The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 4: Echoes of Sorrow

In the garden of the duke's manor in the capital, vibrant flowers surrounded the area, with butterflies flitting about. The morning sun cast a majestic light over the garden.

It's such a beautiful day in Veridonia, isn't it?

I thought to myself as I headed to the gazebo in the middle of the garden, carrying a tray with the tea set the duchess had requested.

As I approached, I could see her smiling at me, her icy blue hair slightly tousled by the gentle breeze.

Now that I think about it, Duke Lucien certainly had good taste in women.

"Duchess, here is the green tea you requested," I said, keeping my tone respectful but stern.

Maintaining a straight face and controlled voice is second nature to me now—after all, habits are hard to break.

"Thank you, Rose," she said, looking at me as if she wanted me to join her.

"Pardon, madam, but I still have work to do," I replied with a courteous bow.

Understanding her intent, I turned to leave, but she gently caught my hand.

"Please? You're the only one I can really talk to here. The other servants are kind, but I'm still a bit shy. I'm worried that if I keep acting like this, they might think I'm an easy target. And besides, I wanted to thank you for helping me with the paperwork yesterday. What do you say?" She smiled, her blue eyes pleading.

Oh, Duke, you should know how lucky you are.

"You flatter me, madam. If that's what you wish, I'll happily oblige," I said, taking a seat across from her where the tea was set.

Her eyes widened as she noticed the croissant on the tray.

"Oh, there's also croissants here! What a coincidence," she said with a smile.

Well, that's because it's the duke's order. He probably knows you well, Duchess.

"To be frank, madam, it was the Duke's idea," I said bluntly, watching her gasp softly.

"How did he know?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.

Knowing the Duke, he has his ways.

"I don't know, Your Grace," I replied simply. "But I do know Duke Lucien tends to be thorough."

Her surprised expression shifts into a smile, but I can see a trace of venom lurking beneath it.

I can only assume it has something to do with yesterday.

"Ah, I see even that ba—ahem, I must say, I'm grateful he's so considerate. Perhaps I should thank him personally when I return to Wintermere."

"Yes, Your Grace," I reply, keeping my face impassive.

She nods, her blue eyes scanning me with an intensity that makes my guard rise.

"Is there something on my face, Your Grace?" I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"No," she replies flatly, "but I can't help but wonder—are you a knight, or something of the sort? It's the way you move and the strength you showed yesterday, lifting those papers."

So she noticed. Well, there's no point in hiding it. She deserves to know the truth, now that she's a part of House Valenhart and a wife to a duke I served faithfully.

"Your Grace, I wasn't always a maid. Before this, I was a knight. A former vice captain of the Frostblade, Rose Marwood." I pause, meeting her gaze as steadily as I can, though I feel a surge of vulnerability. This is not something I share lightly with anyone other than the Duke and my former comrades.