Not Yours (BL)

Walter winced in pain. "Ah… it hurts! My foot is injured!"

William knelt down and checked Walter's foot. "You're hurt." Without hesitation, he lifted Walter into his arms and helped him onto the carriage.

As the carriage started moving, William asked, "How did this happen? How did you get hurt?"

Walter sighed. "I got robbed. They took everything… and then they beat me up badly."

William's expression darkened. Just then, Bertram returned. "I have informed the knights to track down the robbers."

William nodded. "Good. Now, sit at the front of the carriage. We're going to Father's mansion."

Bertram took his seat, and the carriage rolled forward into the night.

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Meanwhile, at William's mansion, Jonathan was in the lounge. As he walked around, he noticed dust on the floor. He grabbed a mop and started cleaning.

A maid approached him from behind. "What are you doing?"

Jonathan didn't look up. "I saw dust on the floor, so I'm cleaning it."

The maid chuckled softly. "Oh really?" She kept her hands hidden behind her back—one gripping a knife, the other holding a handkerchief.

Jonathan glanced at the clock. "It's already 10 PM. You should go to sleep now."

The maid smiled. "I will… but you should sleep first."

Before Jonathan could react, she suddenly lunged at him, slashing his arm. He staggered back, falling to the floor, trying to stop the bleeding. "Hey! What are you doing?!"

She quickly pressed the handkerchief over his mouth. His struggles weakened as he inhaled the drugged cloth, and soon, he lost consciousness.

The maid stood up, looking down at him with a smirk. "Now… the real game begins."

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The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the grand mansion. Before it could fully halt, Seraphina rushed forward, her silk gown flowing behind her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she grabbed the carriage door.

"Ah, my son!" she gasped, her eyes widening as she took in Walter's disheveled form. His black knight's suit was stained with blood, his face pale from exhaustion. Then, she noticed his foot—swollen and bruised.

Her hands trembled. "Who did this to you?"

Walter forced a weak smile. "Mother, it's nothing... I'm fine."

"Fine?!" Seraphina turned sharply. "Someone call the doctor! Now!"

William stepped out of the carriage, his expression grim. Without hesitation, he reached for Walter, carefully lifting him out. Bertram moved to assist, steadying Walter as they carried him inside.

Once in his room, they laid him gently on the bed. Walter winced, gripping the sheets as pain shot through his injured foot.

"Ah... it hurts."

Seraphina sat beside him, stroking his hair with a shaky hand. "Calm down, my son. The doctor will be here soon." Her voice softened, filled with warmth and sorrow. She pulled him into a gentle embrace. "I was so worried about you… I won't scold you again. Just don't ever leave me like that."

Walter chuckled weakly. "Alright, Mother."

A deep sigh came from across the room. William stood there, arms crossed, his piercing gaze fixed on his younger brother. "You should never go to such places at this hour, Walter," he said sternly.

Walter lowered his eyes, guilt flickering across his face. He knew his brother was right.

As the tension settled in the air, footsteps echoed down the hall. The doctor had arrived.

The doctor knelt beside the bed, carefully examining Walter's injured foot. His brows furrowed as he pressed gently against the swollen area.

"Let me check your foot," he murmured.

Walter winced but stayed still as the doctor cleaned the wound before wrapping it in fresh bandages. Then, he moved to Walter's head, carefully dressing the cut near his temple with a protective covering.

"You won't be able to walk for at least four to five days," the doctor stated firmly. "You need complete bed rest. Any unnecessary movement will only slow your recovery."

Turning to William, he added, "Make sure he stays off his feet. Don't let him move until he's fully healed."

William gave a short nod. "Understood. I'll make sure of it."

Seraphina, sitting beside Walter, gently placed a hand on his arm. "Is there any serious issue with his foot?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

The doctor shook his head. "No, it's just temporary. He'll recover soon."

Seraphina exhaled in relief and brushed Walter's hair back. "Then rest now, my son." She turned to a nearby servant. "Prepare some food for Walter."

"Yes, madam," the butler replied before hurrying off.

At that moment, the heavy doors creaked open, and Charles stepped inside. His sharp gaze landed on Walter's bandaged foot and the bruises on his face.

"So, you're here," he muttered, arms crossed. He took a step closer, eyes narrowing. "If you keep doing reckless things like this, I'll have no choice but to lock you in your room."

Walter looked away, unable to argue.

"Charles," Seraphina stood up, her tone defensive. "He's just a child. He was robbed—this wasn't his fault!"

Charles glanced at her but remained firm. He turned to William instead. "William, once he's recovered, I want you to teach him everything about work. No more carelessness."

William met his father's gaze and nodded. "Understood." He sighed. "I'm exhausted. I'm going to get some rest now." With that, he turned and left the room.

Outside the door, Bertram stood waiting. "My lord, should I prepare the carriage?"

William shook his head. "No, I'll be staying here for the night. We'll leave in the morning."

Bertram nodded. "As you wish, my lord."

Meanwhile, Charles walked past them but paused briefly beside William. "If you're staying here, unlock your room and meet me in the office first thing in the morning," he instructed.

"I will. I have something to discuss with you then," William replied.

Charles gave a small nod before disappearing down the hall.

Bertram turned to William. "I'll unlock your room and have it prepared."

He made his way down the dimly lit corridor, reaching William's chambers. Pulling out a key, he inserted it into the lock and turned it. With a quiet click, the door creaked open.