章 54: Returning Home
Edward carried Richard's unconscious body, the result of the brutal beating he had given him. As he approached the Verdaselles estate gate, two guards stood watch, their eyes narrowing at the sight. Without a word, Edward threw Richard's limp form at their feet. The guards, alarmed, drew their daggers and advanced on Edward.
He casually pulled an envelope from his coat and extended it, halting them in their tracks. "Tell Lady Evangeline... I found her bodyguard like this, and this letter was beside him. I have nothing to do with it." The guards exchanged a wary glance before one cautiously took the letter from Edward's hand. They failed to recognize him, thanks to the clever disguise he wore.
Edward gave them a mocking nod before walking away, his lips curling into a smirk. "Lady Evangeline... I'll let you stew for a while. I've still got plenty of plans for you and Dominic." He clenched his fists, glancing back at the estate. "Prince George replaced the guards quicker than I expected," he muttered under his breath, his mind already turning to his next move. "Magdalene better not disappoint me this time. With the poisoning scandal heating up, I need to tread carefully."
He watched as the guards dragged Richard's body inside the gates, his smirk widening at the chaos he'd left behind
Several Minutes Later
Evangeline sat at her study table, her fingers tightening around the letter Edward had sent. Her knuckles turned white as she read his mocking words:
"Dearest Lady Evangeline,
I found your precious bodyguard, but he seemed eager for a little chat. Alas, our conversation didn't go well—he's quite stubborn. Doing his job well, isn't he?
Yours faithfully,
Edward Sylen Brusward"
Evangeline glared at the paper, her heart pounding in rage. With a snarl, she slammed the letter onto the table, rattling everything on it. "That bastard," she hissed. "How dare he mock me like this and pretend he just 'found' Richard? He's lying through his teeth!"
In her fury, she tore the letter in two and flung the pieces to the floor. Magdalene stepped forward, trying to calm her by gently taking her hand and shaking her head. "My Lady," she began softly.
Evangeline let out a deep breath, as she struggled to contain her fury. "How is Richard?" she demanded, her voice barely under control.
"He's receiving treatment, My Lady," Magdalene replied.
But her words only seemed to ignite Evangeline's temper further. She scoffed bitterly and shot to her feet, pacing with restless anger. "This is intolerable I can't just sit down and watch things go like this it's high time I stand upright" she spat. "Double the punishment on the Bruswards. I want them placed under house arrest immediately!" She waved her hand dismissively, signaling her final decision, before storming out of the room.
Magdalene nodded, following her swiftly to ensure her orders were carried out.
Later that Night
Magdalene was handed a letter and unfolded it carefully. The writing confirmed Dominic's return in the morning, and a small smile crept onto her face. She quickly folded the letter back up. "Evangeline would destroy this if she saw it," she thought. "Good thing it reached me first. I'll break the news to her when she's ready."
She tucked the letter away and continued down the hallway to check on both Evangeline and the recovering Richard, her thoughts racing.
By sharpening Edward's mockery and deepening Evangeline's frustration, the tension between them intensifies, making her sudden order for house arrest feel more emotionally charged.
Day of Departure
The Khardes Family House
Khardis stood outside the grand house in the cool morning air, the wind brushing through his hair as he slipped his hands into his pockets. His expression was calm, but his heart felt heavy. He waited for Khadriane, knowing this moment was inevitable, yet dreading it all the same.
Her family waited with him, their presence unmistakable. Seven men stood in a disciplined line, each dressed in dark, sleek attire reminiscent of 20th-century Chinese assassins. Their black robes were tailored with precision, adorned with red embroidery at the hems, and the high collars were stiff and formal, giving them an air of deadly elegance. Their movements were quiet, their posture alert, and alongside them were several hefty bodyguards, their muscular builds hidden beneath layers of layered clothing, designed for both protection and agility. A large white tiger, its fur gleaming in the morning light, was held by a chain collar in the grip of one of the men, a silent but imposing presence.
Khardis recognized them instantly—the Yenin family. He avoided their sharp gazes, choosing instead to look up at the sky, lost in his thoughts. Memories of the previous night with Khadriane played over in his mind, bittersweet and filled with unspoken tension. He sighed, struggling to keep his emotions in check.
