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Capítulo 8: Eliza

Eliza crouched behind the pillar at the base of the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the scene unfold before her. She had arrived just in time to hear Lucavion's desperate pleas and Lady Eleanor's harsh rebuke.

"Mother, please, you have to believe me. I didn't do anything wrong…"

Eliza's eyes widened as she saw Lucavion, the young lord she had always admired, pleading with his mother. His voice was filled with such raw emotion that it made her heart ache.

Eleanor's cold response sent shivers down Eliza's spine. "After everything that has happened, how can you still blame an innocent young girl? After everything you have done, how can you stand here and accuse her?"

Eliza could hardly believe her ears. How could Lady Eleanor, someone she respected so deeply, be so dismissive of Lucavion's words?

After all, she knew that even though Lady Eleanor was busy, she was a good mother to her children most of the time.

She was even a good Lady of the house for the workers who worked in the mansion. She rarely talked down to the maids, even if they made any mistake.

But now she was saying such things….It was the first time Eliza saw Lady Eleanor in such a state. For the first time, Eliza was seeing this side of Eleanor.

She held her breath, making herself as small and quiet as possible, praying that she wouldn't be discovered.

"Nobody ever believes the words of a disappointment."

The sting of those words was palpable, even from Eliza's hidden vantage point. She watched as Lucavion's shoulders slumped, the fight draining from his body. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she witnessed his widened eyes.

"What is your name?"

Somehow, she was reminded of the times when she was young.

Eliza remembered the first time she had met Lucavion. She had just been a young maid, learning how to serve tea for the first time. The grand halls of the Thorne mansion had felt intimidating, and her hands trembled as she carried the tray, the delicate cups clinking softly with each step.

She was so anxious. Maybe because of her anxiousness, she stumbled and tackled down, spilling the tea. The hot liquid splashed onto the leg of the lord she was supposed to serve.

 

She felt a surge of panic. The tea was hot, and she had spilled it on the leg of someone important. The maid beside her immediately scolded her, her voice sharp with anger. "How could you make such a mistake? Apologize to the lord at once!"

Engulfed in fear, Eliza dropped to her knees, her heart pounding in her chest. She expected harsh words or, worse, punishment for her clumsiness.

She had heard of many stories where such maids were punished just because of such mistakes. Some of them were even executed for offending a noble.

Fear engulfed her heart because of those rumors as she imagined her punishment.

She kept her head bowed, tears welling up in her eyes.

But then she heard a gentle voice, a voice that was calm and reassuring. "It's fine. You can raise your head."

She slowly lifted her gaze, her vision blurry with tears. The first thing she saw was clear brown eyes looking into hers. They shook a little, looking a bit blurry.

As her vision cleared, she saw the full face of the young lord. He was young and delicate, with soft black hair that wasn't long but framed his face perfectly. Lucavion.

He smiled at her, a warm and forgiving smile. "It's okay. You don't need to fear anything."

At that time, she hadn't noticed the twitching of his corners and how his hands were clenched on his leg.

How hard he was trying his best to keep himself from showing the pain he most likely felt.

"Nobody will know about what happened here." He said, his eyes looking at the senior maid that would be overseeing her. "Right?"

"Yes, young master understood."

After hearing this, he turned to smile at her once again. "Everyone makes mistakes. What is your name?"

"Eliza," she whispered, her voice trembling. "My name is Eliza."

"Well, Eliza, it's nice to meet you," he said, still smiling. "Don't worry about the tea. It's just an accident."

The maid beside her was taken aback, clearly not expecting such kindness. "My lord, I am so sorry. I will ensure this never happens again."

Lucavion waved her off. "There's no need for that. She's just learning. We all make mistakes when we're learning."

After that moment, when she talked about this moment with her father, she understood what he had done.

"Come here, Eliza." 

Her father called her into the kitchen, his face serious. He took a kettle of boiling water and held it over her hand.

"This is what it feels like," he said, letting a single drop of boiling water fall onto her skin.

The pain was immediate and intense, making her gasp and pull her hand back. The small burn hurt so much that tears sprang to her eyes.

Her father nodded, his expression somber. "That's what the young master endured when you spilled the tea on him. But he didn't show it. He protected you instead. Remember that, Eliza. Remember his kindness. And make sure that, when the time comes, you can repay the grace you received."

She nodded, the lesson seared into her memory as much as the burn on her hand. She would never forget the kindness Lucavion had shown her, nor the pain he had hidden to spare her.

That was how it began, and she started watching him. Looking over ways to repay the kindness that she had received.

And as she watched more, it slowly turned into something else.

She came to like him.

But how could she help it? Seeing him play with the cats on his own.

And now, how could she believe that he had done such a thing?

The Young Master Lucavion was something that she knew she had witnessed all the time. Such a person wouldn't even hurt insects, let alone a young girl.

Assaulting a young girl, especially the sister of his fiancée?

Such a thing could never happen.

As she knew, all the time that he had been surrounded by many beautiful people, there had never been a time when his eyes were filled with carnal desires.

Thus, she stood still.

Lady Eleanor turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing in the cold, silent basement.

