Chapter Twenty-Seven

At the forefront was the Queen's most trusted and relied-upon chief guard, George Forde.

Forde walked proudly past the crowd and approached Arthur, respectfully saying, "Your Highness Rivers, I come on the Queen's orders. Her Majesty, cherishing your talents and in respect for the Rivers family, has bestowed upon you the title of Duke, as the first royal of the opposite gender, granting you all the privileges of royalty." He then presented a golden box adorned with ancient patterns, saying, "This is the medal representing your status."

Arthur calmly accepted it, a charming smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Please thank Her Majesty for me, and convey to her that I will fulfill my duties as the 'Duke.'"

Forde performed a courtly bow. "Yes, Your Highness, I will convey your sentiments accurately. I shall take my leave now to avoid disturbing you further."

Arthur nodded gently, allowing Forde to depart.

After a round of compliments, Maria dismissed the guests on Arthur's behalf, including the baron who had previously looked as if he had stepped in something unpleasant.

As they exited Lilith Castle, the once starry night sky had turned gloomy, as if a storm were approaching.

Everyone looked up at the sky, lamenting, "Ah, the heavens are truly changing..."

In the evening, Yuwen Xi and Shadow Moon returned to the Blue Moon Pavilion. At the doorway, Yuwen Xi kissed Shadow Moon's forehead and said gently, "Rest early."

"Okay."

Back in her room, Shadow Moon lay on her bed, staring at the transparent ceiling. The clear night sky was filled with twinkling stars, which reminded her of someone's eyes and that slight curve of his lips.

He had been gone for quite some time without any news...

Suddenly sitting up, she opened her computer and skillfully typed in the search bar: Arthur Rivers. Soon, the webpage was filled with articles about him, accompanied by his photos. The first and most prominent headline read:

"Arthur Rivers Announces His Succession to the Head of the Rivers Family!"

The second headline stated:

"Her Majesty the Queen Bestows the Title of Duke upon Arthur Rivers, Granting All Royal Privileges!"

The third headline declared:

"Current Head of the Spencer Family, Maria Spencer, Vows Allegiance to Arthur Rivers for the Glory of the Spencer Family!"

...

There were numerous articles, pages filled with news proclaiming this event. Shadow Moon scrolled down, her lips curving into a smile, which grew wider, revealing her delicate teeth as she nearly laughed aloud, completely unaware of her own reaction.

Suddenly, a news article caught her eye:

"Her Exalted Majesty the Queen Has Conferred the Title of 'Duke' on Arthur Rivers at This Moment, Making Him the Youngest Duke in History. What Could This Mean?"

"It has long been rumored that Maria Spencer holds affections for Arthur Rivers, and her vow of allegiance at his inauguration—does this signify her feelings to the public?"

"Is a wedding between Arthur Rivers and Maria Spencer on the horizon?"

Attached was a photo of the two together. Maria, dressed in a beautiful gown, wore a sweet smile, her arm tightly wrapped around Arthur's. Arthur, in a violet suit, maintained his signature charming smile, obscuring his thoughts. They looked so well-matched, evoking envy in others.

Shadow Moon's scrolling finger halted, her smile vanished, her expression turning pale. Her lips trembled lightly, her purple eyes filled with hurt. A wedding on the horizon?