Suddenly, the door opened, and Khadriane stepped outside. Khardis's breath caught in his throat as he turned to face her. She wore a striking red and green silk gown, flowing gracefully as she moved. The dress was ornate, with intricate embroidery of dragons and flowers along the sleeves and hem, each stitch reflecting her family's wealth and tradition. Her attire was that of a high lady from a rich household , every detail honoring her culture. Beaded fringes hung delicately from her headpiece, framing her face, while a veil covered the lower half of her face, leaving only her eyes—sharp and cat-like, accentuated with smoky makeup that made them seem even more intense. Beneath the veil, her lips were painted a deep red, a glimpse of elegance and mystery.
Khardis felt his heart break a little more as he took in the sight of her. She was breathtaking, a vision of beauty and tradition, yet distant, wrapped in a world that he could never fully be part of.
"I guess this is goodbye," she said softly, her voice muffled by the veil but laced with emotion. She reached out, taking his hand, and their eyes locked in a moment that felt both tender and tragic.
Khardis swallowed, his chest tight. There was a sadness in his gaze that he couldn't quite hide, though he tried to remain composed. He gently reached up, stroking her hair, the softness of her locks a stark contrast to the coldness of the reality they faced. He longed to hold on to this moment, to her, but he knew better. He admired her beauty, the strength in her posture, and the grace with which she carried herself.
"I never wanted it to end this way," he whispered, his voice barely audible. Yet he knew there was no turning back. The weight of tradition, family obligations, and the ever-growing tension between their worlds pulled them apart.
The white tiger growled softly in the background, as if sensing the gravity of the moment. The Yenin men stood impassive, waiting for Khadriane's command, while Khardis could only stand there, the unspoken words and feelings between them heavy in the air.
Two Hours Ago
Khadriane's Bedroom
Khadriane lay beneath Khardis, their bodies intertwined as they made love, the room filled with the heady mix of their shared breaths and soft moans. Khardis gazed deeply into her eyes, his hand gripping her thigh, pulling her closer as their movements became more intense. She clung to his arm, biting her lower lip as pleasure overtook her, her body reacting to each thrust.
With a soft gasp, Khadriane's nails dug into his back as he released his warm fluid inside her, the sensation sending a shudder through her body. But Khardis wasn't done. He pulled her tighter, refusing to break the rhythm, his hands moving possessively to her waist as he shifted her onto his lap. He sat back, his breath heavy, lifting her easily onto his thighs, guiding her body against his as they continued, their breaths ragged and filled with need.
She gasped again, her hands gripping his shoulders, but her lips soon found his in a desperate kiss, her body trembling from the intensity. They moved together, the heat between them growing as Khardis's hands roamed over her back, pulling her even closer, not wanting to let go of the moment. He kissed her fiercely, a hunger driving his every move, his hands sliding down to grasp her hips, pushing her deeper against him. Every touch, every kiss was an unspoken promise—one of desire and passion, but also the longing they both knew could not last.
A few minutes later, the feverish pace slowed, and Khardis finally lay beside her, their skin still slick with sweat, their hearts pounding in the aftermath. He leaned over, gently caressing her cheek with his fingers, his touch tender despite the fire they had just shared. She smiled softly, holding his hand, leaning in to brush her lips against his.
"Your family arrived earlier this morning... they've been waiting outside," he said, his voice low, breaking the silence between them as he pulled away and sat up. His words were calm, but there was a tension beneath them.
Khadriane stood slowly, wrapping the bed sheet around her bare skin as she rose. She leaned down and kissed him gently on the cheek before slipping out of bed.
"They missed me a lot, so I understand. I've stayed here too long already," she said, her voice filled with a bittersweet understanding as she began to move toward the dressing area. Before she could go far, Khardis reached out, his hand catching hers, pulling her back slightly.
"Will you tell me now?" His voice was quiet but filled with curiosity. His eyes searched hers. "Why does your family want my father dead?"
Khadriane paused, her expression softening as she looked down at him, her fingers brushing against his. "I'll tell you… when we meet again. There isn't time to discuss this now."
