- Of course. Eternal loyalty based on gratitude and fear. What could be better than that? I could even leave the chancellor's post and pull strings like a Yankee from behind the backs of others," Duke Chergor rolled his eyes dreamily.
- You? Leave the chancellorship? I don't believe it!
All those present, who had been listening attentively to the conversation, laughed as if on cue. The Chancellor was known to the people as a man of iron, devoid of weaknesses, but his loved ones knew that it was not so. He was vindictive, cruel, and absolutely completely overbearing. Imagine him refusing to give up the chancellorship? Yes rather Demur return to the world to try again with the building of paradise!
- Let's do it! We shall laugh on the graves of our enemies!
Count Yankee's mansion burned down that very night. None of its occupants escaped.
The Duchess was pleased with herself. Never in her life had she ruled a duchy. It was her husband's duty, and as a pious woman, she cared for her family. And so the first timid steps in this field, responded almost complete success. The only failure could only be counted as the steward still occupying his post. But even this problem she was determined to solve in the near future.
Things had begun well enough. Her son had ordered the court mage to accompany him on a campaign, which deprived the steward of a strong ally for a while. Then, almost just before the Duke left on his campaign, information was brought to his attention about the thefts committed directly by the steward.
Young Kass was so enraged that he ordered an immediate search of his servant's chambers and the stolen sums were found! The bastard had not even tried to store the loot elsewhere! Of course, the Duke's ears poured streams of endless excuses, but it did not save the thief from confiscation of all the found money.
The duchess quietly rejoiced, anticipating how finally crushed her old enemy when her son left. And in leaving, the Duke again left a steward in his place! claiming that the thief he had caught was no longer dangerous.
The woman could only bite her lip in rage when no one saw her. And, of course, to smile sweetly at her son as she escorted him to put down the rebellion. All plans were going to Moore! And it would not have been such a shame if it had not been for the word given to Knight Blood! In the presence of this man, she felt so strong, desirable, feminine. And lost her head!
There was no other way to explain that foolish promise to get rid of the steward. Who pulled her tongue? It is clear that one should eliminate his rival without any promises, simply because he is an enemy. But she had to start showing off and showing off in front of a handsome guy like an innocent girl.
"All-light! Shame on you!"
But it was not the Dowager Duchess's rule to give up. If she gave her word, it must be kept - that's how her father taught her! She had limited herself in time and it was necessary to correct the situation. She had a lot of support, not the least of which she owed to Knight Blood. He had openly sided with the woman and showed his affections. This fact alone was enough to send numerous messengers from the vassals to Marianne with assurances of loyalty and sincere friendship.
A servant informed her of the visit of the commander of the retinue. Captain Vilor, though he had fallen into disfavor with the duke, continued to hold his post, but as a "punishment" remained in the capital of the duchy, rather than going on a campaign to Zalon. Kass, as his lord, he still did not perceive him as a young brat, which did not prevent the warrior from honest service. Especially recently, when he had found a leader in the person of the Dowager Duchess.
- His Majesty's cortege is twenty-four hours from Kass, your ladyship," Captain Vilor was completely impassive when he announced the news.
The Duchess herself shuddered at the news. The King rarely travels the country for his own pleasure.
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