C6 An alliance

Laurel dutifully trailed her father's steps as they ventured into the sanctuary of his illustrious study, a space enshrined in knowledge and wisdom,As he settled into his chair behind the desk, she positioned herself near the entrance, her eyes as dark as midnight fixed upon him while her expression concealed her true feelings.

"Father," Laurel asked in a polite tone, her voice filled with anticipation, "do you perhaps have something significant to impart to me during this particular moment in time?"

The noble Duke directed his gaze towards his beloved daughter, Laurel, whose countenance remained serene despite the fresh etching of a knife upon her visage. Remarkably, if such an injury were to befall his other offspring, they would not only exhibit visible distress, but would indeed unleash a torrent of complaints even upon being subjected to the most trivial of inconveniences, such as an occasional nibble from an inconspicuous ant ,"Summon a maid to fetch the doctor and tend to your injury," the Duke serenely commanded.

"Father, I kindly request that you deem it unnecessary for anyone else to attend to the matter at hand, for I am fully capable of addressing it myself, once I have secluded myself within the confines of my own chamber," responded Laurel, humbly lowering her head in a respectful gesture.

The Duke's expression changed slightly as he expressed his discontent with the rejection. He found himself somewhat unfamiliar with this daughter of his, unsure of how to approach the situation delicately. "However," he cautiously warned, “ it might leave a scar if left unattended”

"Father, I truly value the care and thoughtfulness you've shown towards me. However, I've endured much more serious injuries in the past and have managed to tend to them myself without any lasting scars. Therefore, I believe I can handle this without the need for a doctor. Thank you again for your concern, but I respectfully decline your offer." Laurel gracefully bowed once more, despite the discomfort and pain caused by speaking, her composure remained unwavering.

The illustrious and noble Duke gazed upon her with a serene countenance, exuding an aura of composed tranquility. With an air of curiosity, he inquired “ what severe injuries have you suffered “

Laurel, with an aversion to questions that possess blatantly apparent answers, maintained an outward facade of tranquility as she delicately articulated her response. "Upon inadvertently shattering the jade vessel in the parlor, I was indeed reprimanded in the disciplinary chamber with a sturdy leather strap,The repercussions were indeed severe, leaving me with an array of injuries that beset my physical well-being. Strangely, though, adequate medical aid was never dispatched to my presence, leaving me to tend to my own needs and nurse myself back to health unassisted. Astonishingly enough, not a trace of a scar persists on my person to this very day."

“

One fine day, when we embarked on an exciting expedition to Parcit Wood, the adventurous Sister Rosie decided to try her hand at archery under the guidance of the skilled Mr. Gavin. However, unforeseen circumstances led to her inadvertently shooting an arrow in my direction. Fortunately, I managed to evade it swiftly, but not without receiving a deep cut on my arm. In this moment of need, my devoted personal maid came to my aid, helping me tend to the wound with utmost care, since no professional medical assistance was readily available. Reflecting on my past experiences, where I have managed to heal various wounds, both remembered and forgotten, without leaving any lasting scars, I firmly believe that this knife cut is a minor predicament that does not warrant a visit to the doctor “

As opposed to elaborating on his injury, the enigmatic Duke opted for an altogether different approach, choosing instead to pose an intriguing inquiry to his interlocutor “ In your subjective estimation, what are your thoughts on the opposite realm commonly referred to as 'night creatures'?"

Laurel, filled with a sense of surprise and curiosity, repeated the question with a slightly different wording. “ in what terms is father asking of “ As the question lingered in the air, Laurel's eyebrows furrowed in deep contemplation, yearning to uncover the secrets hidden within her father's mind.

“ in terms of dangerous and evil “ remarked the esteemed Duke, his sharp and seasoned gaze assessing Laurel with utmost scrutiny.

Laurel pondered over the matter for a moment, considering the implications with great care. She spoke with a calm assurance, her words flowing easily.

"Father, if we were to take a step back and observe this situation from a broader perspective, we might find that not all things are as they seem. Perhaps amidst these assassins and spies, there exist some compassionate souls who are genuinely kind-hearted. It is not inconceivable to think that there are humans, even in such occupations, who are willing to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate, for instance.

"In fact, I dare say that it is possible that not all night creatures are inherently evil. We mustn't be quick to judge every individual based solely on their outer appearance or reputation. While it may be true that good ones could be a rarity among them, the mere possibility of their existence cannot be discounted. Mama always taught me not to rely solely on appearances and to look beyond the superficial.

"Therefore, Father, I believe it is only fair that we approach this matter with an open mind and consider the potential for good to exist even within the darkest corners. After all, it is through understanding and empathy that we can truly discern the nature of an individual and the choices they make."

As Laurel spoke, her voice maintained its calm demeanor, even as she mentioned her mother,a subtle shift that carried with it a myriad of emotions.

