The Duke's Bastard

Chapter 2: A Morning in Devereaux Hall

Lucas opened his blue eyes as he woke slowly. The world was a soft blur, shapes and colors swimming lazily before his eyes. He blinked against the gentle morning light filtering through heavy drapes, struggling to make sense of where he was.

He turned his head slightly on the plush pillow, taking in the rich tapestries on the walls, the elegant furniture, and the opulent bed in which he lay.

Where am I?

Lucas sat up slowly, his muscles stiff from an unusually deep sleep. The room felt too large, too luxurious, and far removed from what he was used too all his life. His heart quickened as he tried to remember how he had come to be here. 

It didn't take long for him to remember.

The events of the previous day flooded back in a rush: The long journey in the carriage, the estate of Devereaux Hall, the overwhelming introductions to his siblings.

The memory settled over him like a heavy shroud. This was his new home, the place he was supposed to belong now. Devereaux Hall. The name felt foreign on his tongue.

...How long did I sleep for?

He glanced towards the window, where the morning light streamed in, bright and golden. Panic flickered through him. 

Morning? How could it be morning already? 

He had only meant to take a short nap, to rest his weary body after the exhausting journey. He hadn't intended to sleep through the night.

"I slept all night?" Lucas murmured to himself, his voice sounding small in the vast room. He stood up slowly, the room spinning for a moment as he adjusted to being awake.

He rose walked towards the window, the early morning light casting a soft, golden glow over everything it touched. It was still very early in the morning.

"Did they not come to wake me? I think that maid, Clarisse, said she would come to my room later to fetch me, right?"

Lucas was a little confused, but most of all he was unsure what to do now. He was in a large room, his room, in an even larger, unfamiliar house.

He turned towards the door. He could see a golden bell there.

Walter told me to ring it if I needed anything...

Lucas walked over and picked it up, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship. He had no doubt this bell alone was more valuable than everything in his old home combined.

He gave it a gentle ring, its clear tone echoing softly through the room. He waited, expecting someone to appear. But the minutes passed in silence; no one came.

Maybe nobody is up yet? I suppose I could take this chance to explore the house myself.

At that moment, Lucas's stomach let out a rumbling sound.

I suppose I'm also hungry! Maybe I'll try to find the kitchen. 

Lucas took a deep breath and stepped out into the corridor, feeling some hesitation.

-

Lucas wandered through the hallways of Devereaux Hall, each step echoing on the polished floors. He passed by rooms filled with ornate furniture, walls lined with portraits of stern-faced ancestors, and tapestries depicting scenes of hunts and ballrooms.

As he turned a corner, lost in the sheer scale of the place, he collided with someone.

"Ow!" Came the sharp, surprised exclamation.