for techtonic

[archered]

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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[techtonic]

Ever since the mysterious woman had vanished with Luke in a bright burst of fonic energy, Guy had wanted nothing more than to hurry out of Baticul and bring his charge back. But such things couldn't be rushed into headlong, and His Grace, the Duke, had his own plans.

Fortunately, Guy had been ordered to join a small group and search the Malkuth Empire for traces of the wayward noble. It seemed that, even seven years later, the neighboring country remained a prime suspect.

Guy had just left his and Pere's quarters after polishing his blade and was headed to speak with Ramdas about final preparations when he heard a muffled thud coming from the drawing room.

Thinking that one of the maids must have lost her footing, Guy hurried in to find Princess Natalia posed over the table.

Straightening immediately, Guy closed the doors behind him and strode further into the room. ...Poor Natalia. He could already imagine why she had rushed here. This was only the second time her fiancé had vanished, after all.

"My apologies for the wait, Your Highness," Guy said with a bow. "Her Ladyship would have greeted you personally, but I'm afraid she hasn't been well. Is there anything I can do for you?"