"Is he at the clinic?"
"Yes...hic.....everyone else is also there....."
Eros was sniffing and crying and answered in between his sobs. Witnessing this sight, I hug and caress his hair to soothe him.
"Let's go."
I looked at Argus to say goodbye to him, but he added,
"Wait, I am coming with you."
"It's fine. You already consumed so much time here. Being a duke, you must have other things to attend to."
"I don't. I want to come with you. And we can take our carriage. It'll be considerably faster."
I decided that we were wasting time hence I went with what he stated and nodded,
"Okay, sorry for troubling you."
When we reached the clinic, everyone else was here. Mama and Lark were crying while Thalia looked confused to what was going on. She kept looking right and left and then ran straight into my arms when she sights me enter. I stroke her head to assure her that everything was going to be alright. My eyes greeted the doctors', and he nodded to speak to me separately since the rest of my family was too emotional right now to listen to things properly. We were outside the room, and Argus was right beside me as the doctor comes to brief us that he died because of heart failure. I was still thinking about how this could be when Argus spoke up,
"Were there any signs of this happening?"
"No. Not at all. This case is not frequent. He was healthy and stabilised, and we were hoping to discharge him after two days."
"Then how?"
I blurted but was met with gazes that did not know the answer themselves. The doctor then takes his leave and tells me to later on come and finish up the rest of the paperwork so I can then take my father to bury him.
"Rhea."
I turn to look at Argus when calls out my name in a sombre tone. His mind seems to be in deep-thinking.
"It's most likely your father was murdered."
"How? Who? It didn't happen....in the book."
I stated the end words in a low voice that were meant nothing but for him to hear. After which he nods and adds,
"I know. However, this is only a hunch for now, but I am not completely certain whether I am right or not."
"Is the murderer the same person as I am thinking about right now?"
Argus bents a bit closer to my ear to whisper,
"He must have found out that someone is investigating and tracking him and this may be his way of retaliating and warning."
"That damn.....piece of shit....."
I curse under my breath.
"I need to go and do something right now. There must be a person in between who works for him and notified him about this therefore, I am going to investigate that. It will be better for you and your family to stay in a place with a lot of people or somewhere with guards and protection. If you want, I can take all you back to my house."
"Thank you, but you have already done so much. My friend's father is a Marquis. We can go to stay with her."
"Very well, that would be good. Please stay safe. If you require help, come to me."
Saying that he takes his leave. While I go to finish signing up the papers.
That afternoon we conduct a small private funeral and after the burial, we didn't go back home since I informed my family that father might have been murdered and the guy must now be after us hence we need to stay safe. They were still shocked with father's death. As was I but since I didn't associate with him that much, I barely cried. Mama thought I was in denial, so she kept giving comfort and support to me even though she herself was barely keeping herself steady.
After calming down a bit, we kept walking round and round in the marketplace where there were a lot of people. I know we should be going to Lydia's house, but I was hesitating. The thing is.....after my real family died.....I lost my trust quite a few times when I got betrayed by people. And it's not that I have trust issues. But I have a problem with depending on people. I feel useless when I ask other's for help since I think it's better to work hard by yourself and bear your burden by yourself and be responsible. All of this makes me hesitant to ask other's for help. However, when time arises, I do accept people's support. Maybe I should go to Lydia's house after all. Her father won't mind since he always listens to his daughter and it will be for a night only because I have a feeling that Argus will have captured that guy till tomorrow.
While thinking, I hear a scream followed by a shout and then the two people following me disappeared out of nowhere. It was Lark and Eros. The screams were of my mother.
"What.....where.....what happened?"
"I don't know.....there were two men in black robes and they just took them....."
I should've taken them to Lydia's house sooner. This happened because I was having some petty little trust issues. I grit my teeth as the fist tightens. I then feel something in my pocket and when I take it out, it's a piece of crumbled paper on which it was written,
"Don't poke your nose where it doesn't belong, if you want to see your brother's alive.
Ps. my patience is running out. I hope you make the sensible decision. I will be waiting."
Just what the hell is going on. As far as I remember, there was nothing written in the novel regarding all of it. It is because the original female lead never dared to investigate Ryker? But what other choice did I have? I had to do all of this since I can't keep still.
It's unreasonable and wrong. People like him should be punished. I then look at my little sister and mother who was panicking and saying shouldn't we go to the police.
"No, let's go to Lydia's house. For now, keeping you two safe is the priority. As for Eros and Lark, don't worry. After dropping you guys there, I will go and figure things out and bring them back."
"But Rhea....I want to come with you."
"I know you do but someone has to stay with Thalia. She's confused and needs her mother."
"I know....please be careful."
"I will. Let's go."
Lydia quickly agreed to let mama and Thalia stay there for one night.
Although she does asked me what's wrong. I couldn't tell her everything in detail hence I told her a brief version of the story about how my father got murdered and he is bankrupt because of Ryker.
"Oh my god! That man needs to be punished!"
"Yes. And I have someone aiding me with that. For a little while, please keep mama and Thalia secure."
"I promise. Don't worry."
She clutches my hands to assure me. However I was a bit hesitant.
