The Divorced Duchess

Chapter 7: EXPLOSION AND AFTERMATH

THALIA believed that rumors had a mouth to destroy one's reputation. Even though she looked at it that way, she eventually became the topic of the town. Not that she cared about the rumor, but she avoided complicated things.

“Your Grace, I heard someone was leeching around the Chauverthier mansion, although they presume it is legal to make her stay with the noble.”

Mrs. Paschal tossed out a verbal bait and waited for Thalia to strike back. The other ladies at the tea party were hesitant about whether to side with her, but one thing was certain: they were waiting for her answer. Thalia was seethed by these pretentious noblewomen interfering in her family's affairs. They were under the impression that they already knew the complete tale. Mrs. Paschal lowered the teacup on the table. Mrs. Olivia Paschal was a pompous conversationalist, to say the least. She owned five patronage salons in the central city. Throughout the decades, the Paschal clan was indeed a successful entrepreneur. It wouldn’t be surprising if Mrs. Paschal hosted every gathering in elite society. She was known as the self-proclaimed marital counselor, in addition to being a wealthy noblewoman. Her marriage has become a role model for all couples. According to her, she married Earl Paschal through a political marriage, but she made an effort to make their relationship work.

“As much as I wanted to evade this conversation because it’s not supposed to be discussed outside of my zone. I will give you peace of mind. What will you do if you find out the truth? Are you going to give any advice on my failing marriage?”

“Why not? As a wife, if you want a successful marriage, you should act according to your husband’s preference, and it’s partly the wife’s fault if the husband finds a new, adventurous one. Gentlemen are looking for a woman who can understand them. A woman who isn’t conventional and monotonous in relationships.”

Thalia arched her brows. Mrs. Paschal's words did not sit well with her. What does she want to prove about her marital status?

“Hearing your advice, I felt like I needed to change myself for my husband. Am I right?”

“Your Grace.” Mrs. Paschal said with an ingratiating smile. All of the ladies were attentively listening to them, like angling for a morsel of information. Her approach to marriage seemed to be off the mark. Not every married couple was on the same page; thus, Mrs. Paschal had no right to counsel other marriages.

“Tell me, Mrs. Paschal, why do you think my husband is blatantly deceiving me?”

“Based on my observation of the Duke’s environment. He would rather choose a woman with a submissive personality. From another person's perspective, he is an alpha type and, so, ladies are clinging to someone like the Duke.” Mrs. Paschal’s voice was fairly dripping with sarcasm.

“I’ve been sensing your contemptuous advice against me. I’m pretty certain Mrs. Paschal will be rewarded as the most influential person in the Empire because of her outstanding advice.” Thalia struck back at the pompous Paschal.

There was a sudden realization that washed over Mrs. Paschal’s face. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace. It’s not my intention to embarrass you in front of others.”

Thalia stood up, ready to leave, when a familiar woman interfered. She fixed the woman with a stare as she watched her stand up.

“Sometimes your advice on others' matters is not applicable.”

Princess Stella Imperial of Claverence intervened. She is a talented and composed aunt of the current emperor. In the history of Claverence Imperialism, Princess Stella was the youngest sister of the late Emperor, who was sold off for marriage to the neighboring kingdom. However, her marriage didn’t last due to her husband’s infidelity. As a result of her failed marriage, she returned to the Empire with her two sons. Since then, she hasn't attended any gatherings, except today. Beyond everyone's knowledge, Princess Stella had created an organization for divorced women. It was built to give hope and guidance to the needs of unfortunate single parents, as well as financial stability to support their needs.

“I know how you feel, your highness, but my counseling advice is reliable.”

“To what extent?”

Furious, Mrs. Paschal couldn’t even utter a word and stormed out of the tea party together with other noblewomen. And, Thalia didn’t hesitate to stand up and greet the Princess.

“May the blessing of Goddess Enah be upon the Imperial sun.”

Princess Stella held Thalia’s hands, then gently squeezed them with fondness. “You’ve been through a lot, Duchess. If you need someone to lean on, you can visit my state. I will gladly welcome you.”

“I am grateful for your sympathy, Your Highness. It’s my pleasure to accept your invitation.”

Princess Stella delightedly smiled at her, and they continued their conversation as if nothing had happened between the noblewomen. Thalia had learned that they shared a common interest and ambition. The Princess was actively helping charities and orphanages as an act of advocacy. Even though she had been chastised for her past, she redeemed herself by doing kind deeds. The tea party didn’t end well, but Thalia had gained a connection and friend in the figure of Princess Stella.

“Your Grace, do I have something on my face?” Selia bashfully asked Thalia.

They were now on board in the carriage to return to the mansion.

“Am I obvious?”

Selia nodded.

“Selia, have you celebrated your coming-of-age?”

Her lady-in-waiting’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “Not yet, Your Grace, but this year I will celebrate it with other ladies in the Empire.”

