At the sight of his wife’s eyes full of concern, Desmond had to take a step back and consider the full scope of the situation. He gave Lady Alma the proper acknowledgnt and considered how she was close to his wife and the mother of the man they had been staying with and were supposed to for the next couple of days.
This issue would likely affect her just as much as it would affect him considering Villaluc was on the southern end of Montclair and nearing the border that needed to be secured.
"His Majesty has requested my presence in the capital," Desmond explained. "There are signs of unrest in the south. The borders of Castille have been secured."
Leonor couldn’t hold back her concern and she lifted a hand to her lips. Her response considering the setting she had been exposed to was still proper. She didn’t want to completely break down in front of the woman who stressed the importance of maintaining oneself even in emotional situations.
"What does this an?" she asked. "Where shall I go?"
Just as with Desmond, Leonor felt a bit selfish, and her first reaction was to be disappointed that the winter she pictured next to a warm fireplace and cuddled up to her endearing husband went up in flas. She felt she had been working hard and deserved the winter to recuperate.
Most nobles didn’t get that break considering most other regions weren’t thrown into as extre winters as western and northern Montclair.
However, disappointnt made way for worry as she thought of Desmond having to lead troops into a dangerous situation. It occurred to her that he was a commander of n at the end of the day and, even if it wasn’t preferable, he would fight for Castille like he did before.
"I won’t separate from you," Desmond said. "If the borders are a worry for the kingdom, we’ll stay at the heart and ensure your safety. While I don’t like the capital, I will survive if I can help His Majesty and keep the one who ans the most to out of harm’s way."
Leonor heaved a sigh of relief and she placed a hand on Desmond’s arm, using him for support as she got back her footing.
"When shall we leave?" she asked.
"As soon as our things are gathered," he said. "The capital will be around four days with a carriage."
Leonor turned to her ntor with a strained expression on her face.
"I am so sorry, my lady," she said. "Our ti was cut shorter than it was supposed to be. I made you travel all this way to have tea with ."
However, Alma was married to a military man at one point in her life. She understood well how quickly things could change. After all, she spent quite a few months of her marriage alone as her husband stayed on the front lines in the na of Castille.
"Life is oftentis unpredictable," she responded lightly despite the heaviness of the situation. "Please take to my son’s residence. I suppose I should settle down for winter earlier than I intended to."
"Yes, my lady," Leonor responded, offering her hand to help the woman up from her chair. "That would be for the best."
"She can use our carriage," Leonor explained to Desmond. "I’ll ride with her to the count’s ho. Please, go ahead."
When Alma had stood up. Desmond reached for the old woman’s hand and kissed the back of it in half greeting and half apology at their change of plans.
"My lady, it’s wonderful to see you traveling so well," Desmond said. "We will have to make more trips in this direction when the weather is warr and it’s a bit easier."
"Please do, your grace," Alma responded. "My son’s ho is always open. It isn’t as if he’s filling the walls with anyone else."
The duke cracked a smile despite everything happening. He wondered if Alma had pestered his wife about an heir again. His only respite was knowing that he and Leonor had co closer to an understanding regarding that topic. Both of their desires were on the table.
"I will keep that in mind," Desmond responded lightly, not wanting to push the topic or be dragged into it as well. "Will you need help getting into the carriage?"
"Your wife is quite strong," Alma said, returning her hand to Leonor’s arm. "She can guide .’
"Of course," Desmond said.
An understandably quick goodbye and the duke was off to et the count and reveal to him the contents of the letter from the king. Considering he was in the king’s good graces, Desmond felt he could explain the situation in greater detail so he could prepare his n and delegate the issue appropriately.
In the anti, Leonor helped Lady Alma to the carriage so they could ride with one another to the count’s estate.
Leonor was contemplative as they went along and Alma decided to break the silence, feeling bad that the duchess was so burdened by what had happened.
"Now I am more certain His Majesty would benefit greatly by you helping Montclair as a mage," Alma admitted. "In the face of unrest at our borders, your strength will be a necessity in reaching the hearts of the people. Even if this isn’t the case, they will see you as a pampered noblewoman who can remain strong in the face of war."
"I appreciate you saying that, my lady," Leonor responded, trying to offer a polite smile as she spoke. "I will keep your words in mind whenever I begin to doubt the path I take. At tis I have no desire to venture outward, but I know it’s necessary."
The carriage ride was short before they arrived at the count’s estate and the won were helped into the front hall.
Based on all the n already there and the carriages packed up for their departure, it was ti to face the road again unexpectedly early.
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