His Duchess is a Ghost (Novel) - Chapter 38

Though silent, the duke complied with her request, adjusting their position with deliberate movement. He ensured that Alena moved with him, his arms encircling her with an intensity that left no room for doubt—as if telling her that he was not about to let her escape their skin contact without his consent.

With his face buried against her collarbone, they settled on the bed — she, now kneeling and straddling him.

Alena offered the doctor an apologetic smile, her hand gently stroking Kaztiel's hair. "He's quite clingy at the moment, so I believe you can proceed with the bandage removal just like this," she explained.

"Certainly, Duchess," the doctor replied after flashing a look that said even he was in disbelief at how the duke was currently behaving.

Soon, Alena's attention was focused on the doctor's work on the wound. As the bandages were peeled away, the severity of the duke’s injury was laid bare before her eyes. The wound was grievous, its appearance alone suggested immense pain. Alena recalled her brother's agony under similar circumstances, how he would grit his teeth and clutch at the bed linens. And yet, this man in his arms simply stayed still, her hold on her remained steady, making her wonder if he did not feel pain or he was just utterly good at hiding it. But was it even possible for anyone to simply act like an unfeeling stone like this when his entire being should be getting wrecked with pain?

Throughout the doctor's careful ministrations, Alena's gentle caresses never ceased.

And that was the exact scene that welcomed General Elkhart the moment he entered the duke’s room. The scene before him—a wounded duke, stoically enduring his treatment, cradled in the arms of a seemingly utterly concerned duchess.

Elkhart stood immobilized by surprise, his gaze fixed on the unexpected scene before him. It took him a moment to collect himself before he managed to bow in a gesture of respect towards the Duchess, whom he had certainly not anticipated encountering in such a situation at all.

As he straightened up, Alena greeted him with a graceful smile, an embodiment of poise and dignity.

The general opened his lips and was about to speak but abruptly paused, his attention clearly caught by something else—her attire. Sensing his gaze, Alena cast a discreet glance down at herself, and she finally realized that right now… she was in her wedding dress like always!

For a moment, time, for her, seemed to stand. And then, in her mind, she began to smile.

At long last, Alena could sense the tide finally turning in her favor.

She knew that the mere sight of her wearing a wedding dress in this situation would ignite a whirlwind of questions and speculations in the mind of the observant General Elkhart.

And she was right because she immediately noticed Elkhart's reaction. Confusion and intrigue momentarily flashed across his features before he swiftly masked his expression with the practiced ease of a man accustomed to the unpredictable currents of court life.

He then bowed at the duchess once again, ready to excuse himself without getting the duke’s attention, when Alena’s graceful voice echoed.

"If you have something important to report, please don't hesitate on account of my presence, General," Alena encouraged.

Elkhart blink before his eyes faltered a little and looked at the duke who was still unmoving in the duchess’ embrace.

"Seems the General has urgent news for you, my dearest," Alena whispered to the duke so lovingly. "However, he appears somewhat reluctant to proceed in my presence. Perhaps, I should excuse myself for a moment—"

"Speak, Elkhart," the duke finally spoke, cutting through Alena's offer with a command that left no room for further delay.

And with that, Elkhart delivered his message, "A royal summon has arrived, my lord. And it concerns not just you but the duchess as well. You are both required at the grand palace with utmost urgency."

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