She was excited about debuting in the Imperial Hall hosted by Princess Stella. Thalia was about to comment when she heard the cracking sound of something breaking in the carriage, and an explosion came from outside. With the condition of being disoriented, Selia shrieked in fright, which made Thalia come back to her senses. She raised her hand when she saw the door handle for her to hold. The next thing she knew, there was a vibrating sound from the ground clashing against the carriage wheel. She gripped the hard wooden handle, and it was a mistake; the moment of truth fell upon her, and the door handle cracked in half along the long side. The door was torn and separated from the carriage. Next thing she knew, her body was floating in the air.

In a short span, she closed her eyes and prayed again to the Goddess for protection. Her dainty body flew away and bumped into the ground. Everything was in chaos, people were shouting for help, and some were lying on the ground unconscious. Another blast fell up to miles away, sending shards of glass flying over the establishments. Even though Thalia scarcely moved her body, she tried to climb to her feet. She saw the carriage being smashed and crashing into the wall. However, seeing Selia and the coachman being rescued by the knights.

“Ack!” With blurred vision, Thalia noticed the blood on her trembling hand. Is she going to die again? Every time she saw blood, her mind involuntarily perceived blood as her death. She cupped her head, felt the thick liquid from her forehead, but before her vision turned dark, she spotted two familiar figures. At that instant, Thalia felt another twinge of betrayal at the sight of her husband with his lover in his arms.

“Thalia!” That was the last word she heard before the darkness devoured her consciousness.

****

“Make haste and rescue everyone!” Commander Farris commanded his knights to scatter around and search for the victims of the explosion.

“Commander Farris,” Kallixto called, the leader of the Elite Knights of the Empire. As soon as the commander saw him, he gave a respectable salutation.

“Your Majesty.”

“How is the situation so far? The casualties?”

“We have rescued and evacuated them to the emergency sanatorium. I ordered some of our knights to search for people inside the establishments. But Your Majesty, who is the lady in your arms?”

Sadness clouded Kallixto’s face as he looked at Thalia in his arms. “Farris, I will leave this matter to you for a moment. I will first send the Duchess to the great Mage, and I’ll be back later.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

Kallixto was ready to teleport to the tower of the Mage when Kayne appeared in front of them. ”No need, let me heal Thalia’s wound. Please lay her on the ground, Your Majesty.”

Even though Kallixto was perplexed, he still followed Kayne’s suggestion. Farris, with common sense, took his cape and spread it out on the ground before Kallixto carefully laid the Duchess. Kayne began to cast a healing spell on the injured Duchess. She coughed blood, and tears stung her eyes. “Hang on, Duchess.”

Meanwhile, Kallixto ordered Farris to assemble the knights. He had a plan to summon his Intelligence Alliance, Elite Knights, and the Knight Order to investigate the explosion accident; as a matter of fact, he had the idea that this catastrophe wasn’t a simple accident.

“Farris, after you assemble the knights, report to my office.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” As Farris left his sight, Noxton came to them with a woman in his arms. The Duke laid the woman beside the Duchess. The woman wept, though Kallixto noticed that she wasn’t even hurt. “Tell her to keep silent, Commander Chauverthier. She’s attracting injured people because of her wailing.”

Noxton’s jaw tightened, and he bent down to reach the woman’s face. “Stop crying, Klarine, everything will be alright.”

“But Klarine is scared.” The woman wiped her tears as she looked up at Noxton.

“Hush now, my dear. I promise that we will return unscathed to the Duchy.”

Kallixto cleared his throat. “Commander Chauverthier, time is ticking.” He interrupted their conversation because he was irritated to witness a couple expressing a lot of sentiment in front of him. It was more ridiculous to see Duke Noxton caring for another woman than his wife, who was severely injured.

“I will go now, Klarine.” Noxton turned his heels to Kallixto, who was now looking at the Duchess with empathy.

Kallixto patted Kayne on his shoulder, “Take care of her, if possible. Bring her to the palace.”

“Do not worry, I will take care of her because she is a significant person.”

Noxton overheard them, “Why are you bringing my wife to the palace?”

Kayne ignored the Duke, as they don’t get along well, whilst Kallixto's expression dulled.

“It’s an order, Commander Chauverthier.”

“But it concerned me. She is my wife, so she is my responsibility.”

Kallixto tilted his head, then his eyes darted to the Duchess. “I know. Duchess Thalia is your wife and your responsibility, but you aren’t capable of taking care of her well-being.”

Kallixto’s verbal castigation was harsh, and so the Duke was speechless and discomfited. Suddenly, a loud c***k, as if lightning were striking, sent a shock wave from a few miles away.

“Kayne, we don’t have enough time. Move the Duchess and the woman to the safest place with you,” Kallixto looked at the Duke.

“You will come with me to inspect around.” As Kayne teleported together with the two women, Kallixto and Noxton headed to the place where the huge explosion occurred.