The feeling of someone watching Duncan had gradually faded, but that didn't mean he had lowered his guard. Alora's words continued to linger in his mind. She had mentioned that nobles secretly visited a brothel hidden in another part of the commoners' district.
Finding it, however, proved far more difficult than he expected.
After searching for hours without success, Duncan decided to stop for something to eat.
As he walked through the busy streets, a familiar sensation returned.
Someone was following him.
This time, he was determined to uncover the person's identity. Without changing his pace, Duncan turned into one street after another. Each time he glanced behind him, the figure vanished into the crowd.
"He's skilled," Duncan thought.
He rounded a quiet corner and quickly slipped behind a stone wall. Peeking out, he spotted the figure approaching. The stranger was of average build, with a hood pulled low over his face.
Without hesitation, Duncan picked up a stone and threw it.
"Argh!"
The stone struck the back of the man's head, That voice... he had heard it before.
Before the stranger could recover, Duncan rushed from his hiding place and tackled him from behind. The two struggled fiercely. The hooded man fought back with surprising skill, driving a hard kick into Duncan's injured leg and forcing him to stumble.
The stranger broke free and ran.
Ignoring the pain, Duncan chased after him. People quickly stepped aside as the two raced through the streets. While running past a fruit stall, Duncan grabbed an apple and hurled it.
It struck the man's legs. He lost his balance and crashed onto the road.
Duncan caught up instantly, pinned him to the ground, and ripped off the hood.
His eyes widened.
"Nicholas?"
Nicholas lowered his head.
"Why are you following me? Speak!" Duncan demanded.
"My apologies, my Lord... I can't tell you."
Duncan slowly drew the dagger from his boot, "Really? Then I'll have you beheaded. I can do it right now."
Nicholas forced a weak smile despite the pain, "My Lord... we both know you won't do that, but I still can't tell you."
Duncan narrowed his eyes, "Lord Skender sent you, didn't he?"
Nicholas hesitated before nodding.
"Damn it... but why?"
"Because he doesn't want you discovering the truth, it would ruin him."
Duncan remained silent for a moment before an idea crossed his mind, "I command you to tell me everything."
He leaned closer, "And don't forget... I know you've been stealing from Lord Skender. Do you want me to tell him?"
Fear flashed across Nicholas's face.
He had no choice. "Lord Skender was involved with Chief Zion, I don't know what happened between them, but they grew apart, then Chief Zion began blackmailing him."
Duncan stood frozen, his own brother-in-law... Blackmailed by a common chief.
"Go on."
Nicholas shook his head, "That's all I know, my Lord, the rest... only Lord Skender can tell you."
After a brief silence, Duncan helped Nicholas to his feet.
"Leave and tell Lord Skender I've abandoned the investigation."
Nicholas looked surprised but nodded.
"Yes, my Lord." He hurried away.
The crowd that had gathered slowly dispersed, though many continued whispering about what they had witnessed. Duncan ignored them and started toward his rented apartment.
He had barely gone far when a familiar voice called from behind.
"Child... what are you doing here?"
Duncan turned.
"Old man... I could ask you the same."
Lord William laughed loudly, "Oh, child, I merely asked a question." His eyes wandered over Duncan's bruises, "I see you've been fighting."
He smirked, "Or was it because of that commoner girl? Are you here looking for her?"
"Watch your mouth."
Lord William only laughed harder. The smell of wine made it obvious he was drunk.
Duncan saw an opportunity.
"You seem to know how to enjoy yourself."
"I certainly do."
"Then take me somewhere."
William raised an eyebrow.
"You? The hardworking Lord Duncan finally wants a break?"
" For once."
Lord William burst into laughter.
"Come, then you're about to enjoy your life."
Because of the injury to his leg, walking wasn't easy for Duncan, but he followed William until they hailed a carriage.
The ride took them to a part of the commoners' district Duncan had never visited before. The streets were wider, and the buildings looked newer. Everything appeared cleaner and far more organized than the area he had been searching earlier.
Lord William noticed his curiosity.
"This place is called East Hollow."
He pointed back toward the road they had travelled, "The place we left is Stone Valley."
Duncan quietly memorized the names.
A short while later, the carriage stopped before an impressive building, and several heavily built guards stood outside.
The moment they saw Lord William, they bowed respectfully.
"Good afternoon, my Lord."
"Afternoon, my friends," William replied cheerfully.
He gestured toward Duncan.
"This is Lord Duncan... Lord Skender's brother-in-law."
Duncan's eyes widened. Lord Skender owns this place? He murmured to himself.
The guards greeted him respectfully before stepping aside. As Duncan crossed the entrance, he couldn't help but pause. The building was magnificent.
Far larger than anything he had seen in the Noble District, Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand hall while musicians filled the air with lively melodies. Rich carpets covered the floors, expensive wine flowed freely, and tables overflowed with exotic fruits and delicacies.
Nobles, dukes, Marquesses, merchants, and lords mingled together without concern for rank or reputation. Away from the palace and the public eye, laughter echoed throughout the hall as everyone seemed to forget their titles for a single evening.
"Welcome to The Crimson Lantern," Lord William said, resting a hand on Duncan's shoulder. "This is where we leave the kingdom behind, for tonight... everyone is simply a guest."
Duncan slowly looked around the hall. He recognized several influential faces-men who carried themselves with perfect dignity during royal meetings, now laughing freely among friends.
Across the room, he spotted one of his fellow Lord, surrounded by companions, looking far more relaxed than Duncan had ever seen him.
"So even he comes here..." Duncan murmured to himself.
Lord William chuckled,"I told you, this is where men come to escape responsibility."
He clapped Duncan lightly on the shoulder, "The bill is on me."
Two women came to Lord William first - one in barely-there clothes, the other in a transparent white gown. They clung to him, touching him until he moaned.
Lord William clapped his hands, calling over another group of ladies.
"This is Lord Duncan," he said between breaths, still smiling. "Lord Skender brother-in-law. Treat him well." Then he disappeared inside with the two women.
Three more ladies came to Duncan, and they touched him with practised seduction. He sank into a chair as they attended to him.
"My Lord, you look worn out. Let me ease you," one murmured, kneading his legs.
Another massaged his arms, while the third fed him beer and fruit.
For the first time in months, free from palace duties, Duncan let himself relax. It was intoxicating.
After a while, he stood and headed for the bedroom. On the way, he caught sight of Mr. Damon Ashbourne, with two young women rubbing against him, his mouth open in delight. Duncan wasn't surprised. Damon had come to enjoy himself.
In the room, one of the women pushed him onto the bed. They began undressing him, hands wandering. He groaned loudly, but the music outside drowned everything out.
This would remain behind the walls of the Crimson Lantern