Chapter 29
The Duke and Duchess
The imperial capital was in an uproar. On the main boulevard, nobles of every age and rank packed into teahouses, their voices weaving a tapestry of rumor and excitement.
“An assassination attempt on Her Highness, right in the heart of the empire? And it was Duke de Winter who thwarted it!”
“No, no, you’ve got it wrong. They say it was the Duchess herself who dealt with the assassin. They say she’s skilled with those strange weapons. Firearms, I think they’re called!”
“Speaking of the Duke, they say the Duchess summoned him like a servant. One second, the air was empty, the next—poof! He appeared out of nowhere and struck the assassin down.”
“My word. It’s all so bizarre, but I’ll admit I’m relieved. At least that terrifying power was on our side. Maybe those rumors about the Duke and the imperial family being at odds weren’t true after all.”
As if on cue, the nobles simultaneously turned to gaze at the towering palace.
