Reborn as the only princess of Cene Kingdom

Chapter 7: The Return of Duke Luther

Months had passed since Princess Stella Luna's arrival in the Empire of Lyria. The vibrant colors of autumn painted the landscape with hues of orange and gold as the days went by. Stella had adapted seamlessly to her royal duties, managing the intricacies of empire administration with a poise and precision that belied her young age. Her time in Lyria had been marked by a flurry of paperwork and formal gatherings, but her dedication to her role had earned her respect and admiration from the Lyrian nobility.

One day, as she was engrossed in reviewing documents related to the empire's affairs, her lady-in-waiting, Lilia, entered the room with a note of excitement in her voice. Lilia's presence was always a source of comfort for Stella; the bond they shared was one of mutual respect and genuine affection. Lilia's announcement was met with a curious lift of Stella's brow.

"Your Highness," Lilia began, her voice carrying a hint of excitement, "I have wonderful news. Grand Duke Luther is returning from his expedition in just three days."

Stella's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Duke Luther. The name carried with it a sense of both intrigue and anticipation. Duke Luther Lysander, the celebrated military hero and master of both swordsmanship and magic, was known throughout the realms for his valor and skill. His return was a momentous occasion for the Empire of Lyria, and the preparations for his homecoming were in full swing.

In the grand hall of the palace, the atmosphere was electric with activity. Servants scurried about, arranging decorations and setting the stage for a grand celebration. The hall, resplendent with banners and flowers, was being prepared for what promised to be an elaborate affair. The air was thick with the scent of fresh blooms and the sound of excited chatter.

Grand Duchess Anne, a figure of elegance and grace, was particularly animated. Her joy at her son's return was palpable. She was known for her beauty and kindness, and her happiness was infectious. Duke Luther's achievements had made her proud, but there was an underlying concern that had been expressed during their private conversations. Despite Luther's accomplishments, the Grand Duchess was anxious about finding a suitable match for him—a concern that was shared by many in Lyria's high society.

As Stella observed the flurry of activity, the Grand Duchess approached her with a warm smile. "Stella, dear, I must tell you how delighted I am that you are here for this special occasion. Duke Luther's return is a momentous event, and your presence adds to the significance of this celebration."

Stella bowed gracefully, acknowledging the Grand Duchess's words. "Thank you, Your Grace. It is an honor to be here and to celebrate such a distinguished return."

The Grand Duchess's eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and hope. "If you ever find yourself inclined to consider a future with our Duke, know that it would bring great joy to us. But of course, I understand that you are still young, and there is much life to experience."

Stella offered a polite smile, though her thoughts were elsewhere. At fifteen, she was aware of the pressures that came with her royal status, including the potential for arranged marriages. However, she had no desire to rush into such matters. Her focus remained on fulfilling her duties and enjoying her present experiences.

The day of Duke Luther's return arrived with much fanfare. The palace was adorned with festive decorations, and the grand hall was transformed into a splendid venue for the celebration. Stella was dressed in an elegant gown that accentuated her beauty. The gown, with its intricate embroidery and flowing design, highlighted her golden curls and emerald eyes. Despite its beauty, Stella found the gown a bit too alluring for her taste, though Lilia assured her it was both appropriate and sophisticated.

The grand entrance of Duke Luther was met with thunderous applause. As Stella descended the grand staircase, she was acutely aware of the eyes that followed her every move. The grand hall was filled with guests from various realms, and the atmosphere was one of high spirits and excitement.