Chapter 101-Preparation (1)

(SAGE'S P.O.V)

It was about 11:00 am, when Rosie and I were leaving out of the library, after our history lesson with Hannah and Butler Jackson.

“I shall inform his grace that the princesses are done with today's class”, Butler Jackson said as he bowed his head before walking away.

Hannah turned towards our direction and began to speak.

“We'll begin today's debutante lessons in three hours.” Hannah suddenly said. “The ballroom will be unavailable for now, so we will have the lessons in one of the practicing rooms on the third floor,” Hannah added.

With only three days left until the debutante and my succession ceremony. The castle servants and staff members have been busy decorating the ballroom. While the rest of the castle staff have begun preparing for the guests who will be arriving in two days in order to attend the debutante and the ceremony.

“I'll be returning to her Majesty's room for now. I shall see you two shortly, princesses”, Hannah said, as she bowed slightly. A second later, Hannah began walking in the opposite direction.

While walking down the hall towards the stairs. I noticed Haley and Vienne in the distance as they had just walked up the stairs. Rosie and I continued to walk towards them.

“My lady,”Haley said, “His grace is calling for you”, she added.

“He's in the office on the first floor”, Vienne suddenly said.

Rosie and I started to walk towards the stairs, while Haley and Vienne followed behind us. After walking down the stairs, Rosie and I walked towards the office and I noticed Peyton was standing near the door conversing with an unfamiliar man.

“Hmm, he looks familiar. I've seen him before”, I heard Rosie say.

I looked over at her as we continued to walk towards the office.

“Ah”, Rosie suddenly snapped her fingers. “He's one of father's knights”, she said.

"One of father's knights?", I asked as I looked towards the man.

“Oh right, you haven't met him because you were kidnapped by Brian. He came to the territory with father after Peyton and grandfather Masiro went to their location and brought father back to the territory” Rosie said as we were approaching them.

As we approached them, Peyton turned towards me with a slight smile on her face and suddenly kissed my forehead as she placed her hand on the top of my head.

“Sir Dell, this is Princess Sage” Peyton introduced me to the man. “You have already met Princess Rosemary”, Peyton said as she gestured towards Rosie.

Sir Dell suddenly bowed his head, “Hello Princesses” he said and turned towards me, “It's an honor to meet you, young Duchess” he said.

“Nice to meet you as well”, I responded and watched as he smiled a little.

“Why are you two standing in front of the office?”Rosie asked.

Sir Dell looked at Peyton and Peyton started to speak.

“We're waiting on Lord Dean, he's currently talking with his grace. We're getting ready to transport the young women to another location.” Peyton replied.

Suddenly, the door to the office opened and a tall muscular middle-aged man stood in the threshold of the door.

(DUKE WINTER’S P.O.V)

I was sitting in the office going over some last minute paperwork. When Jackson and Lord Dean came walking into the office. I looked in their direction and they bowed their heads before approaching the desk.

“Your Grace, I've come to inform you that the princesses have finished their history class for today.”, Jackson reported.

I nodded my head.

“How long do they have until their next lesson?” I asked as I looked at Jackson.

“They have a three hour intermission before their debutante lesson begins”, He replied.

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Unexpectedly, we heard a knock on the door and Jackson went to answer it. A second later, I noticed Sage's personal maid Haley walking into the office.

“Your grace”, she said as she bowed her head.

I noticed she was holding some envelopes in her hands. I gestured to her and she started to walk towards the desk. After approaching the desk, she handed me the envelopes.

“You did well, Haley”, I said as I reached for the envelopes.

I looked at the envelopes. There were three in total. One in particular caught my attention.

“Haley, send Sage and Rosemary to my office” I said.

“As you wish, Your grace”, Haley said and bowed her head once again. A few seconds later, she left the office.

After she left the office, I looked over in Lord Dean's direction.

“Have you gotten everything ready for the transporting?”, I asked.

“Yes, your grace. We'll be moving the young women later this evening. I have already gathered a few knights that are willing to join the escorting mission.” Lord Dean replied.

“Very well”, I said, “I'm not sure when Moises and Natalie will return but I'm positive they won't be bringing Macy Livens here because it's risky. I shall wait until they return to make any further decisions.”, I said.

“Your Grace, about the king” Lord Dean was about to say but I suddenly heard voices outside the door. I held my hand up causing him to stop talking for a second.

“We'll finish this conversation later, my girls are here”, I said. “Open the door for them”, I added.

I watched as Lord Dean walked over to the door.

“Come in, my dears”, I said as I noticed Sage and Rosemary standing in front of Peyton and Sir Dell.

Sage and Rosemary walked into the office and Lord Dean followed behind them. I noticed as Sage was glancing back at Lord Dean. A few seconds later, Sage and Rosemary sat down on one of the couches. I slowly got up from the seat and walked over to the couches.

“Sage, Rosemary” I said and gestured towards Lord Dean.

After introducing Lord Dean to them, Sage and Rosemary introduced themselves and a few minutes later I dismissed Lord Dean.

