Chapter 80: Miltons Strength (2)

After the meeting drew to an end, Duke Derek Brans retired to his tent.

Inside was one woman who had been awaiting him, what an unexpected sight for any other pair of eyes.

Did the meeting end on good terms?

Indeed it did, Claudia.

The lady who was awaiting DukeBransin his personal tent was none other than the First Princes former wife Claudia, now a widow. She resided at ease in Duke Brans tent, and the air surrounding the two had completely transformed from prior. Duke Brans approached and kissed her as if he had always done so. Without a hint of repulsion, Claudia wrapped her arms around the Dukes neck and responded in kind.

If any other person saw this, they would have been at a complete loss for words. A man who had come on an expedition to wage war with a wife and children back in his homeland, was passionately embracing and pressing lips with a woman who had so recently lost her husband that she still wore robes of mourning. When the societal status of these two was also accounted for, this was a truly shocking scandal indeed.

The two softly looked at each other and wordlessly headed towards the tents bed. Before they knew it, they surrendered themselves to their instincts and indulged in each other.

***

After their primal desires were satisfied, DukeBranswas the first to start the conversation with Claudia in his arms.

Whichever way I think about it, I believe it would be best if you return to my homeland first.

You mean to send me off?

This war is about to become rough. You were safest at my side in the meantime, but that would likely not be the case going forward. It will be good and right for you to return to my homeland first, for it is dangerous here.

Claudia made a sorrowful expression.

Are you pushing me away?

Most certainly not, no.

Duke Brans firmly denied any such sentiment. He lovingly caressed Claudias cheek as he continued.

I say this for it truly will be dangerous to be at my side in the coming period. Please, go to my estate in my homeland and wait for me there. When I return, I shall officially take your hand as my wife.

At Brans desperate plea, Claudia made a bashful expression and buried her head into his chest. She spoke with a small voice.

I do not dare expect such a thing as the seat of a wife. In any case a woman such as me from a nation such as this shall only bring you trouble.

Trouble? Who would dare suggest such a thing in front of me?

Yet I am a widow, am I not? A widow who has yet to shed her robe of mourning. If you take in such a woman as your wife, all the people of the world will reproach you.

It doesn't matter.

And of course, your wifeshantgreet me with open arms. I am not passing judgement on her. In fact, I understand her as a fellow woman.

Claudia

DukeBranswas deeply moved, touched by Claudias thoughtfulness and consideration for him.

How can such a lovely woman exist?

In reality, DukeBranswas not originally a man who was easily seduced.

There had been countless women who approached him due to the nature of his status, but he had never been particularly shaken up. He wedded his present wife for political reasons; and while he did not terrifically love her, she was a woman he had no grievances with either. In other words, he lived his entire life with a nonchalant disposition towards women.

Such a man had his heart stolen away by a lady for the first time since birth.

It was no hindrance that the subject of his affection was the wife of a foreign royal not too long ago, now a widow. That was how deep DukeBranshad fallen for Claudia.

Now that he was to play a pivotal role in this war, he did not want the woman he loved to be placed in danger. As much as he yearned for her to be by his side, his heart felt as if it had knives driven into it whenever he imagined something happening to her.

Claudia, my love, you are my everything.

Derek

Please forgive me, for I must place your safety above all. I will take your hand in marriage when I return.

DukeBransmeant what he said. He did not want to lose the woman before him, no matter how much the world would point their fingers at him. He was even willing to divorce with his wife if need be.

Claudia was already aware of Duke Brans sentiments. This was how it always went. The men who became interested in her always ended up devoting themselves wholeheartedly.

And she was skilled at using these men.

But I am scared. Im afraid to go where you will not be.

Duke Brans heart ached as Claudia pleaded like an orphaned kitten. But whenever he thought about how this battle was going to get ugly, he could not simply leave her by his side.

What shall I do? How can I put your heart at ease, my love?

Duke Brans asked earnestly, ready to give her everything he ever had if that was her desire. These were the words that Claudia had been waiting for.

Then would you entrust me with your seal?

My Houses seal? That can only be possessed by the