The Duchess

chapter 13

Chapter 13: A Union of Strength and Shadows

The castle was alive with celebration. Music echoed through the halls, and the scent of fresh blooms filled the air. Hanna, dressed in her finest attire, stood at the head of the ceremony, her heart swelling with pride as her brother, Rian, and Irina exchanged their vows. The union wasn't just a personal milestone-it was a symbol of hope and resilience for their people.

Hanna's speech followed the ceremony, her voice steady as she spoke of love, loyalty, and the strength found in unity. Her gaze flickered to the crowd, briefly catching Prince Allen's smirk. He stood at the edge of the gathering, uninvited but not unwelcome.

As the reception began, Hanna noticed a servant behaving oddly, slipping into the shadows after delivering a note to a cloaked figure. Always on alert, Hanna excused herself and followed the figure through a quiet corridor. She kept her steps light, her hand ready on her dagger.

In the dimly lit hallway, she overheard a hushed conversation.

"The attack is scheduled-"
"Quiet," the cloaked figure hissed. "We'll speak when the festivities are over."

A chill ran down Hanna's spine. The servant hurried off, and the figure disappeared into the darkness. Left behind was a small piece of parchment with an unfamiliar symbol-twisting lines that resembled a serpent coiling around a dagger.

Hanna tucked the parchment into her sleeve, deciding not to disrupt the wedding but silently vowing to uncover the threat.

Returning to the reception, Hanna found herself cornered by Prince Allen, who offered her his hand for a dance. "Surely the Duchess won't deny a prince the honor," he teased.

"I can and I will," Hanna replied, her voice sharp.

Allen grinned, undeterred. "Then I'll simply have to insist."

He led her to the dance floor, his grip firm but not forceful. The music swirled around them, but their words were sharper than any melody.

"I don't trust you," Hanna said bluntly, her eyes locked on his.

"I'm not asking for your trust," Allen replied, his voice low and serious. "Just a chance."

When the dance ended, he followed her to a quiet alcove. His teasing demeanor faded as he stepped closer, brushing a stray hair from her face. "Stop pushing me away, Hanna. You feel it too."

Her breath hitched, but she forced herself to step back. "I can't forget who you are, Allen. Or who I am."

With that, she turned and left, ignoring the ache in her chest.

Meanwhile, Rian and Irina slipped away from the crowd to the castle gardens. The moon cast a silvery glow on the flowers, and the air was quiet save for the distant hum of celebration.

Irina rested her head on Rian's shoulder. "I still can't believe you finally worked up the courage to ask me."

Rian chuckled, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "I had to be sure you'd say yes. You're terrifying when you're angry."

Irina laughed, the sound soft and genuine. "And you're insufferable, but I love you anyway."

Their laughter faded as Rian leaned down, their lips meeting in a kiss that spoke of promises and hope. Beneath the starlit sky, their love felt unbreakable.

Hanna returned to the party, her mind heavy with what she'd witnessed. She caught sight of Rian and Irina, their joy radiating in every glance they shared. For a moment, Hanna allowed herself to smile, but the parchment in her sleeve felt like a weight pulling her back to reality.

The night ended with cheers and toasts, but as Hanna retreated to her chambers, the ominous symbol lingered in her thoughts. The wedding was a celebration of love and unity, but Hanna couldn't shake the feeling that danger loomed just beyond the castle walls.