“Sage, my dear, you received some mail until your office is ready. Your mail will be brought to this office.”, I said as I reached the envelopes to Sage.

“Wait, I'm going to have my own office?”, Sage asked in an excited tone.

I chuckled and nodded, “Yes, as the Duchess, you will need your own office after taking over the dukedom. I have already selected a couple of aides for you. You will meet one of them at the debutante. She is Captain Capilano's eldest daughter”, I said.

I looked over at Rosemary, “Rosemary, after becoming one of the Winter knights. If everything goes correctly, I am willing to give Yeshiva a noble title as well.” I said.

Rosemary eyes widened, “Really?”, she asked.

I nodded, “Eventually, you two will marry. Giving Yeshiva a title can lessen the bullshit the nobles will try to pull. Some of the nobles and aristocrats will try to send marriage requests for your hand in marriage after the debutante. They may also try to send some requests to Sage as well” I said.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of paper ripping and looked over at Sage.

“Sage, my dear, what is it?” I asked, curiously with a concerned expression.

“That bastard”, Sage mumbled and gritted her teeth.

“Let me see that”, I said and waited until she handed me the envelope.

After she handed it to me, I looked at it and I already knew what the letter was about.

“An invitation to young duke Nashi's engagement banquet,” I read out loud.

(NASHI'S P.O.V)

I stepped out of the shower and proceeded to dry my body. As I stepped in front of the large mirror, I placed my hand onto the glass and angrily punched it. The glass only shattered a little and caused a small cut on my right fist. I looked in the mirror and sighed.

Fuck, I thought.

After leaving the bathroom, I walked into the room and noticed the unfamiliar woman that was laying in my bed was now awake and was looking directly at me.

Fuck, just how much did I drink, I thought.

After Sylvester got injured and being reminded of my break up with Sage. I decided to go to a tavern in disguise and must've drank myself into oblivion.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door and walked to answer it. When I opened it, I saw one of the butlers.

“What is it?”, I asked as I looked at him.

“My Lord, you have a guest. Lady Chloé is here” he said.

“I'll be out in a few minutes. In the meantime, get her some tea and refreshments”, I said.

“Yes, my lord”, he said and bowed before walking away.

I turned towards the unfamiliar woman.

“You can leave now”, I said, in a serious tone.

“What a jerk”, she said and scoffed as she pulled the covers off of herself. I noticed that she was still naked. I watched as she put on her clothes.

“Are all the noblemen as rude as you. You came onto me just to let you know.” She said after she was fully clothed. She started to walk towards the door.

“I feel bad for the woman whose name you called me while we were having sex”, she said. “Sage, was it” she added before slamming the door.

Fuck, I mumbled.

After throwing one of the empty liquor bottles to the wall. I continued to get dressed.

Sage, I thought. I wondered if she received the invitation yet.

I left out of the room and walked until I made it to the drawing room on the second floor. When I opened the door. I noticed Lady Chloe sitting on one of the couches, while her personal maid stood behind her. Lady Chloé looked over at me with her bright autumn color eyes and long blond hair.

“Duke Synovial”, Lady Chloé said as I sat on the couch across from her.

“Our wedding date has been set. The banquet for our engagement will take place in two weeks.”I said as I looked directly at her.

“I look forward to your cooperation, young duke”, she said.

“I look forward to yours as well, for the duration of our contract. I would prefer it if you stay out of my personal life.”, I said.

“I will suggest you do your part as my fiancé, even if it's only for a year”, Lady Chloé said and stood up. “I'll see you at the debutante”, she added.

(UNKNOWN P.O.V)

I rushed through the palace towards his highness's office. After hearing the rumors that had spread through the palace. I needed to know more information.

As I approached the office, I placed my hands onto the doors and pushed them opened.

“How many times have I told you not to enter my office that way!”, I heard him say.

“You bastard!” I said, “How could you keep such important news from me, Crown Prince Antonio!”, I said.

I watched as Crown Prince Antonio looked directly at me. He placed one of his hands on the side of his face.

“This is why I didn't tell you, look at your stupid expression!”, he shouted.

“You bastard, how could you keep the fact that we have a future queen and that she is of the Winter lineage!” I shouted.

I watched as Crown Prince Antonio sighed, “Joshua, I know you admire the Winter lineage and their history but try to contain yourself.” Prince Antonio said, “You'll be meeting my future Queen in two days when we arrive at the Winter Dukedoms castle to attend her debutante. Also, we'll be staying there for a week. I received an invitation from King Lincoln to attend a conference that would take place with the Avalorian kingdom's delegation.” he said.”In the meantime, Lord Joshua, I have a mission for you. I need you to monitor the young Duke of the Synovial Dukedom while we are there” he added.

I kneeled down and bowed my head, “As you wish, Your highness”, I said.

But why the young duke, I wondered to myself.

“If you are wondering why I gave you this mission. The young duke of Synovial is currently in love with my future Queen and I intend to kill him when the time is right, if necessary.” Prince Antonio said with a serious expression.

“As you wish”, "Your highness”, I said once again.