『𝙴𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝙾𝚏 𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚢: Part:1』

Chapter→8

Chapter 8: disoriented

As the sun gently caressed the cherubic figure in her cradle, she stirred awake, her tiny form stretching in the soft morning light. Blinking sleepy eyes, she surveyed her surroundings, taking in the familiar sight of the ball and the people around her.

But then, realization dawned upon her—it was not real. Just a dream.

Was she lucid dreaming?

Confusion clouded her thoughts as she grappled with the strange sensation of waking within a dream. Yet, before she could make sense of it all, a familiar figure appeared before her—a young girl, about five years old.

"Hello, milady. You've finally awakened. Everyone was so worried about you, even the Grand Duke," the child greeted.

The mention of the Grand Duke's concern puzzled her. Why would the eccentric Grand Duke Frodium be worried about her?

Perhaps it had to do with her status as his ward, she reasoned. He always harbored animosity towards Freya and sought to control her fate.

But wait...

Why was she still here? Wasn't this supposed to be a lucid dream? This realm was a creation of her subconscious mind.

Yes, it must be a coma induced by her illness.

Meanwhile, the little girl, whom Aurelia Niles had affectionately dubbed the young miss Aldridge, continued to marvel at the chandelier in the Grand Duchess's chamber. It truly was a sight to behold, and Aurelia couldn't help but smile at the child's innocent fascination.

As the Grand Duchess tenderly caressed the child's head, a sudden panic gripped Aurelia. Would the young miss forgive her for her inadvertent familiarity? She feared she had committed a grave error.

Her emotions fluctuated wildly, ranging from terror to guilt. Would this innocent mistake be forgiven by the young miss?

While Aurelia grappled with her turmoil, the young miss, unaware of the maid's inner turmoil, found the maid's shocked expression rather amusing.

But for Aurelia, it dredged up memories of the horrors she had witnessed during the war. The trauma of those experiences resurfaced, leaving her paralyzed with fear.

Meanwhile, the Duchess, roused from her slumber, struggled to sit up. Sensing her distress, the young miss rushed to her aid, her small frame determined to offer assistance.

Just then, a knock resounded on the ornate door, adorned with silver and rubies, signaling the arrival of Adeline, the Duchess's confidante.

With Adeline's warm congratulations on the young miss's four-month milestone, the Duchess swelled with pride, envisioning a future of greatness for her beloved child.

Little did she know, the young miss's destiny would be far from that of an angel or a saint.
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~To be continued ~