The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 55: Under the Owl's Eye

Adeline's fingers moved slowly as she smoothed the parchment and unrolled the scroll. The paper was fine and thick, faintly scented with resin and ink, as though it had been stored with care. The wax seal had already been broken, but the impression of Lucien's mark still lingered along the edge.

Her breath steadied as the words came into view.

Lucien's handwriting was neat and deliberate, each letter formed with quiet precision. There was no ornament to it, only clean, measured strokes, as though every word had been chosen with care. 

Her gaze softened as she read, her shoulders easing just slightly.

Adeline,

I hope this letter reaches you before the night grows too late. I regret that this is the only way I can speak to you today. My business here has required my presence longer than expected, and I would rather not leave it unresolved.

I trust that you are well, and that the estate has not been unkind in my absence. Frankly, I regret leaving you to receive our guest alone, knowing she is the daughter of Count Bourbon.

For your awareness, Diana is observant. She is not someone to be taken lightly, nor easily misled. I believe you have already seen this for yourself, since you have met her by now, but I wished to say it regardless.

Still, I do not believe she will act without purpose beyond what her father has ordered. For now, that is all she will do.

I should have left Quentin there to support you, but unfortunately, he needed to accompany me.

If she says anything that unsettles you, do not carry it alone. Tell me. I will return as soon as I am able. Until then, I trust you to endure and to look after her. Take care of yourself, and remember that you are not alone, even in my absence.

Lucien.

When she reached the end, Adeline lowered the parchment, her fingers resting along its edge as her gaze drifted unfocused across the room. The fear that had gnawed at her since the afternoon did not disappear, but it dulled, retreating enough for her to breathe again.

And yet, the letter carried all of it.

He knew.

Not everything. Not yet.

For now, that was enough.

The words were simple, almost restrained, but Adeline felt the weight beneath them.

He trusted her.

She exhaled slowly, the tightness in her chest easing by degrees. The thought that he could rely on her stirred something warm and unfamiliar within her. Her lips curved into a smile before she realized it, and she forced herself to still it, though the feeling lingered—the weight of the day lifting, little by little.

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The next day, the corridor was bathed in morning light, pale gold spilling through the tall windows and stretching across the stone floor. The manor was quieter at this hour. Most of the servants were occupied elsewhere, leaving the passage undisturbed.

Adeline walked at an unhurried pace through the great hallway leading outside the manor. Her pale blue robe moved gently with each step, worn over her dress. Her hair was slightly tousled, as though she had not bothered to tame it fully.

When she stepped outside, the morning breeze greeted her. The air was crisp as it filled her lungs, drawing a soft sigh from her lips. She did not ask for a servant to accompany her and continued on alone, her steps carrying her onto the cobblestone path. There was little more calming than a morning walk.