Chapter 242: The Mother and Son Reunion
The duchess’s words hung heavy in the air, but Linnea, who had been silent all this time, suddenly lifted her head. Her hollow eyes sparked with something fragile and burning. Without warning, she fell to her knees, her voice breaking as she cried, "My Lord, please... take me to the General’s mansion. I can feel it—my son is alive. My Sandoz..." Her voice cracked, and tears fell freely from her eyes while her hands clawed at the hem of his robe.
Connor stared at her, heart pounding painfully in his chest. His hands trembled as he reached down, pulling her to her feet. "Stop crying," he said, voice softer than he intended. "Freshen up. I won’t have you seen in such a state at the General’s estate."
He cast a stern look at the two servants. "Dress your Madam properly and fix her hair well. If she arrives at the mansion looking like a beggar, do not bother coming back."
The maids glanced at the duchess briefly before bowing hastily and hurried Linnea away. Connor watched them go, the weight of anticipation pressing heavy on his shoulders.
...
At the General Norse’s Manor.
"Please be seated, My Lord, Madams." The butler spoke respectfully as he gestured toward the cushioned seat in the reception room.
Duke Connor Arces, his wife, Eloisa, and his concubine, Linnea, took a seat. The duke sat stiffly, his gaze fixed on the frosted window. His fingers drummed absently on his knee, betraying the anxiety simmering beneath his composed exterior. He felt his palms were clammy and rubbed them against his tunic, then he would shift back to drumming his knees.
A son.