Eliza stayed perfectly still, waiting until she was sure Eleanor was gone. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and took a deep, shaky breath.

As she waited a little longer, she suddenly heard the sound of a body hitting the ground. Her heart skipped a beat, and she rushed to the source, her mind racing with worry.

She saw him collapse, blood flowing from his nose. "Young Master Lucavion!" she shouted, but he did not answer. She hurried to his side, her hands shaking as she reached for him.

"Lucavion, please wake up!" she pleaded, gently shaking him.

His skin was pale, and his breathing was shallow. The sight of the blood and his unresponsive form sent a wave of panic through her.

"He-Mhmmm…." She was about to shout out loud for help, but then she remembered where she was and what she was doing.

She remembered she needed to keep it quiet. Even now, she had already risked the fact that someone could possibly have heard her voice.

"Ah..."

She looked down, realizing that he was breathing. Though from time to time he flinched and shivered, he was alive. Relief washed over her.

Gently, she sat down and placed his head on her lap, caressing his head to soothe him. His skin was cold, and his breathing was still shallow, but he was here. He was with her.

As she sat there, she couldn't help but think about what would happen to him from now on. What kind of fate would await him? Would he be banished, exiled? Would he be sent to prison? Would he be executed? The uncertainty of his future weighed heavily on her heart.

While caressing his head, her eyes fell on her bracelet. It was a simple but beautiful piece given to her by her mother, who was no longer in this world. That bracelet had always made her feel calm, especially when she found herself in difficult situations.

Looking at it, she made a decision. She would give it to him. It could at least make him feel a little calmer when he was feeling overwhelmed and alone. She knew she could not be with him anymore, but this small token of comfort might help him.

With trembling hands, she removed the bracelet and gently slipped it onto his wrist. "Please, let this give you some peace, Lucavion," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes once more.

She continued to caress his head as she whispered.

"At least, I will believe in you. Though, I am not sure you will be able to remember it."

DRIP!

A small liquid fell down from her face as she looked into his face.

"But, I will still hope that you do."

As she wiped that tear, she gently put his head on the mat.

"Goodbye."

She stood up, walking.

"My first love."

And left.


next chapter

Capítulo 9: Banishment

As Gerald left his study, the letter from the Duke of Valoria still in hand, he made his way to the sitting room where Eleanor awaited.

The gravity of the situation hung over him like a storm cloud, and he knew that this conversation would be one of the most difficult he had ever had with his wife.

Eleanor stood by the window, her elegant figure framed by the evening light. Her green eyes, once filled with warmth and kindness, now reflected deep-seated anger and disappointment.

She turned as Gerald entered the room, her expression hardening as she saw the letter in his hand.

"Gerald," she said, her voice tense, "what does the Duke say?"

Gerald took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "The engagement between Isolde and Lucavion has been nullified."

Eleanor's eyes narrowed. "That much was expected. But what else? What does the Duke demand?"

Gerald's jaw tightened, and he handed her the letter. "The Duke desires a punishment befitting the crime. He trusts me to handle this matter with the utmost severity."

Eleanor scanned the letter, her face growing paler with each word. When she finished, she looked up at Gerald, her eyes blazing with fury. "How could he? How could Lucavion bring such disgrace upon our family?"

Gerald clenched his fists, his anger barely contained. "What he did is one of the biggest sins a man can ever commit. He has not only shamed us but also betrayed the trust of the Valoria family. This is a stain on our honor that cannot be easily washed away."

"And to Isolde on top of that. Such a fragile and innocent young girl. She was like a flower, remember." Eleanor spoke, her eyes looking silent.

"Indeed, she was like an angel," Gerald said as he looked into Eleanor's eyes. "You don't need to think too much for such a disgrace." Eleanor grabbed Gerald's hand, clenching it.

"Don't worry, I won't. From now on, I will no longer have a son named Lucavion."

********

The two days that followed were a blur of confinement and basic sustenance. Each day, a guard would silently slide a tray of food and water into the cell, the contents just as meager and unappetizing as during the journey.

Stale bread, tough meat, and the occasional bruised fruit became my staple diet.

The days passed in a slow, monotonous rhythm, each moment blending into the next. But amidst the isolation, I found something on my wrist.

"What is this?"

Was there something like this on my arm?

I tried to recall if such a thing was there, but I couldn't remember. Maybe someone else had put this for me when I was asleep, or maybe I was seeing things.

As I focused on the bracelet, a faint memory surfaced. The moment before I lost consciousness, there had been a presence, a comforting touch. It was a hazy recollection, but it was there, lingering at the edges of my mind.

A gentle voice, soft and soothing, whispering words of comfort. The sensation of someone cradling my head, offering solace in my darkest moment.

But I didn't know who the person was at all.

Still, despite the lack of comfort and the harsh conditions, I found myself strangely calm, as if that presence was there. It was a subtle feeling, definitely.

The cell remained as cold and damp as ever, but the knot in my heart had loosened somewhat.

The words of my mother, though painful, forced me to confront my reality and my own sense of self-worth. I knew I was not the disappointment she believed me to be, and this conviction brought a measure of peace.