The Duke's avid fascination in this particular instance grew exponentially, akin to the rapid blossoming of a magnolia in the early days of spring. It became abundantly clear that, within the vast tapestry of his lineage, it was the presence of his illegitimate daughter alone that dared to serenely articulate their age-old enemies , "What if, perchance, destiny plays its hand and we find ourselves intertwined in matrimony with these fantastical beings? How would you react, Laurel?" The words lingered, lingering in the room .

Laurel's heart became heavy with the weight of her thoughts, as if a thousand burdens rested upon her shoulders. The words she had once possessed with such ease now seemed distant and elusive, slipping through her fingers like grains of sand in an hourglass. She stood there, a moment frozen in time, her mind racing to find the perfect response.

Her eyes darted across the room, searching for inspiration in the corners and crevices. Yet, the suffocating silence enveloped her, as if mocking her inability to beckon forth the words that had once flowed like a lively river.

A surge of frustration coursed through her veins, but she held herself with resolute calm. Inhaling deeply, she gathered the last fragments of her linguistic prowess, determined to overcome her self-imposed exile from the realm of expression.

"It seems as if my father is attempting to play a practical joke on me. I am acutely aware of the longstanding animosity between our illustrious realm and the land of the nocturnal beings. Therefore, such an event is undoubtedly implausible."

In a room filled with an air of quiet composure, the Duke maintained a composed nod as he processed the situation at hand. His intelligence shone brightly as he cleverly maneuvered his way around a difficult question, subtly reminding his interlocutor of the rules without directly addressing the query. With poise and deliberation, he delved into the piles of paperwork strewn across his desk until his keen eyes settled on a precisely-folded parchment. With a graceful motion, he extended his arm and handed the file to Laurel, who eagerly received it, her curiosity piqued. Gingerly unraveling the parchment, she embarked upon the laborious task of meticulously assessing the vital information contained within its pages.

As Laurel perused the parchment, her deep ebony eyes met her father's gaze. The decree, meticulously penned and adorned with the king's regal signature, held a weighty significance.

"Recently, the king has specifically selected you as the ideal candidate among all the nobility for a significant alliance through marriage. This decision was made in light of the rising power of the night creatures within the high council, surpassing that of the human population. To combat the threat of the night creatures' advantage, it is imperative that we harmonize with them by pursuing a peace treaty between our two kingdoms. By establishing peace on the surface and keeping the night creatures at bay, we can ensure our safety and strike when the timing is right."

Laurel peered intently at the man in front of her, brimming with a bitter concoction of resentment and fury in the depths of her heart. Deep down, she knew the truth, that this man claiming to be her father was nothing more than a charlatan. He may have put on a facade of care and protection in that fleeting moment, but she saw through his insincerity. Throughout her time with him, he had consistently treated her like mere morsel of cheese, navigating his way through their relationship with calculated selfishness. Yet, amidst this overwhelming turmoil within her, she managed to maintain a calm exterior, unwavering in her expression. Drawing a breath, she resolutely asked, "what is it you mean by 'before we strike'?"

The Duke grinned, glad to see Laurel's sensible nature and her inclination to ask questions before diving into risky situations. "We can't allow them to have the advantage over us," he expressed, his tone weighted with concern. However, he paused, a certain meaningful look in his eyes as he turned towards Laurel. "You will be informed of the plan in due time, after your marriage. So, tell me, what are your thoughts on this matter? Do you have any objections to the alliance through marriage?"

Laurel's inner conflict seemingly teetered between the desire to furrow her brows in disapproval and the insistence on maintaining a veneer of composure. Her counterpart presented a query deliberately designed to harbor only one valid solution, devoid of any room for personal sentiment or subjective input. It was a cunning move, for indeed, by assenting to the alliance, anyone would hesitate to voice their dissent - even if she were to disobey, the ramifications would inevitably elicit forces beyond her control, nudging her toward the eventual matrimonial bind she despised.

Taking a moment to reflect upon her predicament, Laurel quietly mulled over the circumstances at hand. "If Father has already taken it upon himself to embrace this potential alliance," she uttered, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and determination, "then it falls upon me, his dutiful daughter, to extend my acquiescence and walk alongside him on this charted path."

With a stoic resolve, Laurel mentally fortified herself for the trials that lay ahead, fully aware that, for better or worse, the decision had been made.

"Brilliant! Tomorrow, you will have the incredible opportunity to visit the palace and meet the mentor who will guide you in understanding these magnificent creatures. You may now make your way back to your room," the Duke said, his smile filled with satisfaction.

"Indeed, dear father," Laurel gracefully declared, her voice resounding throughout the room, as she dutifully bent forward in a respectful manner and departed from the area. Within the concealed recesses of the back room, the Duke's piercing gaze reluctantly latched onto the framework of the firmly shut door, clearly lost in contemplation and uncertainty.a