Chapter 82: Mysteries and Manipulations
In the dimly lit cell, Duke Alexavier Agnes continued to grapple with the recent turn of events. His incarceration, a stark contrast to his noble status, weighed heavily on him. The events in the courtyard had left him in a state of perplexity and frustration, as he was determined to find his missing wife, the Duchess. News of his imprisonment had quickly spread among the palace guards and servants, leading a knight to approach the cell in a state of panic.
"Duke, what happened to you? How on earth did you end up behind bars?" a knight ran to the scene in a panic as news spread about Alex’s incarceration.
"I don’t know, but I’ve caught that bastard Lucius. He knows something. He knows where the duchess is. Once we capture him, he’ll reveal everything," Alex continued to contemplate the situation.
"Duke, I think we should stop this. It’s been a week since the duchess went missing. I don’t believe she was abducted by someone else, but—"
"But what? What are you trying to say?" Alex inquired, gripping the bars with his hands.
"I think the duchess left on her own, seeing this situation. If not, why would she come all the way to the palace alone when she could have had your assistance?" the knight suggested.
"I think it’s all a part of the duchess’s plan. Perhaps it’s a ruse she created, like the night she spoke of a monster but there was no monster to be found. Maybe she concocted all of this to escape the duchy because she couldn’t handle it," the knight proposed, which triggered an angry outburst from Alex.
"Don’t forget who you’re talking about! We’re discussing the duchess, my wife and your mistress. Is this how you speak to your lord? Is this how you address me?" Alex shouted, pulling the knight’s collar and making him hit the railing in frustration.
"But, my lord, you are chasing after an illusion," the knight persisted, but nothing seemed to sway Alex. A guard intervened, stating, "His Majesty has ordered your release. You don’t have to stay in the cells, Duke Alexavier. You’ll be free of all the charges, and you’ll return to your title."
The Duke vehemently rejected the idea that his wife would resort to such schemes, defending her honor and integrity. However, the knight persisted in his belief, leading to a heated exchange between them. In the midst of their argument, a guard intervened, announcing that the emperor had ordered Alex’s release and wished to meet him.
"His Majesty?" Duke Alexavier turned in surprise.
"Yes, he’s waiting for you in his chambers, and he wishes to meet you as his nephew, not as a duke," the guard informed.