Life Becomes Duke's Beloved
Abela and Arabela

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Armand had not answered the king's question. She just looked at her brother with a flat face. His facial expression did not match the content of his currently troubled heart. What exactly is going on. Why would Abela protect her?

"Armand?" The king called his name again.

Armand looked at his older brother, a tired face mixed in with the person's dismay. True too, of the three of them the most important person for his safety was Cesar.

Armand should be grateful that Abela became his shield and was able to bring Cesar to the palace in time. Armand smiled wryly at his evil thoughts. That's not what Armand should be grateful for. But that veil and the stupidity of those people who saved the crown prince.

"Later on," replied Armand briefly. He doesn't want to talk much right now. Armand walked slowly towards Cesar's nursing room. And glanced at the place where Abela was being treated as well with the tail of her eyes.

"Your Majesty," said Armand, he looked at the King seriously.

"Daughter of Wilhelm ... We have to watch him." Armand continued his words mysteriously. He doesn't want to say more. His eyes were looking for someone who might be suspicious.

"What should I do?" the king tried to calm down.

"Bring the princess' body and hand it over to the witch of your trust." Armand replied calmly as well.

The king instructed his assistant who swiftly carried out his orders. The king was ready to hear whatever Armand was going to say. But he had to lower that desire a little. His son is not okay. And his sister's lover was just as bad. The king actually already felt that there was something strange between Armand and Abela. The queen always invites him to discuss about it before going to bed. But he never asked Armand. He did not want to interfere in his sister's personal matters.

The king approached the queen who did not stop crying near the bed where her son lay. With the corner of his eyes the king still watched Armand who was still staring in his place. Then, instead of accompanying Abela. Armand chooses to follow the newly arrived witch to retrieve Lyra's body.

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"What's going on?" asked the King when Armand was already in his study.

"What about Cesar?" ask Armand.

"He's fine, the best healers treat him." The king was silent for a while before continuing, "Madam Isla is fine as well."

"We met the body of the witch again." Armand begins the story.

"And?"

"There are five others. They did not expect us to arrive early to the witch castle. They were planning to bring the body here. With the suspicious veil I just saw." Armand explained. He had not sat at all since he was in the palace.

The king watched him from top to bottom, his sister looked very messy.

"Armand ... Sit down" the king commanded.

Armand sat himself down on the sofa that was there. The king approached him and sat there as well.

"So, did you get into that veil and end up in Lyra's daughter's room?" asked the King to confirm his understanding.

"Yes ... I was surprised too. The body is, like, dead" Armand explained.

"You're guessing Lyra possessed the witch's body?"

"Yes" replied Armand.

"Everything makes sense then. Why did the arrogant people in the country send their daughter here." The king scratched his chin.

"They are also behind the attack Abela," said Armand empty.

"You .. did your best not to start a war. Thank you," said the King sincerely.

"What should I do now?" ask Armand more to himself.

"Of course you should be by her side, right?"

The King's reply made Armand turn his head quickly. The King's eyebrows shot up next door, astonished by Armand's reaction.

"My answer will not satisfy you" replied Armand.

"That's ... Only I can judge." The king smiled wisely. The smile that always makes Armand feel if his brother is reading his head.

"What I'm going to say is, only we can know" Armand said vigilantly.

"Abela ... My abela has not been around for a long time ... That woman is not Abela. He's someone else." Armand didn't know if it was clear enough or not.

"Interesting ...." The king looked at Armand without blinking.

"So ... who ... is he?" ask the King slowly.

"Ghotel, the witch." Armand did not hesitate to answer that question.

The king fell silent, trying to decipher the information he heard today from his sister. Slowly the King clapped Armand on the shoulder twice.

"I'm sorry .." said the King.

"No ... Nothing's wrong." Armand muttered softly.

"I always remember, you always admired that witch first." The king smiled but his gaze was sad, "You said if you could talk to him, maybe he chose to be a hero instead of a monster."

"Not after I found out I lost Abela" Armand said.

"Are they trying to harm Abela in order to get into her body?" The king could not stop his mouth from speaking even when his sister's mood was chaotic.

"Sorry ... I don't mean to disrespect your grief." The king came to his senses after Armand gave him a sharp look.

"I think so ... When Abela was kidnapped, she said the body said so." Armand looked down at the floor.

"Do what won't make you regret." The king gave advice.

Armand had no idea what would make him regret. He already felt bad when he dared to be relieved because Abela saved his life and that meant saving Cesar as well. Armand gulped. He hasn't seen Abela again.

Armand stood up and grabbed the bottle of wine on his sister's desk. Drink it straight from the bottle. The king did not seem to mind. The king knew about Armand's unease. The King only followed Armand with his tail in his eyes as Armand walked out.

.

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Armand looked at Abela's pale face. Abela is still asleep. There had been no meaningful movement since Armand was sitting next to his bed. All that was heard was a short breath.

Armand stretched out his hand to caress the woman's hair. Groping his cheeks and chin slowly. It was a long time ago that Armand did it.

The woman was still as beautiful as Armand remembered. Armand smiled wryly, how could he possibly allow himself to lie to himself. In reality, Abela and Arabela were different people.

Armand falls in love with Abela. While his feelings for Arabela, maybe only admiration. Because that woman is the strongest woman in the history of any country.

Every time Armand thought, it didn't matter if it was Abela. He feels like an asshole. Armand closed his eyes, trying to dispel his negative thoughts. While his hand was still gently stroking the hair with the golden strands.

"Armand?"

Armand was a little surprised, his hand was still in Abela's hair, while the other side was holding his hand.

"You awake?" it was the most lame response Armand could give.

"Yes ... Magic is powerful. Gapi's not as strong as if I did it." Abela smiled weakly at Armand. Then think about not saying anything more.

"Why did you do that? Why save me?" armand asked with a cold look.

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