Chapter 51.2

Their breathing was close. As they came closer, the surrounding noise was muted. The flow of air stopped; even their breathing was silent. They stayed in the silence of their irregular breathing and their clasped, trembling hands. Canillians beautiful eyes stared in disbelief, swallowing Claudes world.

However, I, I will be doing something for which I will have to apologize. His smile disappeared. Claudes lips touched Canillians eyes, eyes wet with tears. I dont care if youre an animal or a man, Canillian.

He slid down and stopped at Canillians red, full lips. He felt the breathing stop as he lowered his head.

His memory of secretly kissing Lia came back. Unlike the last time when it tasted only sweet, another taste stimulated his tongue.

Claude let go of Canillians hands and he covered Lians eyes. The wet eyelashes tickled and wet his palm. He pushed his tongue between Canillians tightly sealed lips, prying them apart.

Hot and moist. Sweet and bitter. Like a lump of sugar and a spoonful of medicine.

At that moment, Canillian raised his resting arms to hold Claude tight, instead of pus.h.i.+ng him away.

Did they both feel the same way?

Claude put his hand behind Canillians head and pulled him even closer. He eventually ended up at the head of the bed from Claudes kissing, licking, and playful biting.

Claude stopped and looked into Canillians eyeseyes that were full of chaos and trembling. Then he put his lips on Lians neck and could feel the blood pumping.

Canillians white skin, hidden beneath the s.h.i.+rt that Marilyn had ripped, gave off a ladys scent.

Claude wondered if he, himself, could be insane. Now that he finally didnt want Canillian to be a lady, could it be that Canillian is, indeed, a lady?

Sir, you cant do this. Lias hands holding Claudes shoulders turned white as sheet. His face was even worse.

Claudes heart swelled as he saw Canillian was sniffling, about to cry again.

Why?

Why are you asking me that? Between men He broke off and started crying again, wiping away his tears.

Claude took Lians arms and sat him straight.

Lian.

Canillian kept bawling even with Claude speaking kindly.

Canillian, dont cry.

Canillian tried to speak, but was simply hiccupping and swallowing tears. Claude hugged Canillian, noting how small his body felt in his embracehow he now felt a loveliness from a man that he had never felt from a woman!

Claude let out a sigh of emptiness and touched his lips to Canillians head. He kept kissing Lians hair, waiting for him to stop crying.

And then.

Thump, thump, thump! Urgent knocks rattled the door.

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Ivan screamed, The Duke isnt well! Young Master!

***

On doctors orders, Duke Maximilians bedroom windows were all opened to let out the poison.

The Dukes attendants and the n.o.bles closest to him could not hold back their condolences at such a tragedy.

Emperor Weize looked at the frail, pale, cadaver-like Duke, and clenched his fists. He commanded: Shut the Palace down and find the culprit! Now!

Maximilian had collapsed right after drinking teatea meant for the Emperor.

After the ceremony, the Emperor called the Duke to the tearoom. Having dismissed the servant who offered to bring a fresh pot of tea, the Emperor offered a cup of tea to the Duke from the pot that was already there. The pot held a rare tea and the Emperor wanted the Duke to enjoy it.

But it was poisoned! The Emperor was enraged to learn that he, himself, was the one meant to be drinking that tea.

Its a.r.s.enic, said the doctor, after having conducted tests. Maximilian immediately started coughing up blood.

Just then, Claude burst into the room.

Father! Claude called to his father, whose face was pale and hair askew.

Claude, with disbelief in his eyes, moved closer to his father.

If Duke Maximilian pa.s.sed away, the young Claude would become Duke that very moment. All the high n.o.bles stepped aside to make way for Claude.

The Duke vomited blood, smiled, and opened his eyes. Its good that youre here, Claude.

This cant be!

From now on, young Duke Claude del Ihar, will be Duke Claude del Ihar.

Father! he exclaimed, quickly stopping the Duke.

But Maximilian caressed Claudes face with his calloused hands and continued speaking. You are now, the Duke paused, his voice cracking, the Master of Del Casa.

Claude took his fathers hand. Maximilians lips continued to move, but made no sound. His eyes teared up and he looked exhausted from great emotion. The doctor separated them.

It will be difficult for him to make it overnight. Please stay quietly at his bedside.

Everyone sighed and couldnt hide their sadness at his words. Canillian stood outside the doorway, observing Claude. Canillian covered his mouth and stepped back.

The Palace was already in panic at the news of the Dukes illness. The engagement festivities were stopped and no one in attendance at the Palace could leave.

Lia.

That moment, Ians hand touched her shoulder. Ian, who looked like he had just had some type of scare, looked down at Canillia and whispered, I have to go to Geor now. Will you come?