Chapter 2 — The King’s Return
"Pick it up and leave," Cynthia ordered Duke Dorian.
The brown-haired young man bit his lips, feeling humiliated beyond measure.
Not only was this happening before his lover’s eyes, but he also felt a deep sense of shame he couldn’t overcome.
No matter how much his blood boiled, he had to obey the princess—she was of higher rank than him, a duke.
Reluctantly following the princess’s order, Duke Dorian bent down and reached for the shining blade on the dark, plush carpet.
Cynthia slowly approached him, leaning closer to his ear and whispering, "This is where you belong."
Dorian flinched and glared at the young woman before him. However, Princess Cynthia had already exited the audience hall, leaving the Duke and his lover alone, trembling in embarrassment.
"Damn it!" Duke Dorian cursed, clenching the sword in his fist.
"It’s alright, Your Grace," Lady Valentine said with a smile, gently placing her hand on Dorian’s shoulder to soothe his anger.
Dorian nodded and inhaled deeply.
I haven’t lost anything. It is the princess who lost the only person willing to marry her despite the outrageous rumours surrounding her!