Chapter 97: A skulkhound
Behind them, Axelius finally turned around, one eyebrow raised, and Owen mumbled from his shoulder, "Well... that was unexpected."
Elena pulled away gently and wiped her eyes. She turned back to Axelius and walked toward him. "Hey... sorry. You don’t have to duel anymore."
Axelius stretched lazily. "What? Why not? It’s a exercise though, look at your father his getting old."
Elena rolled her eyes, but this time, she smiled. Albrecht watched them quietly, then said, "You can stay for dinner, boy. No dueling."
Axelius shrugged. "Sure. But I want dessert first."
Albrecht was still chuckling softly when he looked back at Axelius with a slightly narrowed gaze, now curious. "Young Lord, does the Grand Duke know you’re here?"
Axelius tilted his head like it was nothing. "Hmm? No."
Elena’s body tensed up instantly. "Uhm... F-Father, actually..." she said, suddenly flustered, waving her hands nervously.
Albrecht’s brow raised.
Elena quickly explained, her words rushing. "He... he wasn’t allowed to leave the estate. He kind of—uh—slipped into my carriage without permission..."
Albrecht’s eyes slowly widened, his smile fading into a flat stare as he looked back at the boy standing so casually. "You smuggled yourself in?"