The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 1: Chains of Nobility

🌸Adeline🌿

Another day in Veridonia, the bustling capital of the kingdom. I saw the sunrise through the window, casting a golden glow over the city's rooftops. Below, people moved around my father's estate, busy with their work for the day as the heart of the kingdom hummed with life.

There I was, sitting up in bed, still groggy as I stretched the upper part of my body. A soft knock came from my door, followed by a familiar voice behind it.

"Lady Adeline, the Viscount and Viscountess requested your presence in the dining room for breakfast," she said.

"I understand. Please tell them I'll fix myself up first before I join them," I responded.

"I'll inform them immediately, my lady. Would you like the other maids to help you change?" she offered.

I was about to do it myself, but letting the maids help felt better. I loved how their hands caressed my hair and how they recommended dresses—they always knew my taste.

"Yes, please. I'll be waiting here," I said softly.

I heard the sound of footsteps slowly fading down the hallway. I rose from my bed, not bothering to fix it. It was quite messy.

Did I really move that much last night?

After I finished straightening the blankets, sheets, and pillow, the door creaked open. I turned to see the maids bowing politely. Without a word, they immediately began preparing me for the day.

They bustled around me, each knowing her role in the routine. One began brushing and styling my hair, her gentle fingers weaving through the strands with practiced ease. Another brought a selection of dresses, holding them up for my consideration.

"How about the blue one, my lady? It compliments your eyes," she suggested.

I nodded in agreement, trusting her judgment. The maids assisted me into the dress, fastening the buttons and smoothing out any wrinkles. As they worked, I felt a sense of comfort and familiarity in their efficient movements.

Once I was dressed, one maid brought a tray with a basin of warm water and a towel for me to freshen up. Steam rose gently from the basin, and I dipped my hands into the soothing warmth. The maid handed me a soft cloth, and I used it to gently cleanse my face and hands, feeling the last traces of sleep wash away.

"Thank you," I said as they finished their tasks. "You always know just what to do."

"Of course, my lady," they replied in unison, smiling as they stepped back.

With a final glance in the mirror, I felt ready to face the day. Taking a deep breath, I headed toward the dining area, eager to join my parents for breakfast.

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The dining area of our estate was a testament to Veridonia's riches. As I entered, the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted coffee greeted me. The table was adorned with an array of luxurious foods—delicate pastries filled with rich cream, plump berries glistening with morning dew, platters of smoked salmon, eggs prepared in various styles, and cheeses from the finest dairies. A large crystal bowl held a vibrant fruit salad, each piece meticulously cut and arranged.

My parents were already seated, their expressions unusually guarded. My mother, with her long icy blue hair cascading over her shoulders and striking purple eyes, sat poised with her hands folded neatly in her lap. Beside her, my father's long silver hair gleamed faintly in the sunlight filtering through the windows, his piercing blue eyes—eyes that mirrored my own—fixed on me. My father gestured for me to join them, and as I took my seat, a maid poured me a cup of green tea.