Benjamin sighed as he tried to process my words. "Poor child, how can a father allow that to happen to his daughter?"

I paced around my office as her words replayed over and over in my head. "It happens sometimes."

He shot me an apologetic look from his place on the couch. "The young lady asked for your help, but this makes things much more difficult. She can't go back there again. The Adelysia dukedom is unstable right at this moment. The duchess' children are fighting among themselves for the estate."

"I agree. If they find out that there is another heir, especially one with no social backing, they will rip her to shreds."

"Then what are we going to do? She can't stay here without bringing her and your virtue into question, and we can't send her back home."

I sighed, "I have no idea." I racked my brains for a solution.

"Well, we have to figure something out soon, before it causes us problems" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You should discuss this with the young lady."

Taking a deep breath, I nodded.

I locked myself in my room to ponder the question of what should I do? Without rest, I paced around my room day and night. When I got tired of looking at the same four walls of my bedroom. I moved to the office and resumed my laps around my desk. Each day I grunted and sighed in frustration as the stubborn question refused to be answered.

The door would open from time to time, and Benjamin would walk in with a plate of food. He would look at me for a brief period, and after finding whatever he was looking for, he crept out the door. 

On the fourth day, I decided that I had enough. Stepping out of my office, I trudged to the dining room. As soon as I walked in, Leyla stood up from her seat. 

"Are you alright? I haven't seen you in days." She blurted out.

I sat at the head of the table and gave her a small reassuring smile and a nod.

"I hope I didn't overwhelm you with what I said last time." She sat and wrung her hands on her lap. "I'm sorry that I sprang that upon you. I just needed someone to talk to."

"It's okay," I responded in a soft tone. What should I tell her? How should I tell her? I asked myself as I ate my soup in silence. What will she say? 

After some failed attempts at broaching the subject, I was able to find my voice. "I've been thinking," I trailed off and added, "About your predicament and how I could be of help." 

"Yes," she urged me with her eyes to continue.

"It's a difficult situation. You would be risking your life if you go back to your territory, and I can't provide you any protection. If I do. The royal court will accuse me of conflict of interest. Which won't be good for any of us." I stabbed a potato with my fork.

"I'll do anything. I'll become your maid." She inched forward in her seat, eyes pleading.

"The thing is, you're not of this dukedom. To make sure every citizen has enough employment opportunities in their territory. There are some set rules you need to follow. If you're planning to work on another dukedom. You need to apply in your territory to get approval to do so. If you do that, you will have to go back there and register your information with them. This means you can't only provide your name. You will have to register your last name. As well as information about your family. Which if you don't add it, you won't be approved, and if you do add it, it will―"

"Raise red flags and set a target over my head." She finished with a sigh.

I cleared my throat. "Yes."

Leyla dropped her gaze to her plate. After a while, she said, "You have done a lot for me this past month, and I greatly appreciate it." She raised her head and locked eyes with me, "Thank you for being willing to help me. I'll return as soon as I feel better."

"No, you'll be risking your life, and apart from that, you don't have anywhere to go."

"I'll do anything I can to not attract attention to myself. As for not having a home. I'll figure it out, don't worry about me." She gave me a soft smile.

"No. What kind of man will I be if I let you leave without making sure you will be alright," I complained.

"And what kind of woman will I be if I stay here, at the cost of your reputation." She countered.

I studied her determined expression and pursed my lips. I stabbed another potato and muttered, "My reputation already lost its worth."

"Still, I refuse to contribute to that. I'll leave in a month." She said with finality in her voice and resumed eating her meal.

⚜⚜⚜

"Your Grace, we have a guest. His Majesty, King Uriel has come to visit," Benjamin announced.

"I'll be there in a minute" I organized the stack of papers on my desk and stepped out of my office.

As I approached the foyer, I could hear the sound of Uriel's aimless wandering as he whistled a tune.

"Iskander! When are you going to furnish this house?" Uriel's loud voice reverberated through the hallways. "You've been here for some years already. It's like you're planning to leave or something."

"I'm not going anywhere." I clapped him on the shoulder.

