Chapter 160: A lord's final order
After finalizing the contract with Damien to secure herself and her baby, Rose ventured outside the castle at Damien's estate. The cold winter air enveloped her, a deliberate choice orchestrated by Damien, who preferred the chill over warmth.
As she stepped into the biting cold, Rose inhaled deeply, taking in the crisp air that seemed to invigorate her senses. It was all part of Damien's world, where even the elements bowed to his whims.
The snow crunched beneath her boots as she walked, each step echoing in the stillness of the night. Despite the icy temperatures, Rose found solace in the quietude of the night, a brief respite from the chaos and tension that permeated the castle walls.
In the distance, she could see the faint glow of lights emanating from the windows of Damien's fortress, a stark reminder of the world she had just left behind. Inside those walls lay the machinations of power and politics, a realm where alliances were forged and broken with the flick of a wrist.
But out here, under the vast expanse of the starlit sky, Rose felt a sense of freedom that she hadn't experienced in a long time. The contract she had forged with Damien may have been a necessary compromise, but it also represented a newfound autonomy, a chance to carve out her own destiny in a world dictated by ancient traditions and bloodlines.
As she walked, Rose couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had led her to this moment. From the depths of despair to the heights of power, she had endured trials and tribulations that would have broken lesser beings. But she had emerged stronger, more determined than ever to protect herself and her child from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.
With each passing moment, Rose felt a renewed sense of purpose coursing through her veins. The cold winter air may have chilled her to the bone, but it also ignited a fire within her, a burning resolve to defy the odds and forge a future of her own making.
As she continued her solitary walk, Rose knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and dangers. But she also knew that she was no longer alone, that she had allies and protectors who would stand by her side no matter what trials lay ahead.
With her head held high and her heart ablaze with determination, Rose ventured forth, ready to face whatever destiny had in store for her and her child.
She knew she needed to be strong. Despite Blake's disappearance and the harrowing ordeal that followed, she understood the importance of resilience—for herself and her unborn child. Even as uncertainty loomed over Blake's fate, she refused to succumb to despair.
The day when Reggie, Gunther, and Randal were attacked, and Blake was stolen from her, marked a turning point in her life. It was a moment that shattered her world, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill. Yet, amidst the darkness, there remained a glimmer of hope—a tiny spark that ignited within her, growing stronger with each passing day.
For Rose, the thought of Blake being alive was a beacon of light in the shadows, a thread of possibility that she clung to with unwavering determination. And though the path ahead was fraught with obstacles and uncertainties, she refused to abandon her quest to find him.
While she couldn't embark on the search herself, bound as she was to Damien, she knew there were other avenues to explore. Allies to enlist, resources to leverage—alliances that could be forged in the pursuit of her ultimate goal. Rose was no stranger to adversity, and she was prepared to fight tooth and nail to reunite with the love of her life, no matter the cost.
With a steely resolve and a heart full of hope, Rose vowed to never give up on Blake—not now, not ever.
Those other means and allies came in the form of Reggie, Gunther and Randal who appeared out of the shadows, landing in the snow by her side.
As Reggie, Gunther, and Randal emerged from the shadows, landing gracefully in the snow beside her, Rose felt a surge of gratitude wash over her.
"We were just about to storm in, my lady," Reggie declared, his tone resolute as he glanced back at the imposing castle looming behind them. His words held a hint of impatience, a reflection of their shared determination to safeguard Rose at all costs.
Women always wanted a knight in shining armour. For Rose, she was lucky as well, getting three knights in shining armour whom have sworn their existence to serving and protecting her with their lives.
Rose couldn't help but smile at Reggie's earnestness. In these loyal companions, she found solace and reassurance—three knights in shining armor who had pledged their lives to serve and protect her. It was a rare and precious gift, one she cherished more than words could express.
Rose turned to each of her loyal companions, a smile gracing her lips even as tears welled in her eyes. With tender care, she approached each one, cupping their faces in her hands and pressing a gentle kiss to their foreheads.
They didn't understand what was going on. Why was their master crying?Words refused to form in their mouths but the faces of each of the huge men reflected pain.
When Rose felt pain then it was guaranteed that they were all having a picnic of misery - table set for three.She reached Reggie last, cupping his face and planting a kiss on his forehead.Then she withdrew, straightening herself and looking all three behemoths of men in the eye.
"My dear Reggie," she began, her voice trembling with emotion, "Gunther, and Randal. You have been my steadfast companions, my protectors, my family. But now, the path ahead of me is one I must walk alone."
As she spoke, their expressions mirrored her own, confusion and sorrow etched on their faces. Yet, they remained silent.
Turning to Gunther, Rose's smile widened, despite the tears that threatened to spill. "Your impulsive nature, Gunther," she said, a soft chuckle escaping her lips, "it would be impossible for me to stop you from protecting me, even at the cost of your own life."
Next, she addressed Randal, her voice filled with affection. "And my dear sweet Randal," she continued, her gaze softening, "please share some of your patience with Gunther. Together, you make an unstoppable team."
Finally, she turned to Reggie, the leader of their small pack. "Reggie," she said, her tone earnest, "you have always been their elder brother, their protector. In my absence, I trust you to lead them, to keep them safe from harm."
The trio stood in stunned silence, their hearts heavy with the weight of Rose's words. But she wasn't finished yet.
They couldn't believe what their ears was hearing.They had escorted Rose to Damien's abode to make sure she was safe and now she was dismissing them for good?
"My lord, we appreciate your concerns for us but we are here until the end. No matter where you go, we will go with you,"
Rose smiled, understanding that mere words despite their loyalty and dedication to her at this point wouldn't cut it.
"I wasn't done, Reggie," Rose said as her eyes started glowing red. Immediately, all three of their eyes began to glow red as well.They could feel an ominous energy emanating from Rose.
"Go," Rose commanded, her voice carrying a weight of authority, "find Blake. Give him all that is mine, and tell him about our child. When the time is right, you will know when to return."
Her final words hung in the air, a solemn promise and a binding oath.
"Should you not find him after the period of two years," she continued, her voice softening, "you will forget this order and live your lives free from my influence. This is my wish, my final order."
With those wordes spoken, Rose's eyes returned to their normal state, the glow fading away.