I quickly scooped him up in my arms, trying to comfort him. "Honey dear, we're home now. Do you want Mommy to carry you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice soothing.

Ethan nodded, still sniffling, and I lifted him into my arms. "Let it out, baby. Mommy's here. I'll take care of you," I whispered, trying to calm him down.

As I carried him, I noticed Lord Elesten standing nearby, a look of concern etched on his face. "My lady, let me help you," he offered, but I shook my head.

"It's okay, Lord Elesten. I think I can manage," I said, smiling weakly.

But as I looked down at Ethan's pale face, I knew I had to do something. I couldn't bear to see him suffering like this. So, I did something that might seem reckless to some, but I didn't care. I cast a healing magic, one that I hoped would ease his pain.

As I did, green sparkly butterflies began to appear in the front yard, fluttering around us. The servants and maids gasped in amazement, their eyes wide with wonder.

"Heavens, our lady can do magic!" one of them whispered.

"Did Count Wyrmsley know?" another asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I ignored them, focusing on Ethan. As I gazed at the butterflies, I saw Ethan's eyes light up with wonder. "Mom, they're so beautiful," he breathed, his pain momentarily forgotten.

One of the butterflies flew over and landed on Ethan's nose, making him giggle. "Hehe, Mom, look!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with delight.

As the butterflies danced around us, Ethan's eyelids began to droop. "Mom, I'm sleepy," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Okay, baby. Just rest. Mommy's here," I whispered, carrying him inside.

As we entered the manor, Lord Lance approached us, a look of concern on his face. "My lady, welcome back. How was the banquet?" he asked, his eyes scanning Ethan's pale face.

"It was... eventful," I replied, smiling wryly. "But I'm more concerned about Ethan right now. He's had a fever, and I think he's reverting to his normal form."

Lord Lance nodded, his expression serious. "This is why I didn't want the Duke to venture outside the Duchy's walls. It's not safe for outsiders to know about the curse."

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "I know, Lord Lance. But I couldn't just leave him there."

As we reached Ethan's chamber, Lord Lance helped me put him to bed and administer some medicine. After we ensured he was comfortable, we headed to Lord Elesten's office.

"Your Grace, what you did earlier was reckless," Lord Elesten said, his voice stern. "If the imperial family finds out that you're a sorceress, they'll capture you and take over your magic. How could you be so careless?"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm him down. "I know the risks, Lord Elesten. But I couldn't just stand by and watch Ethan suffer. I had to do something."

Lord Elesten's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "I understand that you care for the Duke deeply, but you can't just put yourself in danger like that. You're a valuable asset to this family, and we can't afford to lose you."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Thank you, Lord Elesten. But I'm not just doing this for the Duke's sake. I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do. And I won't let anyone harm me, not even the imperial family."

As we talked, Lord Lance's expression changed from concern to admiration. "Lady Wyrmsley, I didn't know you cared for the Duchy," he said, his voice low and husky.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden change in tone. "Lord Lance, I think you're misunderstanding things. I'm just trying to—"

But Lord Lance interrupted me, his eyes locked on mine. "No, my lady. I think I'm starting to understand. You're not just a Duchess or a sorceress. You're a woman with a kind heart and a strong will. And I'm grateful to be around you."

I felt a flutter in my chest, but I pushed it aside. I had more important things to focus on, like finding a cure for the curse and keeping my loved ones safe.