Chapter 5

‘You have to stand by the fact that your father was different. And you too. You’ve seen nothing yet. Duksta wasn’t always like that. He was a very fine gentleman. A father of three and a very beautiful wife by him since. He wasn’t rich to say, but he would get food at the table. He was happy twenty years ago until he lost everything.”

“What do you mean he lost everything?” I asked in wonder as we headed out of the mine through the coffee farm.

“He resided in Frosthaven town, the first city Dimwharf took over. They killed most of the men, and a couple of the bold ones were taken as servants for the Dimwharf army. Women were used and hanged to death, falsely blaming them to be witches. And the children were killed in cold blood. They showed our people no mercy at all. And he was among those whose family died at his sight. Your father had been out for a trip disguised as a doctor when Duksta caught his eye. So he treated their men miraculously, and in return, he asked to take Duksta back with him as a slave.”

“So, Duksta is my father’s servant. Forever?” I inquired mildly.

“He did bring him as a slave, but when they arrived in Duskwick, he set him free. Duksta had lost his faith in life, and no matter how much Mr. Lyle offered him to start a new life, he couldn’t. He was too weak to be off the Lyle care. So, he asked the boss, with his generosity, to provide him a home and work. Duksta has been with your father for the past ten years, showing his gratitude every single day. He will be loyal to you too.”

"So, it's his will being here and working so hard?"

"Of course it is. We should head back to the villa already."

"But then, you didn't explain one thing. Why did my father have to create all those men looking like him?"

"That, your father and Duksta only know why. So if you need answers, the only person to talk to is Duksta himself. It's enough for today. Tomorrow, we shall set off for Smallhaven by sunset. No call for trouble."

We walked back to the villa, and Diana came calling onto her master.

"Lunch is served, Mr. Edward," she mentioned.

"Let's head on then, child. Sit with me," requested Edward as I undoubtingly agreed.

We arrived at the dining table, and everything was set as a feast. Silver platters and very expensive napkins.

"Are we feasting with anyone if I may ask?" questioned Mr. Edward, who, to my belief, thought he knew about everything.

"The royal messenger, Mr. Edward. He is here with a letter from the king," explained Diana.

"Let him in then; we would be pleased dining with him," affirmed Edward, who, at his left, was pulling a chair out for me to sit, then his too.

In a few minutes, a tall gentleman entered the room. He wore a very long black cap on his head, a pair of glasses that fell down his nose, a long black coat that almost dropped to the ground, an inner vest, and a white shirt. In his hand, he carried two pieces of cloth rolled in a seal, and in my assumption, the clothes carried the royal letter to the Lyle family.

"You're welcome, Mister?" puzzled Edward, greeting the gentleman.

"Sir. Gaylord Walton. You can call me Mr. Walton," he gently spoke, picking up a chair from the table.

"You're welcome to the Lyle villa, Mr. Walton. What's for us from the king?"

"King Joseph Duskwick III," he stated, proceeding. "Sends his condolences to the Lyle heiress Miss Tara Marinda Lyle for her loss. He also continues to say that he had a good friend in the late Mr. Flynn Lyle. With him, he had trusted the finding of his only heir and daughter Princess Willette Duskwick I, the duchess of Eklane. He wishes to have a seat with you at his table at the set of your own time, Mistress of Lyle Villa."

"A seat with me at the king's table?" questioned I in wonder.

"It's a pleasure to share a meal with his majesty King Joseph Duskwick III. You have to agree to his call and in response, write a letter back to him with a set date," derived Edward from his belief.

"Let's have lunch, please, and I will provide feedback late tomorrow morning. If you don't mind the stay, Mr. Walton."

"Of course, Miss Lyle. I was ordered to take back a reply as soon as you provide one," he smirked.

"Serve the table, Diana," said Edward.

"How are you to manage the Lyle business, Miss young Lyle? This place seems like hard work," mentioned Walton, smiling at me.

"Sir. Gaylord Walton. With honesty, I'm trying to know how I can take in everything. So if you don't mind, can we not talk about it."

We started digging into the meal that was served quietly with only the sound of the flatware and breath.

When I got done, I briskly turned to head on when Edward grabbed me by the arm.

"You can't leave the table before everyone is done," he said.

"Yet I'm not willing to sit watching you finish. Diana, please get young Maximus Simmons to the study. I shall be waiting."

"Yes ma'am." She responded.

To my notice, the workers had yet started to value my say and listening to my commands.  I let Mr. Edward's hand let go of mine and through the door I walked straight to the study.

It was about ten minutes when Diana let young Simmons inside the room.

"Good evening, Miss Lyle?" he stated.

"Good evening. Can we be left alone, Diana? Thank you." Requested I with a head nod.

"How can I be of help, Miss Lyle?" Asked he.

"Take a seat please." Gazing at his red lips and blue eyes as he trembled in terror. I carefully asked. "Is anything the matter Simmons?"