"Crazy In Love"

[CHAPTER 6] - BREAKING THE ICE

Butler Florence's Pov:

I was doing my usual chores. After completing my work, I left for the kitchen to check if the food is to the liking of the new duchess since I don't know her for now. That's when I heard the new maidens of duchess talking. The little one said, "I think she'll like this petal shower of roses tonight, right sister roselle? Then she answered Yeah, maybe you're right. By the way what do both of you think of the new duchess? I found her intriguing. What about you? The one named Claraine answered, "I found her straight and clear. She knows what she's up to, that is why we should also know what we should do. And that is to not poke around into your master's affairs and do your work diligently. Understood! Both of them nodded their head in agreement. It seems like the new duchess is not what I heard from other people! Then I quickly paced up towards the duke's room to call him on the breakfast. Since, this morning will be quite interesting with a new member. "Good morning, Duke! Breakfast is ready. You may hurry up as the new duchess is also joining you today at the table," I said. Okay, he remarked.

Magnus's Pov:

I woke up as usual. As usual butler Florence called me for breakfast but today is a little different from the other days. I never thought ever in my life I'll be this nervous because of a tiny girl. Indeed, she was tiny. So tiny. Everyone in the north has quite a liking for heights. It's in our genes. Even the shortest girl in the whole north is also short up to six feet one inches. It'll be quite a pain in the ass for her since she is this short. Still, she's cute. Ahem! Seems I'm finally going crazy. Just a little girl nothing to be scared of.

As I entered the grand dining room, the morning light streaming through the tall windows, my eyes fell upon the Duchess. It was her first day in this new role, and I couldn't help but recall the fleeting glimpse I had of her the day before. Hidden behind the heavy velvet curtains in the hallway, I saw her—a meek figure with dusky skin, dressed in an old, yet clean and noble attire that seemed more fitting for a maid than a lady of her stature.

Now, seated at the breakfast table, she looked up at me with a mixture of apprehension and determination. Her dark honey eyes, which I didn't notice before, held a quiet strength. The dress, though still the same, seemed to carry a different aura in the morning light. It was as if the simplicity of her attire highlighted her natural grace and dignity, qualities that were not immediately apparent in the dim hallway.

I took my seat; my mind was racing with thoughts. I had underestimated her, I realized. There was more to this Duchess than meet the eye. Her presence, though understated, commanded a certain respect. I wondered what stories lay behind those eyes, what experiences had shaped her into the woman she was today. As I reached for my cup of tea, I decided that I would make an effort to know her better, to understand the depths of her character that were not visible at first glance.

Autumn's Pov:

As I prepared for my first breakfast in the grand dining room, my hands trembled slightly while fastening the buttons of my mother's old dress. I had chosen this dress deliberately; it was a symbol of my past, a connection to my roots, and a reminder of the values my mother had instilled in me. The dress, though old, was meticulously maintained, exuding a quiet elegance that spoke of dignity and resilience.

My aura was a blend of nervousness and determination today. I knew that today would set the tone for my future in this new role also As I walked through the hallway, the weight of the stares from the servants and other household members made me feel awkward and self-conscious. I could sense their curiosity and judgment, and it took all my willpower to keep my head held high.

My thoughts about the duke were a mix of apprehension and intrigue. I had heard whispers about him being a grim reaper, a man of few words and stern demeanor. Yet, I wondered if there was more to him than the rumors suggested. What kind of man was he really? What lay beneath that austere exterior?