CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE KING'S WARNINGS AND ADVICE
DUKE RUDOLPH'S POV
'Does this witch have to appear everywhere I go, with the king setting his eyes on her now he won't want to hear any excuses and the ones I've said are now lies which I have to face now' I thought as I pressed my lips in a thin line thinking of the type of punishment I might face for lying to the king.
"Rudolph why didn't you convey my orders to your daughter in the first place and you told me she wasn't fit to attend my gathering so she won't be coming but right now I can't see anything that would make you utter such words or am I blind or dumb"
the king asked in a calm tone but I could swear something flashed in his eyes as he gazed intensely at me just like when he killed the fourth prince who betrayed him and still insulted him, also when he gets angry most times.
"your majesty please forgive me for I have done wrong, I couldn't tell her because she is always busy and she isn't fit to come because I thought she would bring bad luck and danger with her to the palace"
I said immediately I can't afford to anger the king and as for that witch I will deal with her if I find a way,why would she appear before the king.
"Rudolph it seems like the rumors are true after all, you of all people would behave like this, you disappoint me,
I do not like to interfere in people's family affairs but I've got to know that your Duchess is my wife's best friend and even though they have their scores to settle I wouldn't want you to treat your wife badly nor should you do same to your daughter, do not continue on this path, and never let your personal affairs come in between my orders next time" he said coldly with a stern look
" Your majesty, I apologize for my shortcomings" I said as I felt relieved knowing I won't be punished, at least I didn't face his wrath,even though he cares for his kingdom he is still cold and ruthless when wronged or disobeyed.
"Rudolph I do not want to look for your wife on the day of the upcoming ball even if you choose to bring your mistress along and your son you can but don't ever try to disobey my orders, lastly you should learn to acknowledge Stephanie as your daughter whenever you are in my presence because one day you might regret not doing so"
The king said with a cruel grin and walked away leaving me and Dominic behind. I couldn't help but want to curse that witch but I don't blame her but her mother who decided to cling onto me and succeeded through her mischief and the king's expression when he uttered his last words made me worried what is it that he knows and is sure of about Mandy's daughter. I sighed "Duke Dominic I would love to take my leave and take care of yourself and your family" I said as I turned to my once best friend or brother
"and you too, extend my greetings to your wife Mandeline and act wisely Duke Rudolph don't take the king's words for granted his advice are true" he said and walked off, I sighed 'Duke Dominic, Rogers and I were best friends, but Dominic decided to distance himself from us because he didn't like the way I was treating Madeline and because I choose Elizabeth over her, he never liked Lizzy of which I don't know why they all hate her including queen Lucy but I will find out. Walking into my carriage I settled down on the seat. I couldn't help but recall what Dominic once told me before about crestland. He said they were different from us and he never told me anything else about it.
'if these mysterious people that are coming should be from there then I don't know if it's for good or bad and if it's the former then Anastasia and Raine would surely grasp the opportunity
and if it's the latter then they should be wise enough to push Stephanie forward and step back. I will be happy to see that cursed thing suffer as I did' I thought as I stared at the mark on my right hand.
Looking outside the window as I stare at the trees I couldn't help but think about Mandeline but I brushed it away and decided to think about Elizabeth yet I couldn't even think of any of our moments together but I could easily recall that of Mandy and when I try hard to remember that very day I could not remember anything clearly except for the blurred images that I see but for some reasons recently I can actually see the blurred image of a girl with a round shaped face but Lizzy's face isn't like that but Mandy's instead and that makes me more confused, Lizzy doesn't talk about that day and the next day she seemed distant and acted as if she didn't know me when she came back with Mandy's brother and when I first asked her of her wound she didn't remember about it and now there is no scar, she hates being around paintings or paint for some years now but I will find out more about it I need answers and solutions because I don't know what and how I'm feeling these days anymore.
Reaching my mansion I stepped down as the Coachman placed a footstool on the ground, I walked into the mansion only to see a man being escorted out by Lola through the side door and I wondered who he was but I will find out who he is from Elizabeth later when I discuss with her but for now I need to think, I walked into my room to rest.