Chapter 14: Eleanor's Determination

(Eleanor's PoV)

Eleanor sat on her bed, legs swinging back and forth as she stared out the window. The view of the nearly finished greenhouse filled her heart with a mix of pride and worry. The workers were gone for the day, leaving only the stillness of the night and the gentle creaking of wood settling into place. Soon, the crops would grow, and everything would be better. The food shortage would be one less problem. But it wasn't just the greenhouse that occupied her thoughts. 

Her brother, Marcus, had been so busy. After finishing the greenhouse project, he hadn't even taken a breath before starting on something new—meeting with traders and businessmen from neighboring kingdoms. He was always working, always thinking ahead. He was the Grand Duke now, and Eleanor knew it was his job to take care of the duchy, but… 

Her small fingers curled into fists as she frowned. **He's pushing himself too hard.**

She could see it, even if he didn't admit it. The tiredness in his eyes, the way his shoulders slumped when he thought no one was looking. He hadn't been the same since their parents passed. Even if he smiled and pretended everything was fine, Eleanor knew better. He was hurting, and he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. 

"I'm going to grow up really big and strong," she whispered to herself, clenching her fists tighter. "Then I'll be able to protect him, just like he's protecting me now."

Eleanor's gaze drifted to the mirror across the room, where her reflection stared back at her. Her red hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and her grey eyes—just like Marcus's—shone with determination. **I'll grow tall and powerful, and I'll make sure no one ever hurts him again.**

She hopped off the bed and walked over to the window, pressing her forehead against the cool glass. The duchy felt so big, so overwhelming, and her brother was trying to fix everything all at once. But how could one person do all that? **It's not fair.** He deserved to have someone by his side, someone to help him. 

She pouted, crossing her arms. "I need to find him a wife," she muttered to herself.

Her heart raced at the thought. A sister-in-law! Someone who could make Marcus smile more, someone who could share the burdens he carried. Eleanor didn't know much about love or marriage, but she had read enough books to know that everyone needed someone special. And Marcus…he deserved the best.

"But who could it be?" Eleanor pondered aloud, her brow furrowing in concentration. "She has to be strong, like really strong, and smart too. And she has to be nice to me, of course!"

Eleanor smiled mischievously, already imagining her brother with someone by his side. She would make sure to find him the perfect match. Someone who could take care of him when he was being too stubborn to take care of himself.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, small giggle. What if her brother knew she was thinking about his future wife? Would he get embarrassed? He always acted so serious, but deep down, Eleanor knew he had a soft spot. 

Just as she imagined his reaction, Marcus, in another part of the estate, felt an inexplicable shiver run down his spine. He paused in his conversation with a visiting merchant, rubbing the back of his neck. **What was that?** he thought, shrugging it off as he continued his negotiations.

Back in her room, Eleanor continued her plotting. **Maybe she could talk to some of the noble ladies they met recently…see if any of them were a good fit for Marcus.** She had to be careful, though. She didn't want her brother to find out what she was up to. He'd probably tell her she was too young to be thinking about such things. 

"But I'm not too young," Eleanor said with a huff, crossing her arms. "I'm twelve now! And besides, it's not like I'm getting married. I just want Marcus to be happy."

Her grey eyes softened as she thought about him. He had done so much for her, even when he was struggling with everything that had happened. He deserved to have someone by his side, someone to share the weight of the duchy with. 

"I'll find her," Eleanor whispered, determination sparking in her chest. "I'll find someone who'll make him happy."

And once she did, Eleanor would grow big and strong—just like she promised herself—and she'd make sure nothing ever threatened the happiness of her brother, Marcus Aurelius.