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When the news of Luke's disappearance hit her, there was a moment when Natalia thought she'd read the words wrong.

She was exploring with a party of Baticul's top engineers and healers the possibility of installing clinics at every port, when the official missive from The Duke was handed to her. It wasn't unusual for her uncle to write to her father, and for her father to direct the letters to her for her perusal, but this one--

"I'm sorry," Natalia said, hastily getting to her feet. "I would have to postpone this meeting to a later date. My advisers will get in touch with you immediately. Good day, gentlemen."

Cool and calm she was in her words, yet there was a churning in her stomach that she couldn't quite hide. The ride back to the castle was, thankfully, a short one, but it wasn't her father she wanted to speak with.

Duke fon Fabre was, unfortunately, not home. Probably out leading an army to scour Auldrant for his son. The duchess was not ready to receive guests, even family like Natalia. And of course, Luke was--

In a rare display of frustration, Natalia pounded her fist on the table in the drawing room, shocking poor Ramdas almost to death. "Isn't there anyone around to answer me?"

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"An act of hostility?" That was an angle she hadn't considered. "Why would it be? It's not like Luke had been taken to Malkuth territory... was he?" But it was probably a question no one here could answer. No one but that woman... and Dorian General Grants.

Could Luke's master be...?

Then she quickly shook her head, dismissing the thought. The Dorian General seemed loyal enough to Duke Fabre, and to Luke, for that matter. Surely he wasn't behind this.

...surely he couldn't be responsible.

But then, who was?

"If Luke was indeed taken somewhere under the Emperor's jurisdiction, then I shall personally draft a letter myself to state our intention to step foot onto their lands. It's the least I can do, being Luke's... fiancee." Natalia took a step closer to Guy. "I can't stand around and just wait when all the while I know he's in danger. Surely you understand that, don't you?"

She didn't want to implore to him, but she couldn't help it if it came out that way. But then, this was for Luke, and right now she saw Guy not only as Luke's servant, but his closest friend, too.

"We don't know that yet, but His Grace isn't ruling out the possibility." Not after the last time, at least. But Guy had to wonder, had Malkuth really been behind the first kidnapping? And what about now? That woman had been wearing an Oracle Knights uniform. Could they now be in Daath? From what Van had said, Luke could now be anywhere...

"What about your father, the King? Do you think he'll allow you to take charge of such a risky venture?" He paused, deciding to confirm his suspicions. "You intend to do this with or without His Majesty's permission, don't you?"

As Natalia drew nearer, Guy felt himself tensing up. Small tremors began traveling up and down his limbs until, not being able to stand it any longer, the servant shrank backwards towards the relative safety of the wall. "O-of course I d-do! Th-that's why I made sure I was present when Van gave his report to Duke Fabre. P-please don't--I mean..."

Guy hesitated, unable to go on. It looked like he was having some difficulty breathing at that moment, if the shaking and the paleness of his face were any indication.

Natalia could barely resist rolling her eyes at Guy's... theatrics. Really, ever since she was little she'd seen this reaction from him, not only to her presence but to the presence of any woman who dared to come closer to him. One would think that he'd be able to outgrow it somehow!

And yet no, of course he hadn't. It's insulting, really. She would have given him some scathing remark about it, had she not been trying to get him to take her side on this matter. Thus, Natalia chose instead to step back from him.

"Father will understand," she said with a confidence she truly felt. The King was an indulgent father, and surely even he would understand her stance on this matter. No one knew how stubborn she could be once she's decided on something like her father did.

"Besides, it'll put his mind at ease if I have someone trustworthy guarding me." Here she gave him a sidelong glance. Not that she needed any guard at all, thank you. But still... "And being Luke's servant all these years, you've somewhat earned that distinction."

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Sorry for the delay, busy week.

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