The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 70.2

– No, everything is fine… But why is she here? – Judith looked at the knights, who were fully responsible for all the people entering and leaving the tent. After which the gaze turned to Lord Horton, who was responsible for the behavior of the knights themselves.

In a cold sweat, he bowed, as if he saw reproach in the Duchess’s eyes. The fact that a complete stranger was able to enter the tent only meant that the knights were not fulfilling their role. And Sylvia, apparently, was not a welcome guest in this tent.

There were too many eyes and ears around. Perhaps even more than in the Imperial Palace during the banquet. And such a meeting looked like new ground for fresh gossip. And there are many who like to discuss the Duke’s personal life.

“I’m very sorry, my Lady,” the Lord hastily apologized and signaled to the knights, who quickly led Sylvia further away from the tent. — The document check took a long time, so I had to take a break. I’m really sorry!

Judith, as if she hadn’t heard him at all, clutched her forehead. It seemed that the headache, which had disappeared for a while, returned with renewed vigor.

– Everything is fine? – asked Derrick, who all this time was looking only at his wife. Everyone immediately turned their gaze to him.

Judith released the knights and entered the tent with the demon.

-What did Sylvia want?

“She wanted to give me the handkerchief.”

-Did you accept it?

“No,” Derrick smiled and hugged Judith.

At that moment, he took out the handkerchief that the Duchess had given him and placed it on her knee. Derrick handled the object very gently and carefully, as if he was afraid of damaging it.

“I will only take gifts from my wife,” he smiled again and pinched Judith’s red cheek. “But my wife gives gifts to other men too.”

– When did I do this? I gave the scarf only to you and… Brother, as always.

“Next time, just me,” the demon touched Judith’s lips, red as a pomegranate.

“Okay,” Derrick seemed to demand a quick and affirmative answer in this way.

Now he behaved not at all like an adult demon, but on the contrary, a capricious child. Derrick had a peculiarity – to be stubborn and always do what he liked. Sometimes Judith ended an unpleasant conversation by simply guessing what he wanted.

But now Derrick made her think: sooner or later he will leave her. And what will happen next? My heart began to beat quickly again. Judith seemed to feel an emptiness raging inside her just thinking about it. The Duchess was only faced with a reality that she did not want to believe in.

“Okay…” she whispered again. – Next time the gift will be for you.

And although it defied all logic, Judith was not going to argue.

***

To participate in the hunting competition, all the nobles had to gather in one place to wait. It was a lush, elegant and specially prepared tent. Thanks to tricks, bright sunlight did not get here. The women began talking as if they had specially prepared topics in advance – from the Imperial Palace itself.

Soon, the magnificent sound of musical instruments was heard, and someone came to the waiting seats. Judith shuddered when she noticed a fairly familiar face, which now only caused irritation. Even if the Duchess wanted to forget that night, she could not. This will only happen if Derrick forcibly erases his memories.

The Emperor slowly looked around the crowd. A completely different atmosphere now hovered around him. Previously, he had shown arrogance and confidence, but today – a month and a half after the incident – he seemed like a small, curled up child.

Suddenly the pair’s eyes met. But the Emperor’s eyes were somehow dry and deserted, not at all persistent and unpleasant as before.

“I told you,” Derrick whispered, standing next to him. – He won’t remember.

At this point, Killard’s speech began. It was clear that the nobles, who had been disturbed by the rumors, had now calmed down and could easily exhale seeing the Emperor in good health. Finally, when he said everything he wanted and wished good luck to the participants, the hunt began.