Chapter 29 OBLIVION

Lucid lights enveloped his meekness, he’s simply enthralled by the beautiful woman accompanying him. Oddly enough, his father was right. Damon being a lady-killer makes him unfit to rule as he gets distracted easily. Agatha purposely wrapped her arms around him. A way of imperceptible control. They walked from hallway to hallway, engulfing themselves in warmness. She noticed them following. She squeezed his arms. “Damon, may I request something?” she asked.

With the aim of making her applaud, he listens “what is it?”

“Will you command them to leave us? I want our time to be private” Her smile captivated him. He straightened his back and gazed behind. Two men followed them, armed with guns as his guards for the night. As the son of the Duke, it is mandatory for him to always be watched. This time, by the men hired by his Father. “Let us be!” he yelled with furrowing brows “your presence is causing her discomfort” he ordered, making the two men coil. They exchanged stares, “but Young Master, we are task-“

“take another step and I’ll make sure you’ll drop dead!” he followed, clutching the side of his pockets making the outline of his revolver show. Gulping with dismay, the two men stepped away. Bowing their heads before they do so. The sound of slow clapping blared his ears, Agatha gibes with admiration. It made him feel good. They started walking again. Towards the end of the main hall, a suite room was lodged. It was the property of the Duke, but oftentimes, the young man would bring his playmates here.

They went inside, scurrying as they forego with pleasuring measures. Agatha had her eyes closed, fathoming the deep kisses of the young man. Damon is indeed a beautiful man, but Agatha finds his harshness revolting. She very much prefers the swift and gentle movement of the Viscount. “wait…” she catches her breath upon pulling away.

“what is it?” he asked with furrowing brows, mildly vexed at the sudden stoppage. Agatha held his wrist, pulled him towards the bed, and pushed him neatly. “I’m no ordinary woman, Damon…” she said, cuffing his hair. “I prefer dominance”

His lips formed a curve, gaping with anticipation as he pulled himself away. Lying obediently at the center of the bed, he watches as she took a slick fabric out of her bustles. She circled around, trudged towards the headboard and tied his hands using it. Damon had a playful smile. He has never bedded a woman who’s into such foreplay. “You’re wicked, Lady Agatha! Viscout Claude is a lucky man” he commented, eyeing her jade orbs.

She smiled back, but with a mild quiver. She finished tying him, making sure that he’s locked in. Breathing with agitation, she closed her eyes. She prayed for a moment, 'forgive me…' she said at the back of her head.

Sitting beside him, she leaned over. Eyeing the young man with trepid, she blew him a kiss. His smile faded as his bafflement grew. Before he could react, another cloth was brought upon his mouth. His words were muffled, the excitement he felt seconds ago faded as he realized what has happened. Agatha bit her lips with guilt. Shoving the cloth down his throat made her penitence blare. She then stood up, opening the windows situated beside the bed. The harsh waves of the sea greeted her. Now, the only thing for her to do is flee. Climbing outside the open windows, she plodded back into a small boat. Allowing her to escape from the sailing Venetian ship.

Inducing himself from the political talks, Viscount Claude sealed another moment of talk with the Duke. He smiled secretly, as he feels the piercing stare of his enemies. Ten on the left, seven on the right, and one stood above the balcony. Hopefully, the two of them ought to be driven away by her.

The loud orchestral music dominated the room as the nobles began dancing after Damon and Agatha’s exit. He brought himself next to the Duke and asked him for a talk of secrecy. Thankfully, he agreed, making the Viscount's plan sail smoothly. They left the hall jovially, talking about anything hailed highly. They trudged towards the dock. Stepping with anticipation, Viscount Claude came to a halt. He eyed the Duke as he feels the piercing presence of the men behind the door. "Duke Campbell..."

Ezekiel swiftly stepped away from his position, alerting the Reeves upon seeing the two exiting the hall. He found ways faster. A secret passage from the balcony and into the dock perfectly stood beside him. In a matter of minutes, he was there together with the others who’ve studied the interior. He kneeled, took the lead gun and hid behind a post as he patiently waits for the door to open. Some of his other men sat beside him, waiting for what’s about to happen next. Seven men followed the Duke and Viscount close behind, but not close enough to see their backs.

The wind howled as the sound of the crashing waves came ringing in. He took a deep breath, allowing his focus to be the center of this attack. A subtle sound of footsteps alerted his attentive ears. He can't let the Duke die, it would cause national chaos if it were to be revealed that a Vatcherun still exists. It would cause the execution of the Reeves family if that were to happen.

He clutched the trigger tightly as he watches it open. Bearing the loud beating of his heart, he gaped along with the other men, seeing the Duke all alone. He furrowed his brows. “where is he?” one of them whispered.

The Duke calmly stepped out the dock, brushing his fingers along the rails, he eyed the bay with a smile. Ezekiel stood up, allowing himself to get exposed. He called for the Duke, and his shock was clear. “why are you here?” The Duke asked.

Ezekiel got no time to waste “where is the Viscount?!” he asked, raising his voice and catching the noble off guard.

“Who are you to talk to me that way?!”

Ezekiel clenched his jaw. Grabbing the collar of the noble, he pulled it close, letting his wrath show. “Answer me before it’s too late!” he yelled. By then, half of his men stationed on following the Viscount entered along with the two who were supposed to watch over Damon. His attention was called “Ezekiel! It’s a ploy! He’s targeting the young master!”

He eyed the Duke and his obvious disturbance played. “w-what?” he asked, eyeing Ezekiel. A wave of realization hits Ezekiel. It showed upon his stunned face.

“follow me” Ezekiel said softly. They ran towards the room with soaring perturbation.

They passed by several hallways, and there, they saw several dead bodies, the ones left on following the Viscount. Worried, the Duke ran with ogling eyes.

They passed several people and got to the suite area of the ship. Upon reaching the hall leading to the suite room, a group of people standing by the door made the stomach of the Duke churn. He got no clue as to what’s happening. All he knew is that the Viscount asked him to wait for a moment as he has to grab a gift he left downstairs. The whereabouts of his son didn’t even cross his mind, as he always knew that she’s sleeping soundly with other women. They pushed the wave of the guards over, revealing Damon.

He stood frozen with a wide mouth, gaping at the sight of Damon. His limbs are tied to the corners of the queen bed and his body resembles a parched skeleton. He kneeled in shock, processing the horrible state his son is in. It was as if he’s been drained of everything. Ezekiel stood beside his corpse. Clenching his hands in anger he yelled “Search the ship!”

All this time, all that planning, he failed to see what's the next step of the Viscount will be. It made no sense to him. Why would he kill the son of the Duke? He won't gain anything by doing that.

He had his brows furrowed as he felt like a big pile of dummy. He hovered over Damon and noticed it, a small piece of paper. A loud thump made him halt as he grabs it. Opening it slowly, his mind imploded with self-condemnation. Two words using Bridgeton alphabet were written, and it reads “too late”

His eyes caught the glimpse of the moon. He ran towards the open window and came to another realization. He eyed the other men in the room, “Dock the ship!”