Chapter 26: A Blatant Lie
Lily's legs trembled as she gazed up at the Duke who could tear her apart with an arm. "She's currently resting, Duke Elsher."
"Resting? In Ralph's home?" Orion barked out, looming impressively over the tiny maid like a lion staring down a mouse. He peered inside the house, half-expecting Soleia's blonde head to pop out from a corner at the sound of his voice. "Ralph, where are you? Come out now!"
However, only silence greeted his ears. Orion crossed his arms.
"Where is Ralph, the actual patient?" Orion asked. "Has his condition deteriorated so thoroughly that he cannot respond, or is he simply too busy cozying up to my wife in bed to greet me?"
Lily's face paled at the implications of his words, and she shook her head frantically. "No, Sir Ralph has left to take a walk!"
"A walk?" Orion scoffed in disbelief. "Ridiculous. Wasn't he deathly ill a mere day ago? He should be resting in bed!"
"Sir Ralph is outside taking a walk while my lady is resting. She is very tired," Lily repeated, mentally praying for Princess Soleia to return soon. She wasn't good at lying, and she feared Duke Elsher might lose his temper with her and force his way inside the house.
If he found out both Sir Ralph and Princess Soleia had vanished at the same time, it would be near impossible to claim innocence! However, Lily knew Sir Ralph did not have any untoward intentions. Sir Ralph had merely insisted on chasing after Princess Soleia, claiming that it was his responsibility to make amends after all the trouble he caused her.
How could Duke Elsher, his own best friend, think so wickedly about him? Lily grumbled bitterly to herself. She wanted to use this chance to give the Duke a taste of his own medicine.