Chapter Four – A New Dawn (Part Two)

Amelia's reflection in the mirror shimmered with elegance and grace, yet beneath the layers of silk and jewels, a nagging question tugged at her thoughts. "Why am I being dressed up like this?" she murmured softly, the words hanging in the air.

Before the maid could respond, the Duke's voice cut through the silence, his tone as curt as ever. "Because my nephew is coming," he replied, his gaze flickering briefly towards Amelia before returning to its usual impassive state.

A flutter of excitement danced in Amelia's chest as the Duke took her hand, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through her. "You look beautiful," he said softly, his words causing her heart to skip a beat. She struggled to maintain her composure, fighting to keep her emotions in check at the unexpected compliment from such a reserved man.

With a curt nod, Amelia managed to reply, "Thank you." She forced a smile, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "You look handsome too."

The Duke's eyebrows lifted in surprise at her unusually dry response, but he said nothing, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before turning away. Amelia breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the brief reprieve from his intense scrutiny.

As they walked through the corridors of the castle, the Duke's presence loomed large beside her, his demeanor as imposing as ever. Amelia stole glances at him from the corner of her eye, trying to decipher the enigmatic man who had become her husband.

"Tell me, Your Grace," she ventured tentatively, breaking the silence that hung between them. "What is your nephew like?"

The Duke's lips tightened into a thin line, his expression unreadable. "He is my late brother's son," he replied curtly. "A bright boy, but he has been through much. He will be the heir to the Duchy of Rosewood."

Amelia nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. This was her chance to make a difference, to rewrite the story and change the fate of the young boy who would soon enter their lives.

As they continued their journey through the castle, Amelia couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding her. Everywhere she looked, there were signs of wealth and extravagance—ornate tapestries, gilded furnishings, and priceless works of art adorned the walls. It was as if she had stepped into a fairy tale, where every whim was catered to and every desire fulfilled.

The Duke's wealth was staggering, beyond anything she could have imagined. It was as if he lived in a world of his own creation, where the rules of ordinary life simply did not apply. Amelia found herself struggling to keep up, her mind reeling from the sheer magnitude of it all.

Finally, they arrived at the courtyard, where they would await the arrival of the Duke's nephew. As they stood side by side, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, Amelia felt a sense of anticipation building within her.