#aeugh

Fury: Furie wouldn't believe a word out of Count's mouth. He's an asshole. Even if she's very amused by him. Even so, she knows that this "rumor" is true. At least, she knows Dukemir will die, and with how he runs himself into the ground (almost quite literally) basically every day in the name of the kingdom, she wouldn't be surprised if Dukemir just disintegrated right then and there.

Still, she would be saddened by his loss. He is and was a great ruler, however unofficial of a ruler he was (and won't accept...coward). He would be an unofficial member of her kingdom, and Ryan would be well-watched and cared for if he ever comes to her grove.

Gravelyn: Gravelyn doesn't fight, but she really would fight Count with him spreading that "rumor" so carelessly. Ah, but what else is she supposed to expect out of a man like that? Literally nothing good.

She has long since prepared a grave and urn for him, though. She wasn't kidding. She made sure they're both nice, with space to add some things that Dukemir could be buried or kept with. A non-alcoholic toast to you, Sir Dukemir. She'll sneak out of her work hours to go find the duke and spend some time with him under the guise of her being bored.

Wheylan: They may not be able to tell that Dukemir literally keeps a magical eye on them almost 24/7, but they can tell that the "rumor" isn't a rumor at all. And that scares them. It scares them a lot. Dukemir helps keep the kingdom safe and doesn't trap any of the puppets in any roles or appearances they don't want. He's kind. Dukemir is so so kind and it's not fair and it was never fair and why did it have to be him-

Romantic relationship or not, Wheylan is pouring time and energy into finding a way to help Dukemir. Maybe it's seeing how to attach more porcelain to the shell to extend Dukemir's time. Maybe it's going to Wizzy or some other scholar or magical being or healer to see if some sort of pain medication can be made to ease Dukemir's hurt. Maybe it's finding a way to ensure the passing is as painless as possible.

Like they said in the comic, it's just like when they lost their mom. They watched her crumble away and pass. It wasn't fun. But at least she acknowledged it. Dukemir isn't, though. He won't and Wheylan knows that and it hurts because...because why? The facade is breaking and Wheylan's heart is too.

They can't save him. They can't fix him. They can only hope to prolong Dukemir's death (except that means Dukemir is still in pain), or they can hope to find a way to ensure he feels safe enough to pass on and rest like he deserves to.

They'll go find him. Maybe have a talk. Maybe just sit there with him. They'll cry. They won't be able to help but cry. They'll promise to look after Ryan and make sure to stay safe and not cause trouble. If there are others in the romantic relationship, then they'll promise to keep loving and keep their heart open to the world, to keep loving, to keep living... even when it hurts.