The Duchess

chapter 4

Hanna watched the scene unfold with a mixture of disbelief and irritation. Her brother's carefree attitude grated on her nerves, especially with this mysterious girl Elias in tow. She crossed her arms, her voice sharp.

"Well, now that you've brought home a stray, what exactly do you plan to do with her? Does she have a purpose here, or is this just another one of your impulsive decisions?"

Her brother raised an eyebrow and smirked, his relaxed demeanor unwavering. "She's harmless, Hanna. Besides, isn't charity a virtue? You might try it sometime."

Hanna glared at him, then turned to Elias. The girl stood there awkwardly, fidgeting with the hem of her cloak, clearly out of place in the grand estate. Something about her unsettled Hanna, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Irina," Hanna said, her tone firm. "Make sure our guest settles in... and keep an eye on her."

"Yes, Duchess," Irina said, bowing slightly before motioning to Elias. "Come with me. I'll show you to your room."

As they walked away, Hanna pulled her brother aside. "We don't have time for distractions. The Northern Army is on the move, and we're stretched thin as it is. If this girl causes problems-"

"She won't," he interrupted, his tone softening. "Trust me, Hanna. She's been through enough. Besides, you've got bigger things to worry about than Elias."

Hanna huffed, watching as he strode off toward his quarters.

Later that evening, Hanna stood in the castle's main hall, staring out the tall windows as the moonlight bathed the grounds in silver. Puppers lay at her feet, snoring softly. Her mind raced, torn between the looming threat of war and the strange unease Elias's presence brought.

Footsteps echoed behind her, and Irina entered, her expression unreadable.

"Well?" Hanna asked without turning around.

"She's... strange," Irina admitted. "Quiet, polite, but there's something about her that doesn't feel right."

Hanna frowned. "Keep an eye on her. If she's hiding something, I want to know."

Irina nodded, then hesitated. "There's something else."

"What?"

"The Duke..." Irina paused, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "He-uh-might have said some things. About me."

Hanna smirked for the first time all day, turning to face her friend. "Let me guess. He's still shameless?"

Irina groaned. "Completely."

Hanna chuckled softly, but her laughter faded as a loud, piercing howl echoed through the night. Puppers leapt to his feet, growling at the window.

Hanna's expression hardened. "The Northern wolves are here."