Chapter 158: Ruining Perfect Moments

The day unfolded like a tapestry woven with golden sunlight and the sweet chirping of unseen birds. Jane and Lucian sat by the gurgling stream, their breakfast of foraged berries and nuts spread out on a makeshift picnic blanket. Laughter danced on the breeze as they reminisced about their disastrous non-hunt, each fumble and missed shot a source of amusement now. Suddenly, a frantic pounding of hooves shattered the morning's tranquility. A rider on a lathered horse emerged from the trees, his face grim. He saluted Lucian, then held out a sealed scroll. "Urgent message, Your Grace," he gasped, before turning his horse and disappearing into the forest as quickly as he arrived. Lucian unfurled the scroll with a frown etching itself onto his forehead. Jane watched his expression shift from curiosity to concern, a knot tightening in her stomach. "What is it?" she asked, her voice a mere whisper. He sighed, meeting her gaze. "It seems duty calls, Duchess." Jane's heart sank. "Are you…