"It's not because I don't believe in you. But Ryker maintains a lot of contacts and I don't know if your father is his friend or not."
"Oh...well, I think my father scarcely appreciates him. But nevertheless, I still vow it on our friendship that I won't let any harm come to them."
"Bless you."
"Aren't you going to stay?"
"No, I have to go somewhere now. Thank you for everything. Farewell."
I quickly chant and then run away before I could even hear her reply.
I decide that right now the situation is critical and I need help. The sun had set and soon the markets were going to be closed as well. I can't go to the police since I don't know whether they are with Ryker or not.
The other option would be to ask Lydia's father for help since he is an influential man. However, I don't know if he will help or not. Plus I still don't know if he's with Ryker or not.
The only option left now is to seek Argus for help. He had to go find that guy but I think he must be back home by now. Hence, I decided to head to the mansion. Since, we do not had a carriage, I started walking up the hill.
On the way, it started raining. Great. Just great. How cliche. When something terrible or tragic happens in a story, it always starts raining. Just like right now. I don't know whether the sky is crying out of sadness for me or out of laughter, mocking at my current situation. If this rainy sky wasn't enough, some dumbass just went past me in his horse and splattered all the filthy water on my dress.
When I passed by one of the shops that had now closed since by now the shops were starting to close, I observed my disheveled reflection. Gosh, I resemble a beggar rather than a noble.
At long last, after an hour of hiking, I reached the Duchy of Dallarosa. However, I still had one more obstacle to cross. The guards and the gates.
In front of me right now were huge steel gates that were triple of my size. On both sides were two sturdy, six feet tall armoured guards. They became alerted when they detected me approaching. I thought to myself that in this weather and with such a look, I must look like a ghost to them.
"Invitation?"
One of them inquired in a solemn tone.
"....I don't have one."
"The what are you doing here? Leave. The duke doesn't meet with just anyone."
I know they were only fulfilling their duties and were right. But I felt frustrated. I don't have time for this. I need to find Eros and Lark. Who knows what they must be going through right now?
"At least inform the duke that Rhea Leneghan is over here to meet him. He knows me."
One of them then starts laughing at my request and comments,
"Yeah right. As if the duke knows someone like you."
His mocking remark was hinting at my look that didn't match that of a noble.
"Go away, you delusional girl."
"...please...I am begging you....at least tell him I am here...."
"Didn't you hear us?"
"Scram!"
"...but....."
My eyes were becoming clouded right now due to frustration and anger. I have no choice but to leave. Gradually by slowly, I withdraw a few steps away while looking back at the grand mansion whose lights were on, hinting that Argus must be home. I kept staring at the windows, desperately hoping that he approaches there and sees me. However, one of the guards hinders my view and signals me to leave.
"Over here is the exit."
".....I know...."
I frustratingly retort and then finally walk away.
After walking for a few minutes, I decided to head to Ryker's office.
The streets were becoming tranquil the more time passed. I ultimately reached the said building whose light were out and it was pitch black. To be frank, it was quite terrifying. But I had no time to be scared. I mustered up my courage and tried to open the backdrop however as expected it was latched. Next to the door was a window. I tried to pull it open. It didn't work. I tried to push it open, and that didn't work as well.
That's when I noticed that it was locked from the inside.
I subsequently decided to seek a rigid object to throw and shatter the window.
But I couldn't find anything hence I took off one of my shoes and went to quite a distance. I thought that if I throw it at a distance, the speed combined with the force will help break the window. Hence, I walk back quite a bit and then I launched it as hard as I could, with all my strength.
CRACK! CRUNCH!
Followed by a few noises, the window was ultimately broken. However, there was a severe problem. My hand slipped and my shoe ended up hitting the window at the first floor. I was still outside.
Now I took off my other sandal and this time, I strike it precisely at my target and successfully broke the ground floor building.
I instantly jumped over the window and went inside. When stepping inside, I stepped on the shattered glass. It ached and blood started flowing out from my feet. I took of the glass shards and wore one of my sandal. I flip on the lights and started looking around but to no end. No one was over here. I decided to head to the first floor however the door to first floor stairs was also secured. It was so tranquil that I had a feeling that my brothers were not here. If they were, there must be some noise or screaming for help. After taking a look for the second time to assure myself, I then again went back to Argus house.
I felt so helpless and frustrated that I wanted to cry. But I know crying won't assist me with anything.
By the time I reached his house, it was mid-night. The guards become annoyed to see me again but I don't care about how I feel right now. I need to meet up with Argus. My brothers need me. I need to save them or else they will be gone forever.
Multiple thoughts entered my mind along with the images of my actual family's car crash death. My real family died and left me. And even though these people right now may not be my family, but I consider them to be like one. Even if we don't know each other for such long. Ever since my family died, I have been too terrified to let someone close to me since I was always scared that something might happen to them or they might leave me. This is why I was becoming more emotional and panicking right now.
I didn't even look at the guards and and instead started yelling loudly, screaming in hopes that Argus could detect me.
"Argus! It's me, Rhea! Argus! I need to see you! Argus!"
"Hey! Hey!"
"Why are you causing such a ruckus? I thought you were gone, but you came back. Why are you so persistent?"
