Chapter 24: King’s Edict
Geoffrey hesitated briefly but said nothing, allowing Matilda to send word to the High Court of Parliament. “You need to learn your lesson,” Geoffrey said icily.
At this, the butler breathed a quiet sigh of relief. What he feared most was Geoffrey relenting. If Geoffrey had intervened, he might still report the matter, but he would surely lose his position afterward. He cast a venomous glare at Isolde. That wretched girl! He had never expected her to be so vicious. She had sliced off his ears, leaving him disfigured for life. Killing her wouldn't be too much of a punishment. And once she was locked away in the dungeons, he thought with grim satisfaction, death would seem a mercy she could never reach.
Before the constables arrived, Geoffrey ordered Pear Blossom Courtyard sealed off entirely. Isolde sat calmly on the stone steps of the corridor, Leonis in her arms. Her fingers ran absently through the wolf’s sleek fur; her expression was unreadable.
Geoffrey, though trying to suppress it, felt a twinge of unease beneath his fury. His title was not hereditary, and it had been years since he had achieved anything worthy of the crown’s notice. Should the wrong attention fall on his house, his rank could easily be stripped away. And now this scandal. It was a disgrace. If someone accused him of failing to control his household, any dream of advancement would be shattered. The thought that this rebellious girl could destroy his future ignited his anger anew.
The High Court sent Lord Harmon, who entered with two officers trailing behind. Upon arrival, he bowed respectfully to Geoffrey before turning his sharp gaze toward Isolde.
“Is this Lady Isolde?” he asked formally. “Your family reported that you assaulted the butler. Is this true?”
Isolde looked up slowly, her gaze sharp and unwavering. “Who claims so?”
Matilda’s voice cut in harshly. “You said it yourself! Don’t you dare deny it now.”
“Did I?” Isolde laughed softly, an edge in her tone. “How strange—I don’t seem to recall saying any such thing. Are you accusing me, my lady?”
She rose gracefully, still cradling Leonis, and walked toward Constable Harmon. Her unsettling, ghost-like gaze fixed on him. “Lord Harmon, do you truly not recognize me?”
Lord Harmon frowned, startled. “I’ve never set eyes on you before, my lady. How would I know you?”
“Never seen me, have you?” Isolde murmured, absently stroking Leonis’s head. “Leonis, do you know him?”
The wolf lifted its head, its green eyes fixing on Lord Harmon with a menacing stare, as though waiting for Isolde’s silent command. Lord Harmon’s face remained impassive, his voice firm. “Lady Isolde, I’m here on court business. You are to accompany me to the High Court.”
Chapter 24: King’s Edict
Geoffrey stood frozen in shock. Quickly, he straightened his robes, summoning Matilda and the household to join him as they stepped out to receive the edict.
At the gates, Princess Aveline descended from her carriage, flanked by the head of the High Court, his wife, and Lord Vargas, who stood respectfully beside Lord Garraway.
“Greetings, Your Highness,” Geoffrey said, bowing low.
“Rise, Duke of Blackmoor!” Princess Aveline replied, offering a faint smile.
“Your Grace,” Lord Vargas greeted warmly, stepping forward.
“An honor, Lord Vargas,” Geoffrey replied, though his chest tightened. What decree could this possibly be?
“Please, come inside,” Geoffrey gestured hurriedly, his gaze darting toward Matilda. She moved to spirit Isolde away, but Lord Vargas spoke again. To receive the edict, an incense table had to be set up. Thus, Geoffrey had no choice but to first invite the princess to sit. At the same moment, he cast a glance at Lord Harmon and said quietly, “Take her away for now.”
Lord Harmon was prepared to comply, but the Lord Chamberlain interjected, “The edict also concerns Isolde Langley.”
Lord Garraway stepped forward, the King’s Edict in hand, and ascended the stone steps. The gathered crowd fell to their knees.
“By the grace of Heaven and the edict of His Majesty the King: Isolde Langley, daughter of the Estate of Blackmoor, is commended for her gallant service in rescuing Lord Theodric and quelling the mountain brigands. For her deeds, she is hereby rewarded with 5,000 thalers in gold. She is to present herself at court on an appointed day to offer her gratitude. Geoffrey Langley, Duke of Blackmoor, is recognized for his wisdom in raising such a daughter and for his past loyalty to the realm. He is thus elevated to the rank of Grand Duke and granted a fief.”
The proclamation fell like thunder upon the assembly. Geoffrey stood frozen, as though struck by lightning. He forgot even the words of gratitude, staring blankly as the weight of the decree settled upon him. Matilda’s face turned deathly pale. That wretched girl? She saved Lord Theodric? Was he truly at Wolf Mountain? The butler, dumbstruck, clenched his jaw so tightly that his teeth began to chatter with rage.
“Grand Duke, why do you not give thanks?” Princess Aveline asked sharply, her words breaking the stunned silence like a whip.
Geoffrey jolted back to awareness, his trembling hands rising in acknowledgment. His lips faltered as he stammered, “I… I humbly accept the decree. My deepest gratitude to His Majesty.”
The scroll, though made of parchment, might as well have been lead, for it felt as though it weighed a thousand pounds in his grasp.
Chapter 24: King’s Edict
It had been over a decade since his last contribution to the realm—years spent in quiet obscurity, holding an idle position in the capital. Now, the King’s favor had returned to him, and all because of Isolde. He turned to look at his daughter, confusion and disbelief clouding his face. Was this true? Had she truly ventured out and saved the Princess’s son? Almost instinctively, he searched for Lord Harmon, but the man had slipped away, unseen and unheard.