Chapter 15. Between Husband and Wife
Frida was more afraid of darkness than anything in the world.
“He-help me. Help me, Muriel. Muriel…!”
Trapped suddenly in the dark, Frida yelled as loud as she could.
“Is anyone there? Please save me. Please…”
She became truly scared of the dark after her sister Lotte died. She could barely remember her other sister, Hestia, who died young, but Lotte’s death, when Frida was thirteen, was still so clear. The two sisters looked alike and were closer than anyone. Her parents didn’t let her see her sister’s last moments, so it was hard for Frida to believe she was gone. She even tried to look for her sister at night, but got lost in the dark hallway. The house was usually bright at night, but that day was different. Frida wandered in the dark, scared and unable to move, and sat there shivering until morning. Since then, she’d always been scared of the dark. Even now, calling for Lotte and huddling up in the dark passage, it felt just like back then. She banged on the door and called the only person she could trust.
“Muriel. Muriel. Muriel…”
She couldn’t breathe and grabbed at her clothes, trying to get air. She didn’t even notice the sound of her clothes tearing. Then—click—the darkness ended as bright light poured in.
“What are you doing here?”
She didn’t care who it was; all she thought was—she was saved. The fear faded, and now the fever hit her.
“Wha-why are you here? Why are you…?”
Before she could recognize the person, Frida fainted.
There are five rooms connected to the secret passages in Munheim Castle. After Daniel woke up, the first thing he did was memorize all the paths. He didn’t want the Empress Dowager’s spies to catch him wandering around. He had checked every secret room except the one made for the Duchess—which was now his. As he reached the end of the passage and pushed the bookshelf, something felt strange. The bookshelf resisted a bit, and then he heard a familiar scream. Someone had been in the room and fallen in behind the shelf. Daniel drew his sword and went closer.
“…riel… Muriel…”
Hearing the familiar voice, Daniel pushed the bookshelf harder. There was Frida, clutching her chest and sitting weakly in the dark.
“What are you doing here?”
Frida collapsed like a tree cut at its base. Daniel rushed in and caught her just before she hit the ground. Only when he saw her pale, lifeless face did he realize something was really wrong.
“Where could she have gone, in that condition? No way…”
Muriel looked at the door to the Duke’s room, worried. Frida was scared of the night and never left her room after dark, but now she was gone. Muriel went to the wall and pressed her ear against it, hoping to hear something. But there was no sound. Just then, a loud noise came from outside—the door opening.
“Call the doctor.”
It was Daniel’s voice. The usually quiet Duke was shouting for a doctor. Muriel hurried out to the hallway, and saw Daniel urging the servants.
“Hurry! Now!”
Hearing their master’s shouts, the servants rushed around. As Daniel turned back to the bedroom, he saw Muriel and called her in.
“Come in, Sir Rosivalt.”
Muriel’s heart pounded as she walked in. She quickly spotted Frida lying on the Duke’s bed and ran to her.
“Miss! Wake up, Miss Frida!”
Muriel shook the sweating, unconscious Frida and turned to Daniel.
“What happened? Why is she like this…?”
Then Muriel noticed Frida’s messy hair, torn dress, and sweating, pale face—signs that she’d been through something terrible. Without thinking, the cool-headed knight punched Daniel in the face.
“What did you do to my lady?”
Daniel staggered from the blow but didn’t fall. As Muriel swung again, Daniel dodged and backed away, frowning.
“Sir Rosivalt, are you crazy?”
Of course I’m crazy! Seeing Frida like this, how could I not be? Muriel’s fists kept coming, forgetting about Daniel’s rank.
“You’re the crazy one, Duke Richard! If you needed a woman, you could have taken a mistress. Even if she’s your wife, how can you treat our lady like this…!”
“What?!”
Daniel was speechless at her words. Another punch flew his way.
“You tried to force yourself on Miss Frida, didn’t you? That’s why she fainted, right? Isn’t it true?”
Daniel dodged again and drew his sword. The famous knight, Muriel Rosivalt, was acting wild. Daniel spun his sword and gave a final warning.
“Stop it, Sir Rosivalt. I’m not a gentle man.”
If she had any sense left, she’d stop now.
“I’m not gentle either. Anyone who hurts my lady will never be forgiven.”
Muriel drew her sword. Just then, Anton and Dominic ran into the room. Seeing the two facing each other with swords, Anton hid behind Dominic in shock, and Dominic stared at them both.
“What are you doing? Are you dueling? Why?!”
Muriel, not looking away from Daniel, shouted,
“Dominic! Your great lord tried to force himself on his wife!”
She meant it—her killing intent was real.
“I, Muriel Rosivalt, swore to protect Miss Frida with my life. I will never forgive anyone who threatens her, no matter who it is.”
“What? Daniel—you—my lord! Have you lost your mind?”
Dominic yelled at Daniel, and even Anton stepped forward.
“Duke! The madam is so weak… Oh no!”
Daniel let out a short laugh and lowered his sword. The misunderstanding was unbelievable, but honestly, things like this can happen between husband and wife. Why should I be accused like this? He was annoyed but also a little amused, seeing how seriously Muriel took her duty. Daniel sat down and looked at them all.
Muriel, still angry, shouted,
“What are you doing? Pick up your sword, Duke!”
Daniel ignored her and waved at Anton.
“Doctor. What are you waiting for? Come check the patient.”
Anton hurried over to check Frida. Muriel tried to say more, but Daniel cut her off with cold eyes.
“That’s enough, Sir Rosivalt. Even if I tried to touch my wife, what’s the problem? Who are you to interfere with a husband and wife? Step back while I’m being nice.”
Blood dripped from his lip where Muriel’s punch had landed. Daniel wiped it away with his thumb and spoke with icy anger.
“Before I really kill you.”