No one came to visit me after my mother's departure. The silence of the cell became a companion, a space where I could reflect and gather my strength.

The nightmares that had plagued my sleep during the journey receded, replaced by a more restful slumber. It was as if the confrontation had purged some of the anxiety and fear that had taken root within me.

As I lay on the cold stone floor, my thoughts drifted to the trial that awaited me. I knew I had to be strong, to face whatever accusations were thrown my way with dignity and resolve.

*******

The grand hall of the Thorne mansion was filled with a tense silence as the trial of Lucavion Thorne commenced. The room, usually reserved for celebratory gatherings and important family meetings, now bore the weight of judgment and consequence. Nobles from surrounding estates, family members, and servants gathered, their faces reflecting a mixture of curiosity, concern, and condemnation.

At the front of the hall stood Viscount Gerald Thorne, his stern visage commanding attention. Beside him, Eleanor Thorne sat with a cold, impassive expression, her eyes fixed on the proceedings. A heavy oak table separated them from Lucavion, who stood in the center of the room, flanked by two stern-faced guards.

Gerald raised his hand, signaling for silence. The murmurs that had filled the room died down, and all eyes turned towards the viscount.

"Today, we gather to address the grave transgressions committed by Lucavion Thorne," Gerald began, his voice echoing through the hall. "His actions have brought disgrace upon our family and have violated the trust placed in us by the Valoria family."

Lucavion stood still, his eyes fixed on the floor. The weight of his actions and the judgment of his family bore down on him heavily.

Gerald continued, "The Duke of Valoria has nullified the engagement between Isolde and Lucavion, and he demands a punishment befitting the crime. It is our duty to ensure that justice is served and that the honor of the Thorne family is upheld."

He turned his gaze to Lucavion, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "Lucavion Thorne, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Lucavion lifted his head, meeting his father's gaze. The defiance that once burned in his eyes was still there. 

"I did not commit such a crime."

A murmur of disbelief swept through the room. The assembled nobles and family members exchanged glances, their faces a mixture of skepticism and disdain. Gerald's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing.

"Do you expect us to believe that after all that has happened?" Gerald's voice was cold and unforgiving.

Before Lucavion could respond, his brother Alistair stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "Even after all this time, you're still trying to lie? To deny your actions?"

Lucavion shook his head, his voice steady. "I am not lying, Alistair. I swear, I did not commit this crime."

–SWOOSH!

Alistair's fury erupted. His hands ignited with fire, the flames dancing dangerously close to Lucavion's face. "How dare you! You think you can deceive us all with your lies? You're a disgrace to our family!"

Lucavion pulled back, the heat of the flames scorching his skin, but his eyes remained resolute. "I'm telling the truth."

Before the situation could escalate further, Gerald's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Enough, Alistair!"

The flames in Alistair's hands flickered and died, but his anger was far from extinguished. He stepped back, his eyes still burning with fury as he glared at his brother.

Gerald's gaze shifted back to Lucavion, his expression unreadable. "Cease your worthless claims."

As the gaze fell down to Lucavion, he pursed his lips.

"Yes, father."

Gerald's cold eyes remained fixed on Lucavion. "Your punishment has been decided. You will be sent to the Valerius Plains to serve on the front lines of the war. You will fight until the war is won or until you fall in battle. This is the only way to atone for the disgrace you have brought upon our family."

"What?"

"He will be sent to the frontlines?"

"At such an age?"

The whispers grew louder, filled with shock and disbelief. The war on the Valerius Plains had been raging for seven years, and its brutality was well-known. The enemy empire was the strongest force across the whole continent, and sending a young child who had yet to celebrate his fifteenth birthday banquet to such a battlefield was seen as a death sentence.

"This is madness!" someone whispered. "How can they expect him to survive out there?"

"He's just a boy," another voice added. "He won't last a day in that hell."

"That must be the point. After all, they are trying to soothe the Iron Duke and the Royal Family. The punishment given should be befitting to such titles."

"Indeed, that must be the case."

Eleanor's face remained a mask of cold indifference, as did Alistair, who seemed unperturbed by the murmurs, his anger still smoldering.

Gerald raised his hand, commanding silence once more. "The decision is final. Lucavion's actions have brought disgrace upon us all, and this is the only fitting punishment. He will prove his worth and seek redemption on the battlefield." He paused, his voice echoing through the hall. "Is that clear?"

Lucavion raised his head, his eyes locking onto the Viscount. The fierceness in his eyes was gone, replaced by a deep sadness and resignation. "Father, is this your will?"

Gerald's gaze remained cold and unyielding. "Yes, that is my will."

Lucavion nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging under the weight of the verdict. "...I understand, Father."

Gerald's expression hardened even further. "I am not your father."

Lucavion's face fell further, but he nodded again, accepting the finality of his father's words. "Understood, Viscount."

The room fell silent again, the gravity of the situation settling over everyone present. Gerald's expression softened for just a moment, a fleeting glimpse of the father he once was before it hardened once more.

"Take him away," he ordered the guards. "He leaves at first light."

-----------------------

You can check my discord if you want. The link is in the description.

I am open to any criticism; you can comment on things that you would like to see in the story. 


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