Mr. & Mrs Meropide

Chapter Six: Unspoken Sentiments

The Duke received his package the very next day. He was quite excited; nobody ever wrote him anything outside of business or formality. This was quite the occasion for him. As he opened the neatly wrapped parcel, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. The selection of fine teas was impressive, each one carefully chosen with his tastes in mind. But what intrigued him the most was the letter that accompanied the gift.

Wriothesley carefully unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the elegantly penned words. Clorinde had written far more than he expected—a full letter instead of the brief note he had anticipated. As he read, he found himself drawn into her world, sharing in her experiences and thoughts.

She wrote about her visit to the Opéra Epiclese and the magic show she attended, describing the sense of wonder it had instilled in her. The way she detailed the tricks, the joy on the faces of the audience, and the brief respite it had provided from her duties, all painted a vivid picture in his mind. He could almost hear the gasps of the crowd and see the sparkle in her eyes as she recounted the event.

Wriothesley chuckled softly as he continued reading. Clorinde had a way of conveying her thoughts that felt both sincere and refreshingly candid. She spoke of the respect they had built for one another, a connection formed on mutual understanding. It was clear that their relationship had grown beyond mere professional courtesy, and she valued it deeply.

As he reached the end of the letter, Wriothesley paused, letting the words sink in. It wasn't just the tea or the letter that moved him, but the fact that Clorinde had taken the time to share these moments with him. In the often harsh and isolating environment of the fortress, such gestures were rare and precious.

He carefully folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. The teas would be enjoyed, certainly, but the letter—that was something he would treasure.

Just as he was about to put the package aside, a small knock came at his door. Sigewinne entered, carrying a similar package. "This just arrived for me," she said, her eyes bright with curiosity. "It seems Clorinde sent me some pastries!"

Wriothesley smiled, watching as Sigewinne eagerly opened her gift. "She has a way of making people feel appreciated, doesn't she?"

Sigewinne nodded enthusiastically. "She does! It's not often we get surprises like this."

As Sigewinne unwrapped a delicate pastry and took a bite, Wriothesley reflected on how much Clorinde's gesture had meant to him. It was a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, connections could be made, and small acts of kindness could make all the difference.

"How are the pastries?" Wriothesley asked, his tone lighter than usual.

"They're wonderful!" Sigewinne replied, offering him one. "Would you like to try?"

He accepted the offer, and as they shared the pastries, the atmosphere in the room felt warmer, more personal. It was a small moment of camaraderie, one that reminded Wriothesley of the simple but meaningful connections that could brighten even the most challenging days.

Later that evening, as Wriothesley sipped a cup of the new tea, he couldn't help but think of Clorinde and the letter she had written. He wondered if she knew just how much her words had meant to him, and if she felt the same way about the connection they had developed.

As he savored the warmth of the tea, his thoughts drifted to the surface—a place he hadn't allowed himself to think much about in recent years. Clorinde's descriptions had stirred something deep within him, a longing he hadn't realized he still harbored. He sometimes wondered about the surface, the bustling streets, the vibrant markets, and the clear skies. Her letter had made him miss it a bit, reminding him of a life he had left behind.