The Duchess

chapter 10

Chapter 10: A Treaty of Peace

The grand hall of Winterlin was bathed in the golden glow of midday sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows. Hanna sat at the head of a long table, her black hair shimmering and her red eyes focused on the parchment before her. The peace treaty-a culmination of months of negotiation-lay waiting for her signature.

Prince Allen, seated across from her, watched her with a quiet intensity. His admiration was evident in the slight curve of his lips and the softness in his gaze. "You've done well, Duchess," he said, breaking the silence. "Negotiating peace after so much bloodshed is no small feat."

Hanna met his eyes, her expression calm but guarded. "It is my duty. Elarion has lost enough. Peace is the only way forward."

Allen leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "Your family has always inspired loyalty. Even now, you uphold their legacy with grace. I heard you were only a child when you lost them. Yet here you are-leading armies, managing estates, and now signing a treaty that will change history."

Hanna's fingers tightened around the quill in her hand, but her voice remained steady. "They taught me to prioritize the well-being of others. That's all I've tried to do."

There was a pause as Allen studied her. His voice softened. "You're remarkable, Hanna. I mean that."

Hanna blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. She cleared her throat and lowered her gaze to the treaty. "If you're done flattering me, perhaps we should proceed with the signing."

Allen chuckled, but there was no mockery in it. "Of course." He rose and walked to her side, the treaty between them a symbol of the bridge they were building.

As Hanna dipped her quill into the inkpot, her mind flickered to the countless lives that would be spared, the families that would stay whole. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on her, but she bore it with the strength she had always shown.

Allen placed his hand gently on the edge of the table, his presence close enough to send a shiver down her spine. "You're doing something extraordinary," he murmured. "This treaty is more than a piece of parchment. It's hope."

Hanna nodded, her resolve firm. With a final flourish, she signed her name. The ink glistened for a moment before drying, sealing the future of their kingdoms.

The room seemed to hold its breath before Allen spoke again. "To peace," he said, his voice warm.

"To peace," Hanna replied, her tone softer than before.

As the attendants moved to take the treaty for safekeeping, Allen lingered. His admiration for her was evident in the way he watched her-appreciating not just her beauty but her unwavering strength.

"May I escort you to the garden?" he asked. "I believe we've both earned a moment to breathe."

Hanna hesitated but nodded. "Very well."

In the garden, the crisp air carried the scent of blooming roses. Allen walked beside her, his hands clasped behind his back. "You amaze me, Hanna. You've achieved what many thought impossible."

She glanced at him, her defenses momentarily lowered. "And yet, there is so much left to do."

"You won't have to do it alone," he said softly.

Hanna turned her gaze forward, her heart uncertain but her mind clear. The road ahead was long, but for the first time, she felt the faintest glimmer of something she had almost forgotten-hope.