Duke Larry and his troops prepared to leave the mine, accompanied by Zilayefa, who had reluctantly accepted her new role as the duke's personal assistant. As they journeyed back to Nero, Zilayefa asked the duke about his promise to help her find her mother.
"Not now, Zilayefa," Duke Larry replied, his eyes closed as he rested his head against the carriage. "I'm tired and need some rest. We'll discuss your mother after the crown prince's bridal selection."
Zilayefa nodded, though disappointment and frustration simmered within her. The duke then requested that she sing for him, and she had no choice but to comply.
Here's a continuation of the story:
Chapter 7: The Bridal Selection Invitation
As Duke Larry's carriage ride continued, he pulled out a parchment from his pocket and handed it to Zilayefa. "I received this invitation a few days ago," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "The King of Nero is hosting a bridal selection ceremony for the crown prince, and I'm honored to have been invited."
Zilayefa took the parchment, scanning the intricate calligraphy and the wax seal bearing the royal crest. "Congratulations, Your Grace," she said, trying to sound enthusiastic despite her growing unease.
Duke Larry smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Zilayefa. You'll be accompanying me to the ceremony."
Zilayefa's heart sank, but she nodded obediently. She had no idea what to expect from the ceremony, but she knew she had to be on her best behavior.
As they approached the capital city of Nero, Zilayefa caught glimpses of the grand architecture and bustling streets. She felt a mix of awe and trepidation, unsure of what lay ahead.
Meanwhile, back at the Duke's mansion, Stevenson, Zilayefa's old acquaintance and lover, arrived seeking information about her whereabouts. The guards informed him that she had accompanied the duke on a journey and refused to let him enter the premises.
As Stevenson turned to leave, he spotted Richard, Zilayefa's younger brother, who looked remarkably different from the last time they met. Stevenson called out to Richard, who recognized him as the prince of Ama.
"Richard!" Stevenson exclaimed, as the boy ran to him and hugged his waist. "It's been a while, my prince," Richard greeted him.
Stevenson's eyes widened in surprise at Richard's transformation. "Where is your sister, Zilayefa?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
Richard recounted the events that had transpired since their arrival at the duke's palace, including the tragic loss of their brother Bernard, their enslavement, and Zilayefa's role as the duke's personal assistant. Stevenson's expression darkened as he listened, his heart heavy with sorrow and anger.
"I promise you, Richard," Stevenson vowed, "I will take Zilayefa, you, and your brothers away from this mansion and back to safety."
When the Duke and Zilayefa arrived at the mansion, she immediately ran to the kitchen quarter to meet her brothers. She hugged them tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face. Her brothers, Ryan, Bryan and Richard, were overjoyed to see her, and they talked for some time, catching up on each other's lives.
Duke Larry watched the reunion from a distance, a mixture of surprise and curiosity on his face. He had not expected Zilayefa to abandon him so quickly for her family. He shook his head and made his way into the mansion, leaving Zilayefa and her brothers to their reunion.
Later that evening, after he was well rested from his trip, his butler, informed him that Prince Stevenson Jr. of Ama was at the mansion, asking for Zilayefa. Duke Larry's eyes narrowed as he remembered the young lad who had come looking for Zilayefa a few months ago.
"Don't inform Zilayefa that Prince Stevenson is here to see her," Duke Larry instructed his butler.
But his butler hesitated before responding, "I apologize, Your Grace, but Zilayefa's siblings have already met with the prince."
Duke Larry's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing with the implications. "What did they discuss?" he asked his butler, his tone firm.
The butler hesitated again before responding, "I'm not entirely sure, Your Grace. However, I overheard Richard mention something about the prince's promise to take them away from the mansion."
Duke Larry's expression darkened, his grip on his armrest tightening. "Summon Zilayefa to my chambers immediately," he commanded.
As the butler scurried off to fetch Zilayefa, Duke Larry's thoughts turned to the potential threat Prince Stevenson posed. He couldn't let Zilayefa leave, not now that she had become his prized possession.
When Zilayefa arrived at Duke Larry's chambers, she was met with a stern expression. "So, I hear you've been reunited with Prince Stevenson," Duke Larry said, his voice dripping with malice. "Tell me, what did he promise you?"
Zilayefa's eyes darted nervously, but she stood her ground. " I have not seen the prince my Lord, But He promised my brothers to take us away from here, Your Grace," she replied, her voice steady.
Duke Larry's smile was cold and calculating. "And you think I'll allow that? I'm afraid that's not possible, Zilayefa. You're mine and you are going no where . You'll be attending the bridal selection ceremony with me, and afterward, we'll discuss your... future."
Zilayefa's eyes flashed with defiance, but Duke Larry's grip on her wrist tightened, silencing her.
" I don't want to see you with that prince of yours, go get your things and come to my chambers, you'll be staying in my chambers from henceforth" he commanded.
Zilayefa looked at the Duke in disbelief. She was not his slave , she was not owing him, he has no right to keep her na dher siblings captive.
" My Lord I'd love to go back with the prince, he is my betrothed" she said fiercely.
The Duke let out a snare, you can feel the temperature drop to zero " repeat that statement" He dared her
Zilayefa can feel his anger but she does not care, she has being his slave for far too long. She and her brothers don't belong to this castle or mansion. She needs to go with her lover. The Duke saw that Zilayefa has made up her mind, in one swift he picked her up and carried her like a log of wood, she was screaming and begging him to put her down, but he just ignored her and headed for his chambers.
He threw her on his bed and looked at her like a prey, " I dare you to repeat yourself" he said breathing anger.
" You can't keep me locked up for ever. I and prince Stevenson are meant to be married, I love him" he grabbed her by the neck he immediately she said those words. " You love who?" She struggled to breath " Let go of me" she pleaded with tears in her eyes. He let go of her, he wondered what's wrong with him, why he hurt her, it was none of his business if she was in love with that little lad, but he felt like she was his to keep. Who will sing for him when she is no longer with him?
" Stay here" he commanded and left the room while locking the door behind him.
Zilayefa hit on the door , crying and pleading to be let out of the room.