Chapter 67 - He's Alive?

"How's your health, Lady Sylvia?" I heard Camille's voice. I turned to her, her looks were either of worry or imposed attitude, typical for someone like her.

"Better" I replied, she forced a smile before looking away and sipping her tea.

"You must have experienced something so drastic, glad you came back in one piece," Dalton said with a smirk.

"Thank you, Lord Dalton"

"To send Nightshades after you at such a high price must be the work of some officials, we will investigate this with prompt" Lawrence said in a very assuring tone, his tone holding worry and anger.

"Thank you, Lord Lawrence, I may have come back in one piece but Mint didn't," I said in a sad tone remembering the Dark Knight that sacrificed his life for me. I wish he might have survived what happened so that I can thank him.

"Mint?" Lawrence asked, perplexed. I became tense... because I knew it was forbidden to name a Dark Knight.

"I mean... I mean my Dark Knight... my Knight that was what I intended to say" I corrected myself before anyone would get suspicious, seems like they weren't.

"I wish he was alive, he sacrificed himself for me"

"He's alive"

I froze turning to Cedric with wide eyes, what? Did I just hear right? I did!

"He's alive," I said with trembling eyes, a strong flush of relief washed upon me, I couldn't help a smile that found my lips, he wasn't dead because of me I was so glad.

"Thank goodness he's-"

"He will pay with his life for not protecting you properly", he faced me with an unreadable expression.

"What?" I said in awe.

"As a dark knight he failed to protect, thus deemed the laws, he will pay for his incompetence with his head," James said like it was a fact. Others seemed to agree, they can't be serious.

"H-H-He protected me with his life, he risked his own life for me and-"

"That is but his duty, as any Dark Knight should be," Dalton said.

I shut my mouth, my features in disarray.

"You know nothing about him, why care if he lives or dies" he adds perplexed, true I knew nothing of Mint but still his life? He protected me with everything he had, it was so unfair and uncalled for.

"Lord Cedric" I turned to him, hoping to settle this, Mint was from our household, even though it was the law, Cedric was the master of this castle, his words must have some meaning for the expenses of Mint's life, I can't let someone be killed because of me, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.

"He protected me, Lord Cedric, he bought time for me to escape, it wasn't for my carelessness that caused me to be in danger, I would have arrived at the tents" I explained.

Cedric dropped the teacup facing me, I could see it in his eyes he wasn't pleased with my remark, was he really going to sacrifice Mint's life?

"The decision is final"

My fist tightened against my gown, hurt to my chest at his words, I didn't want this to happen.

"Why prolong this Lady Sylvia, don't tell me you fancy your dark knight," Dalton said in amusement.

"Lord Dalton" Lawrence said with a snap. He shrugged like he didn't do anything wrong.

My angry eyes were on him, but I didn't say a word, I felt Cedric's hand behind me flinched, surely he did not believe this man's words? Maybe he did, That only angered me more, what does he take me as?

"No Lord Dalton I do not fancy him" I began in a polite tone.

Dalton remained amused.

"I'm only honored for his dignified service towards me, he's the reason I stayed alive longer, I would have been killed by an arrow if it wasn't for him"

His smile fades, surely he did not expect me to speak respectfully and still come back at him.

"I'm feeling dizzy right now," I turned to Cedric who had his eyes on me, his green eyes were dark.

"I would like to retire to my Chambers if that okay"

"Of course Lady Sylvia, you must be tired, we visited you when you're still recovering," James said with a nod.

I force a smile as I rise to my feet, bowing.

"Please enjoy the rest of your day, I'm sorry I won't be here long".

Danette's sad eyes were on me, Camille had a smirk on her lips, Lawrence had a sad look, not wanting to be in their presence anymore I walked away, the doors slamming down behind me.

I sauntered the halls on the verge of tears, a man's life was at stake because of me, the feeling was hurtful.

"My lady," Olivia said in a worried tone behind me.

"I-I'm tired and I need to rest," I said, holding back my tears.

I heard approaching footsteps but I didn't turn to it, I felt a hand grab my arm but gently, whirling me, it was Cedric. He was about to say something but when he saw the tears already leaking from my eyes, his eyes softened.

"Why are you crying?" he demands. I forced my hand away from his hold.

"Y-You would kill a man who protected your wife" I began in a hurtful tone.

"Syl-"

"You didn't make it in time Cedric... if it wasn't for him I would have been long dead before you found me" I sobbed.

He was about to speak but I didn't let him.

"Surely you must think I fancy him because of what Lord Dalton said, you think of me as such a woman?"

"Fuck no!"

"Then what!"

His jaw tightened. "Your affections towards him..."

I scoffed at his words.

"He saved my life, Cedric, I owe him just as much, I may not know anything about him nor have I seen his face but I KNOW how to value a life, do you?"

He didn't speak.

"I thought as much", I expected too much from him, I have forgotten the fact of how dangerous he could be, I whirled, striding away.