If I Disobey the Duke

Prophecy (1)

Lily had no idea where he had suddenly appeared. Her eyes lost focus and she suddenly turned her head toward the railing on the second floor.

It was the location where Vlad appeared.

No matter how great a knight he was, it was an impossible height for a human being.

Lily looked back at her husband. There was only confusion in her eyes. “Did you jump out of there right now? From that height?”

A bitter light mingled in his hazy gray eyes. Lily’s heart sank at his silent affirmation.

She naturally let go of the hand that was holding Dandelion.

Her father, lying in pain on the steps, was unconscious. Except for Vlad, the scenery was blurry like the background.

“Do you have any injuries?”

“Ugh, S-sister!”

Her leg, which had already been limited by standing still, was bent forward. Her consciousness was clear, but her heavy body crumbled forward like she had no skeleton.

Tight forearms draped in a black uniform supported her slender waist. Her earrings and the hem of her dress fluttered.

Holding her in his wide arms, she hurriedly raised her head.

He looked like he was in pain. Her heart sank. An unsettling pulse pounded in her narrow rib cage.

More than the moment she found out that it was the day that Rocus was executed, more than when her father predicted all sorts of tragedies for fear of harming Vlad.

She was much more nervous now.

Her eyes looking at him were desperate. It was a reaction as if her husband was standing with her even if things got bloody.

“Are you hurt? You should go back now. The priest isn’t here. Find the doctor. Vlad, come on…”

Even thinking about it again, she felt dizzy. It was high enough for an ordinary person to risk death to jump so high.

“Now is not the time for you to worry about me…” Vlad answered back. His emotions were fluctuating, and it was clear that no matter what he said, only undesirable words would come out.

She felt like she was about to melt at any moment like dew under the scorching sun. If he had missed her as she fell, she would have disappeared. He locked her in his arms.

It was only then that Lily became aware of his body temperature surrounding her. As always, his temperature was high.

Like she was wandering in an unfamiliar snowy field before she collapsed.

He also felt the change, and strength entered the arms around her.

“…I’d rather just go. We’ll talk later.”

“Later…” she muttered to herself and gently pushed his arms away.

He felt forcefully pushed away by the gesture.

She looked up at him, feeling her cheeks warm. “I can’t.”

It was difficult to control her body with the feeling of heat rushing in like a tidal wave. Lily grabbed his arm slightly, and she took a step aside.

She could see her father sitting still, barely thinking of getting up. The situation was unrecognizable and unfamiliar.

Was this old man her father? Where was the viper-like man who always spoke with venom?

That a person could become so humble in an instant. She only found out today.

She looked down at her father. Shylock looked up at his eldest daughter, clinging to the floor of the steps like dust. Suddenly, a feeling he had been trying to ignore came up through his throat.

He was miserable.

The sunlight that penetrated through the window and reached the chandelier in all directions hit Lily’s earrings and necklace, scattering like crystals.

It was as if her body was shining by itself.

“Are you really not going to apologize?”

“…”

“Then I…  I cannot forgive you.” Lily grabbed her husband’s arm and supported her wobbly body. She felt Vlad’s arm stiffen.

Once his tension was relieved, her body continued to melt. Her eyesight was blurry because of the fever and burning around her eyes.

Heat rose from her palms and soles of her feet.

It wasn’t the time to be sick yet.

Her mouth was dry and even her voice sank. She cleared her throat very slowly, but she spoke her words out loud and clear. “Father’s last child…  I’ll also bring Antonio. You should also apologize to that child.”

“…”

“You won’t be able to get out of my land until you get down on your knees and beg me and Dandelion… In the most desolate place, in a mansion… Wealth, power…” Her speech grew slower and slower.

Vlad carefully clasped her back as he was worried about her breathing.

She straightened, shrugging as she looked down at her father with her head stiffened. “You will grow old without even enjoying any of it again. Until I allow it…” Her chin trembled. She couldn’t believe she was saying these words as she looked down at her father herself. “I… Contrary to your wishes…” She stretched her hand behind her. Dandelion naturally grabbed her hand. “I will certainly be happy.”

It was more of a prophecy than a promise.

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