Alucard allowed Sienna to tend to his lip, her touch gentle despite the urgency in her voice. He could see the worry in her eyes, the frustration at his decision to accept the duke's challenge.
"I had no choice," he replied, his voice low and rough. "To refuse would have been to confirm his suspicions. The accusation itself is dangerous, but appearing guilty of it is worse. The court would have talked, rumors would have spread. This way, it's just another duelāa matter of honor between men."
He reached up to gently still her hand, his fingers brushing against hers for a moment longer than necessary. He could see the fear in her eyesāthe fear for him, for what this duel might bring. It warmed something deep inside him to know she cared so deeply, even as it pained him to be the cause of her worry.
"You're right that he may try something underhanded," he admitted. "But I've faced worse than a spoiled duke with a bruised ego. I'll be ready for him." Alucard assured, though his own heart wasn't entirely convinced. Valerius had been humiliated publicly today; a private rematch would be dangerous indeed.
Elara returned with the herb pack, pressing it into Sienna's hands with knowing eyes. "Knowing you my lady, you'll need to tend to him afterwards. You'll sneak off to watch this fight I know... These will help with the swelling and pain. And thisā" She added a small jar of salve. "For after the duel. You'll need it."
Alucard noticed Sienna's fingers tremble slightly around the packages, her blush betraying her intentions. "You shouldn't come," he said softly, reaching out to cover her hands with his. "It's too dangerous. If Valerius sees you there, if anyone suspects..." he sighed, knowing well he was fighting a losing battle.
"Sienna," he began, then caught himself. "Your Highness. Whatever happens in this duel, know that I..." Elara cleared her throat softly, reminding them that they were not alone. Alucard released Siennaās hands immediately, knowing that even this small contact was risky in the healer's quarters.
He struggled to find the proper words to express everything that had grown between them without revealing their truth aloud. "Know that I serve you with all that I am. Always."
This duel wasn't just about honorāit was about sending a message, about ensuring that no one would dare threaten what they had built together in the shadows of the palace.
As Elara bustled away to prepare other remedies, Alucard turned his attention back to the princess. "I'll be careful, I promise."