I continued to call his name while ignoring the guards' comments. This irritated the guards, and one of them strongly knocked me away until I fell on the ground.
That's when all the pain that I have been trying to ignore all night, came rushing back. I was wet from the continuous rain that seemed it won't end until morning. My feet were embraced in blood due to the splintered glass and the scratched from the afternoon. One of my feet was filthy and barefoot. And right now, my thighs ached when they fell hard on the soaked marshy ground.
I realised that no matter how loudly I scream or call Argus, he will never be able to hear me since his house from this mansion is a massive field away.
"We are gonna beat you if you keep acting this way."
One of them threatens while glaring at me.
I bit my lip hard and take a few steps back. I then advanced a few steps from the gate and sat there with my back leaning on the wall. Since it was pitch-black and still raining, the ground was wet and it felt extremely uncomfortable.
But I was stubborn as well. I wasn't going to leave until I see Argus. He is the only chance I have. The only one who can help me see my brothers again. I decided to wait until he comes outside. Regardless of how long it takes.
_______
The next morning, the duke's aide came out to the gates to collect the mails for the Duke. It rained torrentially last night, and the ground was still wet. After the mailmen left, he looks to his left to recognize a girl hugging her knees, shivering with cold. Her face was concealed.
While walking towards her, he turns to one of the guards and inquires,
"Who is she?"
"She's still here?"
The aide has bent down to identify who the girl was. Though he hadn't pushed back her damp hair to see her face yet. Instead upon the guards remark, he turned to ask,
"What do you mean still here?"
"She has been begging to meet the Duke.
She claims he knows her. I'll make her leave, don't worry."
However, before the guard could come near the girl, the aide places his hand up in air to stop him. He then observed the girl who wore soiled clothes, one of her feet was barefoot with scratches and dried blood. Everything was damp seeing as she stayed here all night long under the rain. He then gathers her hair back and when he notes her face, he recognises her as Rhea Leneghan.
The one his lord likes, or so he thinks since his lord did purchase a whole mansion just so she could repay her debt. Though he did order to maintain his identity a secret from her. What is she doing here?
"Holy shit..."
He mutters and moves her shoulder as he calls her out,
"My lady? My lady, wake up. My...lady..."
He notices that she suffers from a high fever and pulls her to stand up. He then glares at the guards who looked confused,
"You fools! Do you have any idea who she is?! She may as well be your new lady and you dare to treat her this way?!"
The guards' faces went pale with fear since the aide has indeed implied that she was going to be the future duchess.
Argus, who was sitting in the garden readings the report sent by his spy, proving that Rhea's father was indeed killed by Ryker, overhears his aide scolding someone. He heads to the source of the noise and sees his aide holding a girl next to him, helping her barely stand. When he comes near and sees the face of the girl, the same girl he met yesterday and told her to come to him when she needs help, he felt his blood boil. Why was she like this and in such a wretched state?
"What...the....hell....is going on here?"
Cold, angered voice escaped, as he continued to glare at his aide and the two guards.
"My lord...this...."
Before the aide could explain, he moves him away and holds Rhea in a princess carry. He carefully pushes the strand of moist hair from her face and softly calls out her name,
"Rhea..."
But she doesn't reply. Instead, she was still shivering and her fever was high, which made him even more angered.
His aide who was standing next to him, knew that his lord was angry and it would be hell for them now. He quickly explains what he knows to the Duke as he then gives a murderous glare to the guards and coldly mutters to the aide,
"Get rid of them."
While he rushes inside, asking for the doctor and maids to be brought hurriedly.
_____
I woke up suddenly in an unfamiliar surrounding.
The bedroom was enormous. Even bigger than the one I have.
I blink, remembering about what happened last. I noticed I was wearing different, comfortable sleeping wear and my feet bandages were changed. Additionally, I wasn't dirty anymore from all the mud.
I was waiting for Argus last night...it is possible this is inside his mansion.
I instantly get up. Though my feet still ache, I overlook them as all I could think about were my brothers whom I could not find last night and I was worried sick that something might have happened to them. I fling open the massive doors to discover two maids surprised to see me.
"My lady, you're up!"
"You shouldn't be waking yet..."
"Where is Argus...I mean where is the Duke?"
"He is in his office but my lady...you...."
"Take me to him, please."
The maids observed the urgency in my voice and eyes and compile with my request.
One of them told me to follow her while the other supported me to walk, even though I said it was fine but she kept on insisting.
Before long, we reached the office, and I didn't even wait for the maid to knock on the door and slipped out of her grasp and rushed inside.
Argus, who was standing reading some papers, gets surprised to see me.
"Rhea? Are you okay? Is your fever..."
Before he could finish, my legs that were weak gave out and I sat on the ground. Argus and the maid both try helping me stand but I pushed them away.
Why? Just why did my family die in that car crash? Why was I the only one left? Why did I come to this stupid book put together by a foolish author?
Why did those poor little boys have to face death?
Why do the people that are close to me keep being stolen away?
All these thoughts flooded my mind, and my eyes were clouded and I positioned myself to get on my knees. Tears fell on my dress as I begged,
"Please...help me..."