THE PRACTICE FIELD OF ROYAL PALACE, PRISIONERA
The seven men stood in the middle of the field, with Duke Raphael directing their steps and movements.
The princess and the duchess made their way into the field, their maids trailing behind them and holding umbrellas over their heads to provide shade for them.
Princess Sabrina maintained a close eye on Dillion, who appeared apprehensive and concerned about something.
However, their gazes occasionally connected, causing both of them to grin, while at other moments, one of them simply studied the other.
Duke Raphael began by saying, "So, in order to put your weapon abilities and strength to the test, we will put you through a series of tests. He, who will be able to acquire the greatest number of points and shall be recognised as the most deserving one to be our royal guard."
As soon as the Duke finished speaking Dillion collapsed on the field suddenly.
The maids gasped altogether and Duke Raphael rushed over to see what happened to him.
"His hands are frozen; his body is as cold as ice, send a maid to call the doctor." After a quick check of his nerves, Duke Raphael issued the order.
One of the duchess's maids dashed inside the royal palace, to call the royal doctor.
"I believe we will have to conduct the strength test later. You all must retire to your chambers, and the case about mister Dillion will be taken care of." the Duke carried him into his arms. With Dillion slung to his arm, the Duke dashed toward the palace.
Following the Duke's departure, the other six men retired to their own chambers as well.
"Duchess Serena, can I go to see him? He seems to be in terrible condition, can't you accompany me?" The princess was the one who inquired.
"I am sorry, Sabrina," Duchess Serena apologised to Sabrina. "Due to an earlier scheduled tea with the Duchess of Alablair, I could not accompany you." Duchess Serena remarked, "However, you can go and see how he is doing."
"Thank you very much, Duchess; I shall be leaving immediately." Before her departure, the princess extended a respectful bow to her.
Meanwhile, the Duchess felt apprehensive about why princess Sabrina was so concerned about going to see a stranger, but she dismissed her concerns as unimportant.
Princess Sabrina and her attendants walked into the room where Dillion was kept, only Duke was present with him.
"Can you tell me why you are here, Sabrina?" the Duke inquired before turning his attention to the maids, "Please, all of the maids, leave us alone for a while."
The maids walked out of the room as soon as they were ordered.
"I came here to see him since I was worried about him after he collapsed so suddenly." The princess responded in kind.
"I am really curious as to what happened to Dillion... I believe he was unable to become acclimated to our diet and other aspects of our lifestyle." The Duke let out a sad sigh.
"What is that supposed to mean uncle?" Princess Sabrina's brows were furrowed in concentration.
"At the time of my first encounter with Dillon, he was busy cutting wood to build a house for himself, and he is now lying on the bed with his cold body. I feel sorry for this child since he has not received sufficient care." Duke Raphael broke down in tears, as if he considered Dillion as his son.
The fact that the Duke and the Duchess were unable to have children always pricked at his heart, but in order to support his wife, he never brought up the subject with Duchess Serena.
"Keep your cool, uncle; nothing bad will happen to Dillon. He'll be fine, but where's the doctor when you need him?" The princess was concerned, but she attempted to reassure his uncle.
The possibility exists that he is on his way. The Duke let out a sigh.
"Calm down, uncle; nothing bad will happen to Dillon. He will be fine, but where's the doctor when we need him?" The princess was concerned, but she attempted to reassure his uncle.
"The possibility exists that he is on his way to the palace." The Duke let out a sigh.
GRUMBLE! GRUMBLE!
The lightning was followed by thunder, which was very loud. Outside, the drizzle transformed into a strong downpour accompanied by thunderstorms.
"Oh my, how will the Duchess get back home if this storm continues?" Princess Sabrina became apprehensive.
"Can you tell me where she went?" The Duke stepped in to help.
"The Duchess went to Alablair an hour ago, to meet the duchess of Alablair. They must be having their tea there." The princess responded positively.
"I am assuming the doctor is unable to continue on his journey. I am going to check on things, and you should stay here with Dillion and send me a message by any servants if anything changes in the meantime." Duke Raphael rose to his feet and walked away.
"Of course, uncle, just be careful." She bent her head.
After the Duke had left, Princess Sabrina sat next to Dillion and placed her palm on his forehead to check his temperature; he was as cold as ice, according to the princess's assessment.
She sighed heavily as she got on her feet and wrapped him in a duvet to keep him warm.
"Do you have any concerns about me, Your Highness?" The princess was startled when she heard his voice.
She turned around at his face and realised he had woken up.
"Huh? I need to inform the Duke that you have awoken." She dashed for the front door.
"Please do not not leave me alone, please don't abandon me now." He pleaded with her, causing her to come to a complete stop in her tracks.
"Why? What exactly happened?" The princess approached him and took a seat next to him on the bed.
"I am in a terrible situation; could you please help me?" Dillion inquired, tears in his eyes.