She leaned forward once more, pressing her lips firmly to his, her kiss lingering with a sadness that mirrored the gravity of the moment. Khardis stood, his emotions a whirlwind, but in the next breath, he swept her off her feet, carrying her effortlessly toward the bathroom.
For now, the outside world could wait. The impending separation loomed, but in this moment, Khardis wanted only to hold her close, to savor every last second before the inevitable came. As the bathroom door closed behind them, the weight of her unspoken words lingered, but the warmth of their embrace drowned out the growing tension between their two worlds—if only for a little while longer.
Back to the Present...
As Khadriane gently kissed his cheek, Khardis felt a warm flush rise to his face. She released his hand, leaving behind a small jade stone. He stared at it, the cool weight of the jade resting in his palm, knowing the significance of her gift. It was a silent message—a farewell, a promise, or perhaps something unspoken between them.
"Khadriane..." he called after her, his voice soft but pained. She stopped for a moment, eyes closing as if to steady herself, before continuing her walk toward her family without a word. One of the men, Ye, approached her, holding the large white tiger by a chain. The majestic creature moved with quiet grace, and Khadriane reached out to stroke its head, her fingers tracing its fur gently. The tiger licked her hand affectionately before she turned back toward Khardis and gave a final wave.
Khardis waved back, his heart heavy with sorrow as he watched her mount a horse and ride away with her family. The manor gates closed behind them with a loud thud, sealing off the moment and leaving a deep wound in his chest.
A storm of emotions swirled within him, but the sadness quickly transformed into a cold, steely resolve. Khardis snapped his fingers, summoning one of the nearby bodyguards. The guard hurried over, bowing his head respectfully.
"Master?" the bodyguard asked cautiously, sensing the shift in his demeanor.
"Get me a drink. Two bottles of vodka. Now," Khardis ordered, his tone sharp and final.
The bodyguard blinked in surprise. "Isn't that too much, Master Khardis?" he asked, hesitating out of concern.
Without missing a beat, Khardis's eyes darkened, his expression turning deadly. "Do it," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "Or I'll open the cages and let the wolves tear you apart."His tone was deadly enough to make someone submit.
The guard flinched at the threat, fear flashing across his face. The Khardes family wolves were known to be fierce, kept for specific purposes—intimidation, protection, and sometimes darker tasks. Everyone in the household knew the consequences of crossing Khardis when his temper flared.
"Y-yes, Master. Right away," the bodyguard stammered, quickly retreating to carry out the command.
Khardis sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face, trying to push back the torrent of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. His other hand clenched around the jade stone, its surface smooth against his skin. He ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated, before heading inside the manor. Each step echoed with the weight of his memories—memories of Khadriane, of their childhood together, of happier times now lost in the distance.
As he entered the study, he tossed the jade on the table, its dull clink against the wood sounding hollow. His heart was already aching, but as he reached for the vodka, he knew that the drink wouldn't be enough to numb the pain. The memories flooded his mind relentlessly, twisting the knife deeper in his chest as he prepared to drown his sorrows in the only way he knew how.
For now, all he could do was drink and try to forget. But deep inside, he knew the wound Khadriane left behind wouldn't heal easily.
Liyue Estate, Eardoznia
The Capulets' Home
The guards moved swiftly, loading Dominic's and Caleb's belongings into the carriages. All the members of the Capulet family stood outside, bidding farewell to the men departing for Eardoznia. Dominic stepped out of the building, his presence commanding attention as always, with Navier walking beside him. The breeze played through both their hair as they approached the waiting carriage, and Dominic was met with polite nods and silent goodbyes from the rest of the family.
As he scanned the scene, Dominic's sharp eyes caught sight of Caleb locked in a kiss with a silver-haired girl. He smirked, amused, before turning to Navier.
"Grandmother, I'll be leaving now," Dominic said smoothly, the wind brushing through his dark locks as he spoke.
Navier nodded, though her gaze softened. "When you visit next time, don't forget to bring your wife. I want to see my daughter-in-law and get to know her," she said, her voice wavering slightly as she held back the swell of emotion.
