The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband
Chapter 204: Letter from Vesper

Chapter 204: Letter from Vesper

The carriage arrived at the manor. It was a long day at the port, the sky was already dark and Cedric’s first thought was to write to Elias.

He needed insider information and honestly was curious about the rumours Sapphire spoke of. He had his lingering doubt and there is a saying in every rumour there was an atom of truth.

He alighted from the carriage heading, working through the cleared part to the main entrance. "Welcome back, Your Highness. " The butler in charge of the manor welcomed him.

Cedric gave the butler his heavy outer coat and headed straight to the stairs too lazy to spare the butler a word. The butler was used to Cedric’s temperament. He knew the prince was not fond of idle talks and had been in a bad mood lately.

"Will you be having dinner immediately or after handling some office work?" The butler asked him, walking behind the prince maintaining a few steps behind. He wasn’t the same status as the lad and had no right to walk by his side.

"Inform me once dinner is ready and get the carrier bird ready I want to send a letter back to Vitalis. It is of utmost importance." Cedric relayed his instructions. The light tapping sound of his shoes echoed through the old stone walls of the manor as he made his way up the stairs.

The study was close to the bedroom Cedric was using here. This manor was not as large as the castles he was used to but it was still comfy and private. The Nightshade’s had actually offered to let him stay at their estate but he turned them down.

He knew his wife’s family was not fond of him. Pierre literally looked at him like the monster that stole his beloved daughter, and maybe Cedric did steal Abrielle, but she willingly gave herself to him.

Too bad for them, a simple vow sealed Abrielle’s fate with his till death do their part. Cedric pushed the door open, the fireplace was burning. It was arranged ahead of time.

The servants were aware of his habit of using the study as soon as he was back at the port. He was trying to get everything done as soon as possible to enable him to get back to Vitalis in early spring.

He pulled off his gloves and headed straight to the desk made from strong mahogany. The furniture was not exorbitant but still functional. After taking his seat behind the desk, he picked up a fresh parchment paper already prepared and collected the quill from the ink bottle.

He reached out to write a letter addressed to Elias. Before he could pen down anything he was interrupted by the gentle knock sound on the door. The butler’s voice followed, "Sorry to interrupt, but a letter from the capital just arrived." The butler’s aged voice said against the door.

Cedric’s eyes sparkled with slight excitement but it was too fleeting before his eyes went dead. "You can come in." He gave permission to the butler.

The butler bowed to the prince and handed over the letter. Cedric frowned, accepting the envelope; the first thing he noted was it wasn’t stamped. The letter was neither from Abrielle nor Kaiden. He was curious, wondering who could be writing back to him.

"You can leave," he instructed the butler who took his leave immediately. Cedric opened the envelope and immediately recognized Evelyn’s handwriting. He had a bad feeling she took the initiative to write to him.

Cedric took his time to read every word so as not to miss a detail

~~~~~~

To My Lord, Prince Cedric Von Drakkar,

I pray this letter finds you in good health in Vesper. I write with a heavy heart and grave news from the capital, and I beg you to read these words with the care they deserve.

During Queen Eleanor’s birthday celebration, a masked ball was held during which a terrible event took place. It was a failed assassination attempt, and Princess Abrielle was entangled during the incident, leading to poisoning.

The physicians did all they could, but her condition remains weak and fragile. I have watched over her in these dark hours, and her recovery is taking longer than expected.

That dreadful night, in the chaos that followed the attack, your brother Alfonso did not hesitate. He stayed by Abrielle’s bedside in the palace until she regained consciousness the next morning.

I witnessed how he guarded her with unwavering vigilance as if to shield her from every lurking danger.

After Abrielle was sent back to the seaside castle, he even began sending rare and potent herbs to her to aid in her recovery.

Alfonso had visited Lady Abrielle before the assassination attempt, and he even shared a private dinner with her. I didn’t think much of it until, during the ball, when the rumours started.

Though I was not allowed in the main hall, the rumours still got to my ears. It is said that Alfonso was seen lingering near Abrielle, speaking in soft tones and watching her with a look that many have found too familiar, too caring.

The court now murmurs that the bond between them grows stronger with each passing day, and these words strike at my heart as I wonder what they truly mean.

I write to you, my lord, not only to report these events but to share my deep concern. Lady Abrielle is already in danger from the poison that weakens her, and now it appears that her closeness with Alfonso may bring further complications.

The gossip among the nobles is sharp, and many noble wives have begun to speak against her, questioning her loyalty and her honour. I fear that these murmurs will only deepen her suffering in these troubled times.

I know well the weight of duty and the price of keeping secrets. Still, I cannot help but worry for you as well, for the stability of your household, and for the future of our family.

Please, my lord, return as soon as you can so that you may see these matters for yourself. I trust you with the fate of our household and with the care of Lady Abrielle. I remain ever vigilant in my service, though my heart is heavy with the pain of these troubled events.

May the goddess guide you safely on your travels, and may you soon restore order to this household whose foundations are under threat?

Your faithful servant,

Cassandra Desper.