The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 52: Parting Paths

The morning mist clung low over Wintermere's harbor, drifting between rows of wooden ships moored along the stone pier. Their hulls creaked softly against the water, ropes stretching and swaying as dockworkers hauled crates of grain and bundled goods up the gangplanks.

Cold northern wind swept across the port in gentle bursts, carrying the scent of salt and damp timber. Lanterns still burned dimly along the pier, their flames trembling in the pale dawn as merchants muttered to one another and sailors tightened the rigging.

Amidst the noise and movement, a woman cloaked in black slipped through the bustling pier, her hood drawn low against the cold wind.

It was Melissa, leaving Wintermere at last.

Her satchel rested comfortably at her side. Her eyes stayed forward, determined and refusing to look back, yet filled with the quiet satisfaction that came from completing the purpose that had kept her in this realm.

She approached a man in a blue uniform who stared at her calmly. His gray mustache nearly covered his lips, a short beard framing his jaw, and his raised brow carried a hint of confusion. He looked like a man who had spent a lifetime at sea.

"Miss, can I help you?" he asked. His voice carried the rough, steady tone of someone used to shouting over storms.

"Are you the captain about to board this ship?" Melissa asked.

"Indeed I am," the captain said.

"Well," Melissa steadied her breath, "I wish to board this ship. I heard this one was heading to Bryndale."

The captain's gaze narrowed as he looked over her cloak, her satchel, and the way she stood without trembling despite the cold wind.

He crossed his arms. "If that's the case, do you have a passage? The ledger is closing soon."

Melissa reached into her cloak and produced a small leather pouch. The faint jingle of coins sounded as she placed it in his hand.

"A full fare," she said quietly. "And I promise I won't cause any trouble. I only ask to be taken aboard."

The captain loosened the pouch's strings just enough to glimpse the silver inside. His brow eased.

"Fair payment." He nodded once and tucked the pouch into his coat. "Very well. I'll add your name to the manifest. The ship departs in half an hour. You're fortunate you arrived when you did—you're the last passenger I'll be taking aboard. Stay close."

Melissa bowed her head. "Understood, and thank you, Captain."

The captain only nodded and took his leave to join the others for preparations.

But just as she was about to take a step forward, a feminine voice came from behind her.

"Leaving already without telling me? I think I've heard that before."

Melissa stopped in her tracks, a knowing smile curving slightly on her lips. She turned her head over her shoulder.

A blue-cloaked figure stepped forward, hood pulled low. As she approached, a strand of icy blue hair slipped free and framed her face.

"Ehehe. If you mean ten years ago, when I disappeared... then yes," Melissa replied softly. "I did expect you to find me, somehow. I taught you to read signs well enough."

"Are you really certain about this, Melissa? You could have stayed in the estate for a while. And... did you tell my husband about this?"

"Yes, my lady. I am indeed certain of going back to Bryndale, and you don't have to worry about the Duke. I already asked for his permission earlier. Surprisingly, he even handed me some of his coins and insisted I take them. He also asked that I should inform you, and now here we are."