The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 14: Through Golden Eyes

The world around Adeline shifted as the dream wrapped itself around her. She felt weightless, like a ghost lingering in a memory she had no place in. The scene unfolded before her as if she were peering into a window she couldn't open.

Morning light bathed the iron gates of a sprawling estate in a pale, golden hue. Two figures stood, facing each other just inside the gate. One of them carried a more authoritative presence. His soft black hair, parted off center, framed his handsome features. He exuded an unsettling calmness; his dark blue eyes, like polished sapphires, never left the other man.

Behind the second man, a little girl clung to the back of his trouser. Her wide, golden eyes beneath her bangs brimmed with fear that clung to her like a shadow.

"It's good to see you again, Duke Lucien," the second man began. "It's been eight years since we last met; back then, you were only fourteen. My deepest condolences for the tragedy that struck your family that same year and left you as Duke of Wintermere."

Lucien's sharp gaze didn't leave the older man's face, though he could see the trembling child behind him. His voice was low but firm as he spoke.

"You know why I'm here, Viscount Gerard Branwen."

"Straight to the point as expected, I see," Gerard replied, his tone light, almost dismissive. "You're here to see your niece, yes? She's been doing well, as healthy as ever, there's no need for concern."

Lucien's eyes narrowed. He studied Gerard's face, searching. Something in his gut felt wrong, in a way he couldn't yet name. He approached Clara and glanced down at her, crouching down to meet her at eye level.

"Clara..." Lucien stopped with his word as he noticed his niece's expression.

The moment their eyes met, Clara shrank back, hiding behind Gerard as if his mere presence terrified her.

"No... please, don't..." she whimpered, her voice barely a whisper. There was panic in her trembling words.

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Lucien's face, a subtle tension that softened just as quickly as it appeared. He had never been good at showing warmth, and perhaps that stern exterior was what scared her.

Gerard's voice interrupted the tense moment with an edge of impatience. "I am afraid you're frightening her. She just needs some time to warm up to you, my dear daughter's brother-in-law. There's really no reason to worry."

Lucien didn't respond immediately. His eyes lingered on Clara, who was now peeking at him with a mixture of dread and something else he couldn't quite place. A knot twisted in his stomach. Was it just his cold demeanor that made her fearful? Or was there something more behind her panic?

He rose to his feet slowly, turning to Gerard. His smile was thin, almost imperceptible.

"I'll be taking my leave, then, since I arrived here in Veridonia, know well that I will visit her sometimes." he said, his tone deceptively polite. But the coldness in his voice was unmistakable, his icy and unrelenting gaze never left Gerard's face.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Adeline felt the same as she watched the scene unfold—Clara's terror wasn't merely a reaction to him. But for now, Lucien had no proof, only a nagging suspicion he couldn't yet name.

As he turned to go, Adeline felt an urge to pull him back, as if she knew where this was heading if he left Clara with that man.

Lucien kept his back straight and his steps steady, but his mind raced. Behind him, he could feel Gerard watching him. Though no more words were exchanged, Lucien knew he would return. Clara's terror was not something he could ignore.