The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 10: Whispers of Frost

The surroundings cast a golden light over the sprawling gardens of the Duke's estate. The wind carried the thick scent of blooming lavender and the earthy fragrance of the old stone walls that lined the grounds. Adeline walked slowly, her eyes are scanning, taking in every detail, while Clara skipped a few steps ahead, her bright gaze darting from one flower bed to the next.

"Duchess! Look at this!" Clara called out, crouching beside a patch of wildflowers near the fountain. The flowers had vibrant, bright blue petals, and their leaves were narrow, grayish-green, and slightly hairy. Her fingers brushed against the fringed petals. "They just grew out of nowhere when I made these places burst with green, and they're so pretty!"

Adeline smiled, though her own attention was drawn to something further off, a tiny path, half-hidden among overgrown ivy and vines, with an air of mystery in its untamed direction. The wind blew gently behind her, almost as if encouraging her to follow.

She made a mental note of it but said nothing for now. Instead, she walked over to Clara and knelt beside her, appreciating the child's fascination.

"Yes, I see," Adeline said, gently caressing a petal. "These are called cornflowers. Did you know they were originally used to cure fevers?"

Clara's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? How do you know that, Duchess?"

"I used to explore places, when I was your age," Adeline replied, warmth in her voice. "I was always curious about the world around me."

Clara beamed up at her, admiration shining in her golden eyes. "You were like me?"

Adeline chuckled softly. "Yes, just like you."

Their giggles echoed softly through the garden, mingling with the rustle of leaves as Adeline and Clara walked side by side, like explorers in an untamed estate.

Adeline pointed out everything as they wandered, footprints of small creatures, the dangerous plants that seemed to sprout randomly from the soil. She willingly shared what she knew, as if like imparting the wisdom of someone who had spent a lifetime navigating this strange, living landscape. But even as she taught Clara, something lingered at the side of her thoughts.

The garden bloomed so fiercely when Clara is around, her magic bringing it to life in unexpected ways. Yet there was something unsettling in the growth, random plants erupting from the earth, wild vines twisting in strange, unpredictable patterns. It was as if the Sylva she wielded had taken on a life of its own, its force both breathtaking and dangerously uncontrollable.

"Duchess, you're so smart about all this," Clara said suddenly, her voice bright, eyes gleaming with curiosity. There was a childlike wonder in her expression that always made Adeline grin.

Adeline's smile wavered, though, just for a heartbeat. "I was taught by someone, a person I held very dear..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes distant for a moment. The sadness was almost imperceptible, but Clara seemed to notice.

"What happened?" Clara asked gently.

Adeline blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. She gave Clara a sidelong glance. She hadn't expected the girl to notice the shift in her mood so quickly.

Like Lucien she's is quite sharp too.

"She disappeared, no one knows where she is." Adeline mumbled, the words slipping out like an old wound reopened.

Clara paused, her brow furrowing. "I'm sorry, Duchess..." she began softly, but Adeline quickly waved it away, forcing a smile.

"It was a long time ago," she said, her voice regaining its usual strength. "No need to dwell on it now." She straightened her posture, stepping forward as if to leave the past behind with the next step. The light breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers around them, and she breathed in deeply, letting the fresh air fill her lungs.