It was fortunate that, along with the news of the women's deaths, came the news of their killers' capture. They were still slowly dying in the hands of the executioners. The mother had never been a soft-hearted person, and the fate of the bandits was grim. The remains of those who were lucky enough to die quickly were hung up in the square.
— His Majesty refused to discuss the reward for Sir Blood with me. He stated that he would visit me in person and then resolve the matter.
— Did the King say why he wants to visit us?
— He will bring his sister with him…
— So…
— Yes. I have not yet given my consent, but His Majesty has made up his mind.
— Very well. I will receive His Majesty properly and maintain the honor of our family while you are away on the campaign to Zalone.
— I have no doubts, Mother.
The Duchess stood up and bowed to her son.
— Then I shall return to my quarters and begin preparations. May I give you one last piece of advice?
— I am always grateful for your advice, Mother!
— Take the Archmage of the duchy with you on the campaign. He has stayed in the capital long enough. It is time for him to earn the money he receives from you.
The Duke nodded.
— I will do that, Mother, — he said, kissing the woman's hand and watching as she left.
— We should actually take all the mages, — the man muttered when the door closed.
Marianna walked down the corridor, pleased with herself. The steward, having lost the support of the mage, was no longer so dangerous. While her son was away, she could execute him quickly. The facts of theft were clear to everyone, but informing her son about them now would be pointless; he wouldn't do anything to the scoundrel anyway. Or should she inform him?
The Duchess did not know that the recent spate of thefts and the steward's final loss of conscience were connected to her good acquaintance, or rather his people. Konstantin, who had been in Kass to recruit mages and soldiers, wisely decided not to waste the vampires' treasury when there were so many merchants in the city linked to bandits.
The city was struck by a wave of robberies, although no one reported them. One wouldn't report stolen loot to the guards, would they? And so the merchants and bandits, organized by the steward for the attacks, did not complain. One of the robbed was the steward himself. All his savings, kept in a cherished chest, simply disappeared one dark night.
The man raged and cursed, but he never managed to find the thieves. He was now forced to compensate for his loss, forgetting caution and moderation. This was what the widow of the former Duke intended to take advantage of, aiming to eliminate the last competitor in her son's absence.
Captain Vilor turned out to be an exceptionally loyal servant and, recognizing the woman as the true leader, served her honestly and devotedly, just as he had served her husband. Sir Blood had given very good advice.
Memories of the handsome mage made the woman's insides ache with pleasure. Her excitement was growing, and it was hard to stop. As always, when thinking about Blood. It was a pity that she was old. Although he was no longer a boy either. The cold, hard eyes of the Valerian stood out sharply on his youthful face. Those eyes had seen much, and the woman was scared to imagine just how many years the man she had fallen in love with as a young girl had truly lived.
I've got more interesting stuff on patreon
patreon.com/Chill76