Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Duke Felix's Point of ViewI couldn't sleep, my gaze fixed on Henny as she peacefully slept in my arms. I couldn't help but gently caress her face.
"You're so lovely..." I murmured, unable to suppress a smile. Somehow, being this close to her felt surreal.
Hours passed without me noticing that morning was approaching. Sh*t, I haven't slept! I slowly got up from the bed to avoid waking Henny and took the blanket to cover her.
"Don't tire yourself out again; you worry me," I said softly before leaving. But I returned to grab some food for her before finally stepping out.
Once I arrived at the office, I sighed heavily and closed my eyes. Moments later, the door swung open.
"Felix, why aren't you coming to our room? It's our first night." I remained silent as I heard her start to cry in front of me.
"I want to rest, Peneloppe. I'll explain later."
"Why are you doing this to me?" she asked, prompting me to open my eyes and look at her seriously.
"Because I don't love you anymore... I'm sorry." I felt the sting of her slap against my cheek.
"I know! Because you truly love that maid, right?" Her words shocked me.
"How did you know that?"
"It was too obvious, Felix." But why? Why can't Henny see it?
"You're really a scum, Felix!" she cried as she ran out. I came back in time to correct my mistake and see my beloved woman, Henny.
Henny's Point of ViewI was in the kitchen preparing tea for the Duke. Secretly, I added poison to his cup. This poison would cause him pain throughout his body and render him unable to speak.
This meant I wouldn't kill him just yet; he needed to suffer at my hands first. I didn't care if I got caught; seeing him in pain brought me joy.
I entered his room and found the Duke sitting on his sofa.
"Your Excellency... Here's your tea." I placed the cup on his table and stood by his side. Moments later, he collapsed onto the floor, clutching his neck.
"Ackkk!" A smile crept across my face as blood trickled from his mouth. My grin widened when he looked at me.
"H-Henny?" he stammered.
"Oh! Your Excellency? What's happening?" I feigned concern while secretly reveling in his suffering.
"You put poison in my tea?" As expected, he knew. My suspicions were confirmed. I leaned closer and whispered in his ear what I wanted to say.
"Liars! Did you think you could fool me? You even pretended to be Ronan just to deceive me?"
"No! It's not like that—"
"STOP IT, YOU LUNATIC! BECAUSE OF YOU, MY LIFE IS TOTALLY RUINED!" My anger boiled over as memories of what he had done flooded back. My body shook with rage.
"I'm sorry, Henny... It's my fault, but I want you to know... I truly love you—" His words made me laugh. Love? Where?
"Love me? Are you crazy?" I was taken aback when he knelt before me in desperation.
"I've completely changed, Henny! I'm willing to give you everything—" But before he could finish, the door burst open and knights swarmed in.
"Capture that maid immediately!" Their glares were fierce as they dragged me away. I didn't resist; instead, I went willingly with them.
"I'll make sure you're imprisoned and sentenced to death," the Duke shouted after me.
Henny's Point of ViewWhen we reached the mansion's underground dungeon, a knight shoved me roughly against a large stone. A rat scurried by as I sat down beside it and hugged myself tightly. A laugh escaped me at the thought racing through my mind.
Did they think I was foolish? Well! They were mistaken! My fists clenched in anger as rage consumed me. How dare he deceive me?
Tonight, I'd plan my escape from this mansion. My revenge would be set into motion.
Duke Felix's Point of ViewI opened my eyes to find Peneloppe crying in front of me.
"I'm begging you, Felix... Please love me again." She looked at me and hugged me tightly.
"God! Thank goodness you're safe now, Felix. Fortunately, the poison inside your body has been removed." As my eyes scanned the room, I noticed Henny was missing.
"Where's Henny?" The smile faded from Peneloppe's face. I could sense her anger rising; all I wanted was to find Henny and beg for her forgiveness for all my wrongs.
"All this time? Why? Why are you still looking at her even though she poisoned you? WHY?!!" she yelled at me furiously.
"I told you before... I don't love you anymore. It was my mistake for being so impatient for love but now I'm regretting it. I'll love Henny the most; she's my everything—"
"STOP IT! STOP IT! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT FELIX! PLEASE STOP!" She covered her ears while tears streamed down her face.
"I don't want to hear it, Felix..." She stood up and smirked at me.
"Tomorrow I'll report this to the Emperor so that she gets what she deserves. How dare she!"
"What?! You can't do that, Peneloppe! I'm the Duke of this mansion—"
"Too late, Felix; I've already sent a message to the Emperor. Now I'll wait for the royal knights to fetch her for her execution." She stormed out while I tried to follow but found the door locked. F*ck! Did she lock me in my own mansion?
It took until nightfall for me to escape because my body still felt weak from the poison. As soon as I entered the dungeon, knights blocked my path. What the hell?
"I'm sorry, my Lord, but Duchess Peneloppe ordered us not to let you pass under the authority of the Emperor."
"Who cares about the Emperor? This is my property; no one can dictate my decisions—my rules! This is my territory—not the Emperor's! Now step aside or I'll kill you all!" The knights quickly moved aside as I rushed into the dungeon.
I was shocked when I saw Henny covered in blood—both on her clothes and face.
She pointed a knife at me with trembling hands. "Are you here to take advantage of me?" No, that's not why I'm here!
"No! It's not like that, Henny! I'm here to help you—"
"Help? Are you crazy? Do I look like I need your help, bastard!" Just then we heard footsteps approaching us.
Henny ran away and despite how weak I felt, I followed her because I'd protect her no matter what happened.
We reached a forest where she suddenly stopped when she noticed I'd followed her.
"Why are you still following me?! Back off, you lunatic!"
"No! I'm not leaving you behind... Just trust me for once; please let me help you escape—" But before I could finish speaking, royal knights appeared with Peneloppe riding on horseback behind them.
"Capture her! She tried to kill the Duke."
"Give up now or we will be forced to take your life here!"
"I would rather die than go with you." My heart sank when they readied their bows aimed at Henny. No! Not again!
I acted quickly and grabbed a sword from a nearby knight and mounted one of their horses before pulling Henny up in front of me so that we could shield ourselves from any arrows aimed our way.
"I'll protect you, Henny—even if it costs me my life." With determination, we galloped through the moonlit night until an arrow struck my back. They were closing in on us!
"Hurry! Don't die on me now; I'll be the one who kills you!" A smile broke across my face at Henny's words.
"I promise." We halted suddenly as we approached an obstacle blocking our path. We had no choice but to jump over it together.
"Aren't you scared—" Before finishing my sentence as Henny prepared to leap over it herself, I grabbed her arm firmly.
"You'll get hurt; let me do it." Holding her close against me would protect her from whatever lay ahead of us.
"What are you doing, Duke?" Her voice held irritation mixed with concern.
"This way, I'll protect you," I replied as we prepared for what lay ahead together.