"You better not." He shot me a jesting glare.

"What brings you around here? It's not common for the king to go visit his subjects."

"I was bored, and the high priest won't get off my back. So I decided to take a little time off to visit one of my good friends" He smiled.

"Slacking off, I'll say" I smirked.

"Shut up." He playfully punched my shoulder. "So, what are you up to?" He asked as his gaze swept around the room.

"Right now, I'm working on a dispute I have with Duchess Adelysia's children. They haven't agreed on who will manage the estate." I gestured towards the hall that led to my office and added, "But they do see eye to eye in one thing. They think that the marble caves and the mine should belong to the Adelysia territory. Since the caves are so close to their territory border." I said as we walked into my office.

"Oh, ignore them. They're only doing this as payback for arresting their mother." He sat on the couch. "So, how has your little vacation been treating you?"

"I've been able to get much-needed rest. Thank you."

"It was the least I could do." He waved off my thanks. "Like how you pay us back with your military service for all the riches and land we provided. I have to also pay you back for saving my skin."

"It's my duty to protect the king," I stated.

"Anyways, I have not seen your guest. Did she leave already?" He stared at his hands and picked at his nails.

"No, she is still recuperating."

"Well, I hope she gets better soon, so you don't have to babysit anymore." He joked.

"Uh, t-thanks," I said with a half-hearted smile on my lips.  

Uriel stood up. "I need to get going." He shoved his hands in his pockets.

"But you just got here," I complained and followed him to the door.

"I have more people to visit today, and I don't want the high priest to scold me for leaving the throne empty for a long time." He rolled his eyes and took one hand out to reach for the doorknob. The movement made a small folded paper slide out of his pocket. It fluttered to the floor, and I caught a brief glimpse of a familiar red wax seal before he picked it up.

"Isn't that the seal of the border brigade?" I questioned.

"Um, yes." He hurried down the hallway towards the main entrance.

"Why do you have that in your pocket? What's going on at the border?" I caught up to him before he could walk outside.

"Walleria is attacking our borders once again. They managed to seize part of Duke Wila's territory." He continued, "I came here to request Grand Commander Acoma to assist the troops." He gave me the note.

I unfolded the paper and read its contents.

"Someone helped them cross our border undetected. It seems we have a mole among us." Uriel said.

I looked at him, eyes wide with surprise.

His eyes scanned my face. "I have my suspicions, but I need to make sure first."

"Why didn't you tell me about this? I have to go up to the border and support our troops."

"No." He snatched the note from my hands, "You recently came back from a mission. I can not ask you to do that. The Grand Commander will be able to handle the situation."

"But, I can't sit around and do nothing while our troops risk their lives trying to protect our country."

"Alright," he said after a beat. "I'll tell the Grand Commander that you will be accompanying him." He climbed into his golden carriage, "The Grand Commander has to leave in three days. Be ready by then." With a wave, he ordered his guards to set course to Calim's house.

"I overheard. You're going to the border?" Benjamin asked as soon as I came into the Manor.

"We're being attacked by Wallerian troops. I need to go and assist our men."

Benjamin's face fell, and he clasped his hands in front of him.

I sighed and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I have to do this."

"Yes, I know. But, I still worry." The inner-ends of his eyebrows rose. "What if this time you don't return?"

Taking a deep breath, I responded, "Then I would have died honorably." I rushed towards the armory room with Benjamin at my heels.

Benjamin's eyes watched my every step as I went around the armory. I grabbed my best sword and armor from their wooden stands and placed them on the table in the middle of the room.

"I know this is your duty, but please be careful." He insisted.

I sent a warm smile his way and nodded.

He was halfway out the door when he stopped and turned around to face me. "Iskander, what about the young miss?"

His question brought a whole new problem to the forefront of my mind. I closed my eyes and pressed my palm against my forehead. "I forgot about that. I need to think of something quick."

Benjamin left, and I absentmindedly continued to rummage around my armory. What should I do? I only have three days to figure this out. I thought as I sharpened my sword and daggers. Should I let her leave? I shook my head. No, I can't do that. But what can I do then? I paused to inspect a dagger. I touched the edge with my index finger.

