The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 53: Whispers Along the Road

The carriage rolled through the woods in a steady rhythm, its wooden wheels crunching softly against the earth below.

Knights rode alongside it, alert and watchful, their eyes scanning the surroundings as they carried out their duty as escorts.

Inside, Clara sat comfortably, her gaze drifting toward the window. She watched the forest bask in the sunlight, pale beams slipping through the trees, which blocked most of the light.

Her green cloak lay folded on the seat beside her, cast aside from her shoulders. From beneath it, Ivy suddenly wriggled free and hopped onto Clara's lap. Her tail wagged in small, eager motions as her bright eyes fixed on Clara, alight with excitement.

Clara turned to her, a smile forming at her lips.

"Are you excited to go back to Veridonia, Ivy?" she asked.

Ivy nodded and let out a cheerful chirp, pressing herself closer.

"I thought so. I am too. I'll get to see Uncle's manor and Miss Rose again before heading to the Academy." Her smile lingered for a moment, then slowly faded as thoughts of her aunt and uncle filled her mind. "But somehow, I still miss them."

Sensing her sadness, Ivy nestled closer, her tail wagging more gently.

Seeing her familiar's quiet comfort, Clara brushed her fingers through Ivy's green fur, which carried a faint scent of flowers.

"Thank you, Ivy. When Uncle sent me away four years ago, I missed him deeply, mostly because he was alone back then. This time feels different." She exhaled softly. "I'm relieved knowing Aunt Adeline is with him now."

Ivy's gaze never left hers. She tilted her head, then nodded.

"And as for Ashwing and Sylvie... I didn't get to say goodbye since they were training with the keepers. I just hope they're alright, now that I've left without a word."

The small green fox chirped in response.

"Heh. You're right. I'm sure they'll be fine. Uncle promised he'd look after them." Clara let out a quiet laugh. "It's been hours since we left, and I can't help but feel... bored."

Silence followed, a shared calm settling between them.

"I made sure to eat breakfast earlier, and Evangeline gave me something before I left, when I visited the bell tower."

She reached into her pocket and withdrew a small artifact. It was a delicate, bracelet-like band of gold, etched with intricate, ancient patterns that caught the light with a soft glow.

"She said this might help me someday. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to wear it now, right?"

Ivy leaned forward to sniff it, her head tilting in clear confusion. She chirped softly, as if urging Clara to wear it.

Carefully, Clara fastened the bracelet around her right wrist. It tightened on its own, fitting snugly against her skin. She waited, half-expecting a reaction, but as the seconds passed, nothing happened.

She sighed.

"Nothing's happening. Maybe it's just Evangeline's way of giving me something to remember her by." A faint smile touched her lips. "Though I did expect something magical."

Leaving the bracelet where it was, Clara glanced around the carriage.

Unbeknownst to her, the artifact shimmered faintly, its gold surface catching the light in a subtle gleam, as though it had stirred at her presence, quietly recognizing its bearer at last.

She reached for the glass window and slid it open. A crisp breeze rushed inside, brushing against her hair.

"Heh, that's better. I'll leave it open for now." She turned to Ivy, who chirped in approval, clearly enjoying the fresh air.