Dominic took her hand gently and kissed it. "No worries, Grandmother. I promise..." he replied, his words accompanied by a charming, almost devilish grin. Navier smiled, though her eyes glistened, holding back tears.
Meanwhile, Camille clung to Caleb, sobbing into his chest. "If I don't see you again, I'll come to Verdaselles and find you," she whispered between tears, her voice trembling with emotion. Caleb stroked her hair, brushing her tears away with his thumb.
"You're always welcome in Verdaselles," Caleb reassured her, his voice steady. "Though I'm busy with Dominic most of the time, I'll make time for you. But now, I have to go." He kissed her forehead softly before gently pulling away, leaving her arms and walking toward the carriage.
As Dominic settled into the carriage, he leaned his elbow on the window, resting his gloved hand under his chin, watching Caleb and the girl with a mischievous gleam in his eye.
Caleb finally joined Dominic, taking his seat inside, but not before Dominic's grin widened into a teasing sneer. "Well, well, looks like someone's found his damsel in distress—or should I say, his Cinderella?" Dominic's voice dripped with playful mockery.
Caleb scoffed, rolling his eyes and folding his arms. "You've started again..." he muttered, but Dominic laughed, clearly enjoying Caleb's discomfort.
"Like I said before, when you get married, you'll have your own adorable little spats," Dominic teased, mimicking a dramatic, light-hearted argument as he cleared his throat.
Caleb, visibly irritated, pointed a finger at him. "You—!" He stopped himself, dropping his hand with a frustrated sigh. "Ugh..." He groaned, while Dominic chuckled, his laughter light but full of amusement.
The horseman flicked the reins, and the carriage began to move. Dominic leaned back in his seat, glancing out the window, watching the Capulets wave goodbye. He lifted his hand and waved in return, a farewell to the family, but his gaze lingered on Navier. She waved last, holding Marie's locket close to her chest, kissing it softly as she watched her grandson leave.
"You birthed a good son, Marie... He'll always remind me of you," Navier thought, tears threatening to spill as she held the locket tightly.
As the carriage passed through the gates and crossed the border of Eardoznia, Dominic fiddled with Evangeline's wedding ring, twisting it between his fingers. His lips curled into a smirk. "I'm back, Princess..." he muttered, rubbing the ring thoughtfully with his other hand.
Caleb, meanwhile, stared out the window, his mind drifting back to Camille. He sighed, torn between duty and the unspoken depth of their love, knowing that their goodbye carried the weight of uncertainty.
The road ahead felt heavy with promise, but behind them, it left heartache lingering in the shadows.
"Oh, that reminds me... what about the western mines?" Caleb asked, his voice laced with curiosity as he glanced at Dominic.
Dominic raised his head slowly, his eyes locking onto Caleb with a cool, calculating gaze. "Edward and Father are probably all over it by now," he said, his voice measured, yet laced with amusement. "They must've noticed I wasn't at court... They're trying to take advantage of my absence to seize control of the mine." He sighed, then chuckled softly, the sound unnerving in its calmness.
Caleb frowned. "I guess that means you'll have to claim it before they do."
Dominic's lips curled into a sinister smile, a devilish gleam flashing in his eyes as he twirled Evangeline's wedding ring between his fingers. "There's no need," he replied casually, his voice dripping with confidence. "The mine doesn't have any quality materials."
Caleb blinked in shock, his brows furrowing. "How do you know that?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Dominic, clearly skeptical.
Dominic leaned back, his posture relaxed, radiating an air of complete control. "I have a lot of spies, Caleb," he said, his voice smooth, as though discussing the weather. "I had them check the condition of the mines... and it wasn't worth my time. Nothing of value there."
Caleb's mouth tightened as he watched Dominic with a mixture of awe and wariness. Dominic slipped the ring into his pocket, his movements deliberate, as if sealing away a secret. He leaned further back into his seat, eyes half-lidded in satisfaction, as though everything was unfolding just as he'd planned.
Inwardly, Dominic's thoughts flickered to Edward. "Edward... Edward you're not handling things well as the head of the Bruswards, are you?" A smug smile tugged at his lips as the carriage rolled further away from the border of Eardoznia, the country fading into the distance behind them.
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