Chapter 32: An Invitation
"To the duke's room, right?" he asked Elias, who stood beside him ready to guide him through the large, quiet mansion.
"Yes, Young Master," Elias replied respectfully, bowing his head slightly before leading the way.
As they walked slowly through the long, grand hallway, their footsteps echoed softly against the polished floor. Along the way, several maids paused their work and glanced toward Axelius with surprise and curiosity. Quiet whispers began to spread among them.
One maid, her voice barely above a whisper, said to another, "Isn't that Young Master Axelius collapsed just yesterday?"
Another maid looked closer and answered softly, "Yes, that's him, but look at him now... he looks fresh, like he's full of life. It's hard to believe he was sick so recently."
A third maid gasped quietly and said, "Oh my gosh, have you noticed? His skin is glowing, shining like the morning sun. It's like he's changed overnight."
Axelius and Elias finally reached the large wooden door that led to the duke's office.
Two guards stood quietly on each side of the door, their faces serious but respectful. When they saw Axelius approach, one guard stepped forward and said loudly, "Young Master Axelius Dravenhart has arrived."
The other guard quickly moved to open the heavy door with a slow, creaking sound. The door swung wide open, revealing a large room filled with shelves of books, maps on the walls, and a big desk where the duke usually worked.
Axelius stepped into the duke's office and gave a deep, respectful bow. "Good day, Duke" he said clearly, his voice calm and noble. Owen, sitting quietly on Axelius's shoulder shocked, "When did you learn to speak like that?!"
Axelius just smirk and put his finger to his lips, "Shh"