Chapter 130-Attend
(DUKE WINTER'S POV)
"Your Grace," Butler Jackson walked into the office holding a tray of refreshments and tea. As he approached the desk, the concerned expression on his face grew as he got closer. "Jackson, I'm alright," I said as he sat the tray on the desk. "I'm just worried about your health, Your Grace. It's been 18 years since you've visited the ancestral hall." I sighed; opening up the portal did take a lot of energy out of me. "I'm alright, Jackson." Jackson bowed his head in understanding.
Hours had passed since we returned from the ancestral hall, Prince Antonio and Yeshiva brought Sage and Rosemary to their rooms, while I returned to my office. I began to reminisce about the day I felt their energy—the day they were born. The feeling was sudden and brief. I was kneeling in front of the altar in the temple the moment I felt it. Unbeknownst to me, it must have been the moment my grandfather placed the seal on them. Now it makes sense why the energy I felt was brief, and I could not find them all those years ago. I left the temple in a hurry, only to learn that Moises had been exiled and Natalie was missing. I remember the day Moises told me he was expecting a child and was planning to introduce his wife to me.
I got up from my seat and walked over towards the window. Looking at the moonlight, it brought back memories. I stood in this very spot each night, wondering how Moises and his children were doing. No wonder I stopped feeling Moises's energy 10 years ago. The coma—him being poisoned by a sorcerer and Malaysia's condition. It's been a long time since I had to deal with black magic.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a knock on the door. I watched as Jackson opened the door and Prince Antonio walked into the office and bowed his head. When he lifted his head, "Duke Winter, I wanted to inform you that Princess Sage has accepted my marriage proposal. I plan to announce our official engagement during the conference", he said.
"Prince Antonio, you and Sage have my blessing". Prince Antonio smiled and nodded. " About this plan of yours, are you certain it would work?" I asked.
Prince Antonio nodded. "Yes, it'll give you and Prince Moises time to handle your kingdom's situation, and it'll give my kingdom time to settle our arrangement with Prince Marshall and King Lincoln. I'm certain Prince Marshall will be thrilled." Prince Antonio grinned; his wicked expression showed me he had something up his sleeves. Just what are you planning? I thought.
"Prince Antonio, I won't attend the conference, but I will be there for the banquet. Now that Sage has become the Duchess, the authority of the Winter Dukedom is under her command. It's time for me to see if she can handle her position and fulfil her first duty. Please, watch over her for me."
Prince Antonio bowed, placing his left hand over his heart. "Of course, Your Grace. She's my future Queen; her safety is my top priority."
A sudden knock on the door caught our attention as Jackson walked over to open it. When the door opened a guard walked in and bowed, "Your Grace, I came to inform you that His Highness, Prince Moises has returned.
(NATALIE'S POV)
The walls surrounding the palace became apparent as I rode towards them. While traveling through the Capital City, I couldn't help but think about those children I met in the forest. Hearing that their parents never returned to their villages after seeking work. I wondered if their disappearance was connected to the slave trades we've been investigating. If those children are magic users, then their parents must also be magic users or anyone who may have special abilities.
"I must tell Prince Morgan about this," I mumbled as I approached the palace gates.
As the two guards approached me, I held up the royal court physician apprentice tag that Doctor Kinsley had given me. I watched as the gate to the palace opened after the guards bowed.. For the first time in 19 years, I'm entering the palace without having to sneak my way in. I rode through the entrance, heading towards the stables. After placing the horse into the stable, I turned towards the direction of the main palace."There's something else I must find out while I'm staying here," I mumbled. As I began to walk towards the palace. During those 18 years of my life, where the hell did Prince Marshall keep me captive? I was moved just a day before meeting Sage in the dungeon. If I wasn't in the palace, where exactly did he keep me?
After entering the main palace, I made my way toward the medical quarters of the palace, hoping to find Doctor Kinsley. Just as I approached the area, I noticed Doctor Kinsley walking towards me in the distance, alongside his wife, Ella.
"Doctor Kinsley," I called out to him, getting his and Ella's attention.
When we approached each other, Ella grabbed my wrist, pulling me into one of the rooms.
"Lady Natalie, you've returned," Doctor Kinsley spoke with a warm expression. "I knew you would return. I've already prepared a room for you," he said.
Ella looked at me with a concerned expression. " Are you sure you want to stay in the palace?" she asked. "You'll have to see Prince Marshall often," she said.
I nodded. I knew what she meant. Even though I would love nothing more than to kill him, I must restrain myself.
Doctor Kinsley placed his hand on my left arm "Lady Natalie, now that you are back. There's something I need you to do" he said, his tone was sharp, his expression showed concern.
"What is it, Doctor?" I asked, noticing the tense atmosphere.
"The poison" He said, "Ella and I haven't been able to find the one who's putting the poison in His and Her Majesty's food and refreshments. I'm certain Marchioness Radisson has many spies inside of the palace. Help us expose them" Doctor Kinsley bowed his head.
"Marchioness Radisson" I said. Hearing that name again, I remember King Lincoln mentioned she may have something to do with the attempt on Sage's life.
Ella stepped forward, placing her on my right shoulder.
"Natalie, I heard she will be attending the banquet for the first time in years," Ella said.
I nodded, and a moment later, we exited the room. I followed Doctor Kinsley and Ella, until we reached the area where the servants dwell in the palace. "Get some rest. I'll come to get you around dawn for His and Her Majesty's check up" Doctor Kinsley gestured his hand towards the room.