As soon as I arrived in my room I collapsed and fell asleep on my bed from escaping the stress of the situation.

I woke up to the sound of Chrysta opening my door to wake me up, but when I looked out my window it did not look like it was morning.

"Chrysta, what time is is?"

"It is midday, miss."

I stood there with my mouth agape, I did not stay up too late to sleep this long.

'It must be because of my sickness, my body is slowly dying anyway.'

"Crysta, I would like to wear a muslin indoor dress. After getting ready, call the doctor for me."

Chrysta quickly prepared a white muslin dress with gold embroidery and as soon as she finished she brought the doctor.

"Miss, are you ready to report to the lord?"

Dr. Richard asked, I could see he was ready to report as soon as possible. 

'He is a very loyal doctor.'

But I cut off my thought because I had questions to ask before leaving to report to the duke.

"Not right this instant, I would first like to ask you a few questions."

He seemed uneasy at my response but quickly agreed.

"Yes miss. What questions do you have for me?"

"Let's not talk like this, Sit across from me. Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, miss. Thank you."

After ordering Chrysta to get some tea I began to speak.

"It is no problem, you are my doctor. Dr. Richard before I ask you some questions, I would ask you to do something for me."

He looked nervous at me, he was already doing something that breaks the rules.

"Don't worry it is nothing as difficult like last time."

I smiled warmly to try and wash away his worries.

"Yes miss. What is it that you want to request of me?"

I was stopped from Chrysta entering and serving tea, once she left I continued.

"I do not want you to tell anyone of my sickness besides the duke for the time being. My brothers do not need to know because they have important matters they need to focus on and this would not help. This disease has no cure so them knowing would not change the fact. I do not want useless rumors spreading about me, I have acted foolishly up until now and would like to live properly and quietly from now on."

"Yes, miss. I will not let anyone else know, but I cannot stop the Duke. And I cannot stop people from knowing once you develop severe symptoms."

"Yes, I know. Thank you Dr. Richard, I would like to now start asking questions."

"Yes, miss. I will answer to the best of my abilities."

He seemed resolute on answering to the best of his abilities. I could not help but smile seeing him helping me even knowing the original Alina's personality.

"I have two questions. First, Is there any medication to lessen the pain? Last, are there any people developing a cure as of now?"

His face darkened after hearing my questions.

"There is no medicine that lessens the pain, we do not have any idea as to why they don't work. There are two known doctors working on a cure as of now. The first is in the capital, he is a imperial doctor. The second is in the city here, he is quite renowned and was even recruited by the emperor, but he declined so he could heal commoners."

I could see he was sorry for not being able to do much for me, all he could do was give me nutrients to help aid my body in defending against the disease.

"Thank you, we can head to see my father."

"Yes, miss."

We left my room not caring for the cold tea we left. We shortly arrived at the office of the grand Duke.

'Thankfully I explored last night and was right about this being the office. He can't lead the way in front of me because I am his superior.'

I stopped my thoughts when the servants opened the door to the office. When I entered I saw a man that looked like an older version of Ethan.

"Hello father. I hope you have been well." I quickly gave my greetings.

"Why have you come to see me, and with a doctor at that."

He asked, quickly getting to the point. I could tell he was not an affectionate man, but there was no coldness in his voice that was usually there with the rest of the family.

"I have a important matter to discuss with you father, I would like it for only the butler to stay here for it."

As I said that, the maids bowed and left with Chrysta leading them. I could not help but respect her for being so responsible.

"Now what is it you have to say?" The duke quickly got to the point.

"First I would like Dr. Richard to state my current health."

As I responded, Dr. Richard turned grim and soon began to explain.

"The young miss has Frigor Rubens. It is in the beginning stages, I won't develop severe symptoms until about 6 months. If no cure is found, she will no be able to live past twenty.

At his answer, the dukes face distorted horribly as he raised hi voice not able to contain his anger.

"Are you serious!?! Why would you wait to report this to me? Is this some game, it is my daughters life. Why would you tell him to wait?" His angry eyes turned to me, freezing me in the place I stood.