His Duchess is a Ghost (Novel) - Chapter 28 (Patreon)

Uncertainty gripped Alena. If that’s what the duke was planning, Arion might never suspect him anymore. But then… she could tell her brother. But would he believe her when he was seeing her right there, in flesh and alive?

But what if she suddenly disappears before him? That would definitely make him believe she’s dead, but then again… what if the duke won’t let her go and she remains in flesh right before her brother? No… she could just struggle. Arion would definitely ask the duke to let her go. She knew how protective her brothers were of her. They would never not do anything if they see her in that situation.

Just as Alena was about to reach out, she hesitated once again because of another thought that just came to her. What if the duke blackmails her? That he would hurt her brother if she tried to do anything to reveal her situation? Curse it!!! What the hell was the best option for her?

The duke, blackmailing her, shouldn’t be impossible. And with Arion coming here with just a female attendant, it was just too dangerous for him! She had already been killed by him, it was not impossible for the duke to order her brother’s assassination as well!

In the end, Alena didn’t touch the dagger. She just stood there, reeling, as she convinced herself that her main concern for now was to not put her brother in danger so he could go back home safe. At least he could go back with suspicion about her situation and her whereabouts. Right… and there's still another chance to get back her dagger!

After the duke wore his intricate mask, concealing his features in an air of mystery, they finally made their way to the throne hall.

Upon entering the throne hall, Alena's eyes immediately found the familiar figure of the prince. Her face lit up with an uncontainable joy at the sight of him.

Arion, the second prince of the Kingdom of Claveria, and Alena’s beloved brother stood there. His presence was like a beacon of familiarity in the vast hall. His blond hair shimmered under the soft light, mirroring the golden locks that Alena herself sported. This shared trait, a gift from their mother, set them apart from their siblings who bore the legacy of their father's dark hair.

Among her brothers, Arion held a special place in Alena’s heart, ranking second only in her affections. While she cherished the bond with all her siblings, Arion's allure lay in his enigmatic persona and the captivating tales he spun—stories filled with intrigue, mystery, and adventure—which always held her rapt in attention.

Overwhelmed with excitement, Alena dashed towards him, her arms outstretched for an embrace. "Brother!!!" she called out joyfully, forgetting momentarily about the fact that she was now a spirit, a ghost.

So when she reached and she passed right through his form, her smile froze before it slowly turned into bittersweet.

Arion greeted the duke with his characteristic politeness, tinged with a hint of his renowned charm. The second prince was indeed a master of ambiance, utilizing his strikingly good looks, those captivating grey eyes that always seemed to hold a hint of sleepiness, and his natural charisma to ease any tension in the air. His allure was akin to Alena's own; it was this effortless charm that had earned him the title of Claveria's most charming prince.

The prince’s charm, however, seemed to wash over the duke with no effect. The duke, ever pragmatic and direct, returned the greeting in a cordial yet straightforward manner.

“What brought you here, Prince Arion?” the duke inquired.

Arion, undeterred by the duke's stoic demeanor, responded with a lightness in his tone, “Well, I came for the obvious reason of visiting my beloved sister.”

“Apologies, but you cannot meet my wife at the moment,” the duke responded, his tone respectful but resolute.

“Did something happen? Is she well?” Arion probed, his usual charismatic demeanor seemed faltering. As if… as if he knew something.

“She is alright. But she is currently resting and didn’t want any disturbance.”

Undeterred, Arion pressed on, “I’m certain that if you tell her I’m here, she would want to meet me, Duke Donovian.”

But the duke didn’t relent and replied, “I made a promise to her to let her rest and won't disturb her. My wife’s word is my command, and I won’t bend it for anyone, even if it’s you, Prince Arion.”

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