Snippet #1966010

Duke Huor could not help but be silent as he marveled at the young woman before him. Yes, she looked exactly like his wife except for her eyes, she had his eyes. She also had the figure of a swordswoman, he noted approvingly. Her hands were far from delicate, if his old eyes did not deceive him. After a moment, he smiled slightly.

"You are the spitting image of Julia, Rivera," he paused. He had not said that name in so long, "I had thought you dead. Years ago, my wife-your mother, had gone to court. We left you and Christine in the care of your governess and when we returned... Bandits had struck. Christine was one of the few survivors."

He frowned, looking weary, "Christine would have recognized you the moment she saw you. I fear I know why she may have done this. An older sibling is always jealous of the younger at some point in time and you were taken from us at such a time at a young age. I think she grieved for you. How could she not? But young mother and I grieved for a long time. Then, she found out the truth."

Duke Huor smiled ruefully, "She is a bastard. She's never quite gotten over that. I tried to make her forget, but then her mother died and our relationship cooled. Then she saw you, I suppose. Please, tell me more about this treason Christine accuses you of."