Chapter 55: The Lord Had Returned!
The sound of hooves could be heard from a distance, followed by the cheers of the crowd. Oriana watched with cold eyes. Her hands clenched into a fist under her long sleeves.
How did this happen? She had made sure that Damon did not have funds, support, resources and good knights to fight this battle. This battle was a lost cause from the start.
She had personally chosen the weakest knights, refused the staff of the estate to help him. She even made sure that they did not have medical help. Yet..! yet! She wanted to curse and scream hard but the smile on her face did not falter even for a second.
Dressed in a bright new red gown embellished with rubies, Oriana waited with her whole staff.
When Damon dismounted from his horse, she smiled sweetly and hugged him.
"I knew that you would be successful, my son. I am proud of you. You have once again proven that you are the pride of our dukedom. I will personally organize a grand ball to celebrate your victory." her voice had joy and warmth as if she could not praise him enough.
Damon had long noticed the presence of the queen’s messenger and how he stared at them warily. But Damon was in a good mood. She did not want to ruin it by arguing with his step mother. His eyes scanned the crowd. He frowned when he did not see a familiar face there.
"I am tired for now. We can discuss the details later, mother." he bowed his head and went straight to his room. The staff took a step back while giving their lord the way.
The man still reeked of blood and death. Oriana sighed as she watched him leaving.