The Duke's Slave Daughter

Chapter 15

As night blanketed Hugonin's duchy, the family gathered for dinner, excluding Urania and Aisha. Despite Urania's return being known to Daeva, they never shared a meal together, adhering to a decree from the Duke. Aisha, too, chose not to dine with them, preferring the company of Urania. Meanwhile, Flarer, occupied with his own tasks, was secluded in his tower.

Upon discovering Urania's return, Daeva promptly sought out the Duke's presence. Their conversation about Urania and the reasons behind her return had transpired surprisingly calmly. However, beneath Daeva's collected demeanor lay an underlying motive—to ensure that the Duke remained under her influence, that her manipulative spell remained intact. The Duke's explanations, reassuring in nature, had put her mind at ease. After her inquiries were made, Daeva had quietly departed the room, her mind preoccupied.

Now, as dinner unfolded, Daeva's barely-touched plate and distant expression did not go unnoticed by Axel. He observed her unease and her food's aimless migration across the dish.

Concern etched into his features, Axel attempted to engage her in conversation. "Daeva, is something amiss? You haven't touched your meal."

Uziel and the Duke redirected their attention to her, noting her unusual demeanor.

Startled by her own lapse into an uncharacteristic state, Daeva attempted to appear unfazed. Despite a slight misunderstanding that had arisen between them, in front of a meal, she typically maintained a cheerful facade. However, the weight of Urania's presence had been pressing on her mind, preventing her from her usual ease. Each time Urania crossed her thoughts, she was gripped by the notion that Urania might have retained her memories and returned to reclaim her position. The words Urania had uttered that day echoed in her mind—did Urania know something?

"Oh? Yes, I'm fine. What were you saying, brother?" Daeva's response was casual, as though she hadn't heard Axel's initial inquiry—an accurate reflection of her distracted state.

Axel persisted with his concern, continuing their interrupted conversation. "I was asking if you plan to join us for the hunting competition. You're always so excited about it every year."

Daeva hesitated momentarily, then formulated a response. The hunting competition posed considerable danger, particularly for those unfamiliar with combat against formidable beasts and monsters. Yet, the participation of ladies from noble households was symbolic—it conveyed support for competitors, particularly if knights or nobles offered slain monsters as tributes.

In previous years, both Daeva and the Grand Duchess Merissa had received numerous offerings. Given Merissa's status as the empire's most beautiful lady and her past victory in the competition, it was unsurprising that she garnered such recognition. Daeva, the second most admired lady in the realm, also accumulated her share of presents. However, this year's circumstances might shift the norm.

As Daeva's mind wove sinister plans, visions of the menacing creatures and beasts that featured in past competitions danced before her thoughts. The prospect of Urania meeting her demise amidst those perilous circumstances conjured a wicked smirk upon her lips. The notion of Urania's vanishing becoming a seamless, effortless reality filled her with a sense of malevolent satisfaction. It was as if the very forces of darkness were aligning with her, conspiring to obliterate the obstacle that stood in her path.

A sly grin curled Daeva's lips, her thoughts indulging in the fantasy of Urania's swift eradication. The demons of the underworld themselves seemed to be aiding her in orchestrating Urania's downfall. It was a notion that heightened her twisted sense of triumph.

Breaking the momentary silence, Daeva's voice, laden with calculated intent, cut through the atmosphere. "Of course, Brother! I will accompany you to the competition. But I have a request, Father, and I hope you'll consider it."

The Duke, silent and attentive, awaited her next words, his concern for Daeva evident despite her quiet composure. He was prepared to oblige her wishes as a show of faith, a gesture born from his underlying unease.

"I wish to bring Urania with me to the competition," Daeva announced, her words an unexpected blow that left the room in stunned silence. Axel nearly choked on his own breath, Uziel's drink narrowly escaped being spat out, and Azrael was left utterly baffled. Murmurs swirled among the servants, their voices reaching the Duke's ears—a sound he detested within his own household. Memories of the turmoil stirred five years ago still lingered, and he had striven to quell them.

The Duke's gaze hardened as he surveyed the chattering servants, his expression commanding their swift exit from the dining room. And so, they departed, leaving the family in an almost eerie quietude.

Settling his silverware with a deliberate grace, the Duke interlaced his fingers, his eyes steady on Daeva. "You intend to do what?" he inquired, his tone measured.

Daeva's resolve remained unshaken. "Father, I understand the risks Urania poses, but you've also emphasized her memory loss. If I can gain her trust, I might unearth information about her intentions by aiding her in recalling her memories. Moreover, this offers me an avenue for exacting revenge." Her words held determination, a semblance of sincerity masking her true motives—the eradication of Urania from their lives.

Uziel, his disagreement apparent, voiced his concerns. "But you'd be placing yourself in harm's way, Daeva."

Axel chimed in, his worry etched onto his face. "Indeed, we know not what that witch might do to you."

Daeva's internal retort rippled through her mind: **"Oh no, she won't, but I will."**

Amidst this familial discourse, the Duke contemplated, his mind dissecting the implications of Daeva's proposal. It could serve as a way to lower Urania's guard, not just in the eyes of Aisha. However, he was acutely aware that Daeva could easily become ensnared if Urania's true ally sensed the slightest anomaly in Daeva's newfound proximity. Weighing the complexities of the situation, the Duke reached a verdict regarding Daeva's strategy.

"Very well, I grant you permission," he declared, a decision met with furrowed brows from Axel and Uziel, and a triumphant smile from Daeva.

With her victory achieved, Daeva stood abruptly, departing the dining room without so much as a backward glance. Her brothers' calls faded into the distance as her mind raced to formulate a plan, one that would set Urania on a path to an accidental demise.