Was Jeffrey Wilhelm supposed to be at the front? I had no clue.

It might have been his destiny; who knows? Yet, it sounded like my action changed something even in the life of someone so far from me.

It was the first time I considered that my dreams could turn out just that: dreams. What if talking back at the Emperor brought me far from my Queen?

No, that was too much. I was born to be hers. There wasn't any need to worry.

«So, your highness thinks the generals aren't all in bed just because of a coincidence?» Jeffrey asked, waking me up from my daze.

I have been staring at a map while thinking of my wife. So, they all supposed I was considering what to do next.

«They now think we're all under the effects of the poison,» I said. «We have a tactical advantage. If we manage to stay quiet for a couple of days, their spies will report about it.»

As soon as the war was over, I was planning to head straight to Kyre. I wanted to see Martia and check that she was all right.

«They will attack,» I continued. «And we'll be waiting for them.»

I had to consider the chance that the enemy could sense the trap and not attack. Still, there was nothing to lose in being prepared for any occurrence.

The battle was supposed to be bloody and unfruitful for us.

Thanks to the water from the river, the soldiers didn't fall ill. Some of them had some health problems and lay bedridden for a day or so.

Even the generals returned soon in shape.

Their old bones weren't as resistant as the youngsters', so they suffered more from the poison. But a couple of days with clean water were enough for them to recuperate too.

I could have left them the lead of the army. The generals were all experts. Yet, I wanted to get it over with. I was tired of war and being far from home.

My Queen's words resounded in my head, and I observed the rest of the officers with half a grin.

«Let them think we're as weak as ants, and then crush them with all of our strength,» I echoed her.

And that's what we did. We won.

The war finished after a couple of weeks instead of keeping us busy for years.

«Let's go celebrate!» Jeffrey exclaimed. He surrounded my neck with his left arm and tried dragging me towards the city.

«I'm going back home,» I replied and freed myself from his over-friendly grip. «I haven't been to Stoneyard for years.»

«Oh, you're so boring, Archduke Kyre,» he snickered. «There are a lot of ladies waiting for us in the city. They're willing to celebrate with us!»

«They can celebrate without me. As said, I'm going. If you want to tag along, you better get ready.»

«Oh, what have I done to deserve this?» he murmured while following me to the tents. His shoulders were drooped, and his face frowning.

Regardless, he prepared his things and followed me towards Kyre. We took a couple of horses, avoiding carriages that would have slowed us down.

«There is something I have to do before continuing,» I explained and turned the horse in the same direction from where I flew a few weeks before that. «Wait for me in town. I'll be back soon.»

Bringing Jeffrey with me would have been more troublesome than helping.

When I arrived at the Marquise's mansion, I waited to be announced by the servant.

The first to arrive was Lyana.

She was skinnier than the last time I'd seen her. Her fingers were trembling, and her hair was turning white from stress.

«What happened?» I inquired, but she didn't want to answer.

So, it wasn't just the Marquise that treated her mercilessly.

The man that appeared on the stairs was Marquise's younger brother. After he hadn't come back for a few days, they declared him dead and finished the matter without suspicion.

They didn't want to know if something happened, and they didn't particularly care.

«Good day, your highness,» he greeted me with a smile that would have fooled me if I didn't see Lyana beforehand.

«Indeed, it's a good day. I was passing by when I heard the news about the Marquise's disappearance. I passed by to ask you if you need my help to search for him,» I replied.

It was evident that they didn't want to find him. Yet, offering help was a needed formality.

«Oh, we wouldn't dare to disturb your highness. It's been so long... We won't see him again, unfortunately.»

«Well, I'm sorry. My condolences.»

«Thank you, your highness.»

There hadn't even been a funeral. They just decided he was dead. Now, how can one take away a dead man's wife?

«I'm going back to Kyre,» I started, leaning my hand on the belt and showing my face to the new Marquise.

I wasn't afraid of him, but there wasn't any reason for him not to be at least on alert in front of me.

«Thank you for visiting,» he replied, plain and already bored.

«I was wondering whether the dowager Marchioness is willing to come with me,» I said. «Her mother and my mother were close friends during their childhood. The Dowager Marchioness expressed her will to visit my mother's grave when I was here last time. It happened before the late Marquise's disappearance. But her expression was so sincere that I couldn't stop thinking about it for the whole journey to the south.»

I sighed, and Lyana's hands stopped trembling. She smiled at me for a brief moment. Her eyes filled with grace, but her shoulders didn't straight up. She wasn't hoping to get out of there. She had given up.

«I came here by horse, so it might be better if you use your carriage, my lady,» I continued, ignoring the man's gaze.

He had been confused at first. Soon, his face turned red with fury, and then he gritted his teeth.

«What are you doing with my sister in law?» he asked, forgetting to be polite.

«I've just told you, Marquise,» I replied and turned towards the door. «If using the carriage is an issue, please take a horse. I can't afford to waste any more time.»

After a split moment of consideration, Lyana ran out towards the stables. She didn't even change clothes nor collect her stuff.

That's what can be called being decisive.

«Wait!» the new Marquise shouted, following her.

Hoping not to be involved in another suspicious disappearance, I walked behind them.

When that man tried to stop Lyana with his hand, I just twisted his wrist.

«I think this is enough,» I murmured while shaking my head in Lyana's direction. She passed by us and mounted on the horse. She made it stroll out of the garden, stopping next to my horse under a tree.

«If I hear anything about you that makes me feel displeased, I'll make sure you won't be able to utter another word, Marquise,» I said with a calm tone.

His face was sweating cold, and his arm's muscles were stiff. He widened his eyes in protest, but his anger soon transformed into fear.

«This Archduke here isn't one to be understated. Just a word and your whole household will be erased from the registers. Do you think anyone would sit and listen to your issues?»

«That's my sister in law!» he tried again.

«And my cousin,» I pointed out. «We're now going to visit my mother's grave together. In Kyre. Which means that your sister in law won't come back soon.»

When I let him go, he was almost trembling. Maybe, I should have punched him once or twice.

He certainly deserved it.

«Let's go,» I said when I reached the horses. «A friend of mine is waiting for us in town. We'll buy a carriage for you.»

«Thank you,» she whispered, tears in her eyes. This time, though, not because of fear or sorrow. Those were tears of hope.

«You're welcome,» I shrugged.

My Queen liked wise and caring men. I had to become one if I wanted to stay at her side.

It wasn't any innate instinct of mine. I just wanted to make her proud.

«I don't want to go back there,» she added. «If I'm ever called back, I'll just stage another incident.»

«No need,» I burst out laughing. «They won't sum up enough courage to contact you.»

And even if they did, an Archduke for sure didn't have to follow a Marquise's desires.

«You're one of my people now. I'll protect you,» I promised.

«I will serve you to the best of my capabilities, your highness,» she replied while looking downwards.

I couldn't think of anything to make her feel useful on the spot. Yet, a part of my mind felt at ease, knowing that I would have had yet another ally.

She didn't want to be considered a friend, maybe because she owed me a favour. Yet, being Lord Kyre's underling was suitable for a lady of her calibre.

«There is something you can help me with, indeed,» I realised.