The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 59: A Portrait of Winter Light

The night deepened as silence settled along the manor hallway. A lone lantern flickered against the wall, its light pushing back the dark in soft, trembling waves.

Inside her chamber, Adeline sat on the edge of her bed, with Lucien beside her. Not too close, yet not far enough to feel distant. She lowered her gaze for a moment before a faint smile curved her lips.

"I must apologize, Your Grace, that we ended up like this. My sitting room is still under repair, and I dismissed the workers early to let them rest," she said, her voice smooth and composed.

"It's alright. I won't be here for long anyway," Lucien replied.

"Though I admit, your wish to speak with me was quite a surprise, your grace, especially at this hour." She tilted her head slightly. "If there is anything I can help you with, please feel free to tell me."

Lucien paused, choosing his words carefully before speaking. "I am heading to Veridonia to settle matters with the other duchies and the Emperor. The Dark Lord's existence is not something to underestimate, so I intend to inform them." His gaze settled on her. "I came to tell you that whether you choose to remain here or accompany me to Veridonia is entirely your decision. And if you have any thoughts or questions regarding this matter... or about my decision, you are free to ask."

Adeline's eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her face. Lifting her gaze to meet his fully, she spoke with quiet steadiness.

"I understand. To be honest, when we encountered the Dark Lord before, it felt as though I stood before an entity whose calm demeanor concealed something deeply menacing. It was suffocating. His plan to have us killed and leave Clara to suffer for it is something I cannot stand. I believe your decision to inform the other duchies and the Emperor is wise. So I agree with you."

Her hand shifted slightly at her side, almost brushing against his.

"And more than anything," she continued gently, "I would like to go to Veridonia with you as well."

At her words, Lucien felt his heart fluttered slightly. Warmth spread through his chest and rose faintly to his face, though the flush was subtle enough to go unnoticed unless one looked closely.

"Are you... certain about this?" he asked.

"I meant what I said, Your Grace," Adeline replied without hesitation. Her gaze drifted toward the window. "Thanks to you, I'll be able to see my parents again, and I can't help but feel eager to meet them."

Lucien stilled as realization crept in. He let out a quiet, restrained sigh.

Of course. What did I expect?

He straightened slightly.

"I see... and of course, you are free to visit them once we arrive. We will leave Wintermere the day after tomorrow. I have already instructed my familiar to inform the Emperor in advance."

Adeline paused, blinking at him. "You... you have a familiar, Your Grace?"

Lucien's brow furrowed slightly. His expression went blank, not cold, not irritated, just plainly confused as to why this was surprising.

"I believe you have already met him," he said evenly. "The one who delivered my letter to you when Diana was here."

"You mean that owl?" she asked, a small breath escaping her.

He nodded once.

A soft chuckle slipped from Adeline's lips. It was not mocking, but merely startled and a little amused.

Lucien glanced at her. "What's so amusing?"

She tried to suppress it, pressing her fingers lightly against her lips before finally composing herself. "I... I am sorry. It is just that you having a familiar was not something I expected. You do not seem like someone who would rely on one. If I may ask, what is his name?"