"Your Grace, dinner will be ready in thirty minutes." Annie's voice came from the doorway.

"Yes, thank you." Grabbing another dagger, I looked up in time to catch a glimpse of her retreating back.

What will happen to these people if I perish? Will they be thrown out into the streets? What about Benjamin? Will the officials abandon an old man like him without care? I placed the dagger on the table and massaged my temples as I sensed the pressure of a new problem coming to mind. I can't let that happen. I can't abandon them. Pressing my palms on the table, I leaned forward and hung my head. My eyes traced the markings on the wood as I tried to figure out a way to solve my problem. After what seemed like years, an idea rushed into my mind like a raging torrent. Standing upright, I moved to do my tasks, hoping I could make it to dinner on time.

⚜⚜⚜

I watched Leyla as she sat down on her chair.

"Good afternoon, Your Grace." She bowed her head in respect and continued after a while. "I heard from the maids that His Majesty, the King, came by to visit." She placed a napkin on her lap.

"Yes," A maid poured me a glass of wine. I feigned interest in the fruity taste and aroma of the drink. Debating if I should discuss with her what I hoped to do.

The silence was grating on my nerves as we ate. Should I tell Leyla now? I asked myself while I ate my salad. Now? I asked myself again as I ate a forkful of rice.

"I also heard that you were going to the battlefront." She said with an unreadable look.

I nodded with a heavy heart.

"I wish you the best."

"Thank you."

Leyla smiled and stood up.

"I would like to speak to you about a certain matter," I uttered before she left.

She raised an eyebrow and sat back down.

My leg tapped against the floor as I struggled to find the right words to say. "As you mentioned, I have to leave for the battlefront in the next couple of days. I don't know when I will be able to return." I lowered my gaze. "If I'm able to return at all." I took a deep breath. "The servants of this household are good people. They have dedicated their lives to serving my best interests. It would be wrong of me to abandon them after all they have done for me." I paused for a minute and continued, "I have no heir to leave my estate to. If I lose my life, everything will be given to the capital, and this household will be left to fend for themselves. So, I was wondering." I took another deep breath, "Will you agree to marry me?"

Leyla's eyes grew large. She jumped out of her seat, making the chair fall to the floor with a loud bang. Her mouth moved, but no words came out. She blinked a couple of times, and after a while, she said, "What? Are you serious?" She looked at me like I had gone mad.

"I need someone to inherit my estate and take care of the household," I explained.

"But, why me? You barely know me." Her voice echoed through the room. "I barely know you." She added.

"I know." I leaned forward and clasped my hands together on the table. "Lehylany. The reason I'm asking you specifically. Is because I also wish to help you."

"And you're helping me by giving me all your assets. That seems a little overboard, don't you think?" She snapped. "Besides, how do you know if this is the right choice? What if I waste your money and mistreat your servants after you're gone? What if I'm some crazy lunatic that ends up running this dukedom to the ground? Or worse. What if you come back safe and sound, and all this ends up being for nothing? What then? We don't even know if we can stand living with each other under the same roof. We can't get divorced without a proper reason. What will happen then? What if you end up falling in love with someone? Are you willing to give that up just because you wanted to help me at this moment?" She pinched the bridge of her nose. After taking a couple of deep breaths, she spoke, "Sorry. I lost it for a moment there." She worried at her lower lip and stared at the wall behind my back. After a while, she said, "This is a bad idea." 

"This is the only thing I can do right now, and you seem like a good person. So, I'm willing to take the risk."

Leyla glared at her feet and pursed her lips. "What if I say no?" She asked after a while.

"Then I'll support your decision, and I'll give you some money so you can get settled when you go back to your region."

Her eyes locked into mine. She crossed her arms and said nothing. "I need some time to think about it," Leyla spat as she stepped out of the room.

Leyla refused to leave her room the next day. Her door only opened for the maids that brought her meals, and apart from them, no one else was allowed to go inside.

Without her, the deafening silence was maddening. My appetite decreased as I missed our short conversations at the dinner table. I hope I didn't offend her, I thought to myself.