A Touch of Shadow: The Duke's Obsession

Who exactly was imprisoned there?

Lucas suddenly recalled the words Rhaegar had spoken during that dinner several nights before:

"A remnant of the rebel Grandien family."

At once, a deep unease rose within his heart.

Could she really have..?

***

The next day, Caelith was inside her chamber embroidering when she heard a soft knock at the door.

Setting aside the embroidery frame, she rose and went to answer it. The person standing outside was Lucas.

The moment she saw him, she froze briefly and instinctively stepped half a pace backward.

Seeing that small movement, Lucas felt something sharp twist painfully within his chest.

"Miss Caelith," he said softly, "there is something I must speak to you about."

Caelith looked at him rather awkwardly, unsure how to behave around him anymore.

"What is it?" she finally asked.

Lowering his voice, Lucas replied, "You went to the imperial prison the other day... Is that right? "

The color drained instantly from her face. "How do you know that?"

Lucas did not answer. Instead, he asked in return, "Miss Caelith... whom did you go there to see?"

She remained silent for several seconds. Then, slowly, she stepped aside and opened the door wider.

"Come inside."

Once inside, Caelith shut the door carefully behind them and drew in a steadying breath.

"Lord Lucas," she said quietly, "can you keep this matter secret?"

Lucas frowned, unease settling inside his chest. "First, tell me whom you went to see."

Caelith fell silent again; she still did not know how much she could reveal.

Lucas took a step closer.

"Miss Caelith, I know of your relationship with Lord Rhaegar. I also know you have deliberately avoided me these past days." His voice softened. "But now something has happened, and I only wish to help you."

Caelith lifted her gaze and met his eyes.

In that instant, she realized that if she refused to speak today, he would not let the matter rest. Worse still—he already knew she had entered the imperial prison. If word of it spread, the consequences would be catastrophic.

After a long silence, she sighed and finally spoke.

"My lord... if I tell you the truth, can you swear not to reveal it to anyone?"

Lucas nodded without hesitation. "I can."

Caelith looked at him for a very long time as if trying to see the confirmation of his words somewhere in his eyes.

Then, at last, she said softly, "That man... is my uncle."

Lucas froze. "Your uncle?"

Caelith nodded faintly. "Osvald Grandien... is my uncle."

A visible shock passed through his eyes.

"You..." His voice lowered. "You are one of the Grandien family?"

Caelith did not answer, but her silence was answer enough.

So that was the truth.

"Miss Caelith..." Lucas said slowly, his voice roughened by disbelief, "do you understand what this means?"

She nodded. "I do. I know the danger as well. But I cannot stand by and do nothing."

Lucas fixed her with a sharp glare. "Then what do you intend to do?"

Caelith had barely opened her mouth to answer when sudden footsteps sounded from outside. Her heart clenched violently.

"Someone is here."

She hurried to the window and glanced outside. The color vanished from her face.

Rhaegar was back.

She turned sharply toward Lucas. "Hide!"

Lucas blinked in surprise, refusing to believe what he just heard.

"Quickly!" She shoved him toward the inner room—just as the door was pushed open.

Rhaegar stepped inside, and Caelith turned to face him with practiced calm.

"What brings you back at this hour?"

Rhaegar walked toward her slowly, his eyes studying her appearance in his usual manner.

"I was passing nearby," he said. "I wanted to see you."

His gaze settled upon her face. "What is wrong? You do not look well."

Caelith shook her head at once. "It is nothing. I am well."

Rhaegar reached out and pulled her into his arms, pressing her so hard against his coat that the buttons pressed painfully against her cheeks. "I missed you."

Caelith’s heart pounded wildly. There was someone hidden in the inner room.

And Rhaegar knew nothing.

Very gently, she pressed her hands against his chest, pushing him away.

"Rhaegar... there may be people coming later..."

Rhaegar lowered his gaze to her. "Who?"

"No one..." She forced herself to sound calm. "I only meant... someone may come by later to look at embroidery patterns."

Rhaegar’s eyes narrowed slightly. Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

Deeply.

Possessively.

With that familiar intensity that always made her feel as though she were being entirely claimed by him.

The kiss stole her breath. Caelith pressed weakly against his chest, trying to push him away, but his arms held her too tightly.

Only after a long while did he finally release her. His forehead rested lightly against hers.

"Wait for me tonight."

Flushed crimson, Caelith nodded softly. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Rhaegar kissed her once more before finally turning away.

The door closed behind him.

Caelith remained leaning against it, breathing hard. A moment later, the door to the inner chamber creaked open.

Lucas stepped out and looked at Caelith. At her reddened cheeks. At the faint swelling of her lips.

Something dark and turbulent stirred within his eyes.

Caelith lifted her gaze to meet his. The look in his eyes made her heart tremble faintly.

"My lord..."

Lucas drew in a slow breath.

"Miss Caelith."

"Yes?"

"You need not worry. I will not speak of this to anyone."

Caelith stared at him, startled, but Lucas only offered her a light smile.

"It matters not whether you are the daughter of the Emberlyn family... or a descendant of the Grandiens." His voice softened. "To me, you are simply Caelith. A bright woman with a kind heart."

He paused briefly.

"If you ever need help, come to me. I will be there for you."

Then he simply turned and walked toward the door. At the threshold, he stopped, but he did not look back.

"Miss Caelith."

"Yes?"

"Does he treat you well?"

Caelith froze for a brief moment, unsure how to take that question. Then, she answered softly, "He does."

Lucas fell silent. A heartbeat later, he pushed open the door and departed.

The door shut behind him with a soft click.

Outside, Lucas stood alone within the narrow alleyway.

Sunlight fell across his face, yet his eyes were darker than the coming night.

He could not stop thinking of what he had just seen.

Caelith in Rhaegar’s arms.

The way she had leaned against him, breathless beneath that fierce kiss.

He slowly closed his eyes. Little by little, his fingers curled tightly into his palms.