since the beginning of their
relationship, and as they each lay in their separate rooms, both felt the quiet
emptiness of the space beside them more than ever.