Duchy

Noelle has already prepared herself to leave for the Duchy. The Baroness will travel in the same carriage as Noelle, while the Baron will go separately with Odette and the prince. He was concerned to know that they were going to a dangerous place, so he is also taking a troop of royal knights. The journey begins, and Noelle watches through the window. Her mother is worried, as she seems very quiet, but in reality, Noelle is excited.

In the Baron's carriage, he remains silent while observing Francis and Odette holding hands.

"Father, are you sure my sister will be safe in that place? The heir Ivanov is known to be a playboy."

"Some men are, but she will be his wife. She will be fine."

"Do not worry, Miss Odette, if anything happens, we are here to help her."

"Of course, it does not matter if my sister does not love me. I love her."

"Miss Odette is so kind."

Both of them look very affectionate, and the Baron smiles, as his niece is happy, just as he promised. He has given her the best and she will marry a good man. However, he remembers the last argument he had with his wife regarding Noelle's engagement. His wife was hurt because he is allowing their daughter to marry a man whose treatment towards Noelle is unknown.

"You give your niece the best, but you treat your daughter as if she is nothing."

"I have also given everything to my daughter, I have never denied her anything."

"Then don't let her go to the Duchy of Darkness. Wait for her to meet a good man."

"The engagement has already been made."

"Yes, but you let Odette choose whom to marry. You are so unfair. I wish I could have chosen whom to marry as well, then I would have never chosen you."

"How dare you say that? I have never treated you badly and I have shown you respect."

"I am not complaining for myself but for how unjust you are towards your daughter. After this, forget that you have a wife. I don't mind being homeless or being talked about; I don't intend to remain married to you."

"What? What are you insinuating?"

"What you are thinking, dear."

The woman turned around to leave the room; she no longer intends to share it with a man who does not give his daughter the respect she deserves.

It was a long journey of a whole day, and they stopped to rest at night. By the afternoon of the next day, they had already arrived at the Duchy. Fortunately, they passed without problems, as knights from the Ivanov family were waiting at the border crossing to escort them to the Great Duke's castle.

By nightfall, they had reached the castle, and an elderly woman was already waiting for them. The Baron greeted the woman, as did the Baroness.

"My name is Jane, I am the head of staff. The Great Duke asked me to receive and guide you to your rooms. As you know, he hasn't been feeling well."

"Greetings, Lady Jane. My name is Noelle Le Blanc, I am the one who will marry the heir Ivanov."

"You are so beautiful. Young Raizel is very lucky."

"You flatter me. They say the young Duke is handsome as well."

"I'm not bragging, but yes."

Noelle speaks with Jane throughout the journey until they reach the second floor in front of a double door. The woman opens it, announcing the arrival of the guests and lets them enter. However, Jane stops Odette and the prince.

"His Excellency will only see the parents and the bride."

"What? But I am his family, I am his sister."

"Odette, behave. You are not a baby to not understand."

"Noelle, do not speak to your sister like that."

"Baron Le Blanc, if you wish, only Miss Noelle may go in."

The Baron shows his annoyance but asks Odette to wait outside while they enter to see the Great Duke. The three of them walk until they reach a bed where an elderly man is sitting, reading a book which he puts aside when they enter. Noelle introduces herself with a curtsy.

"What a beautiful girl. My son is fortunate. Welcome, Baron Le Blanc, Baroness. I can see where this girl has inherited her beauty."

"You flatter me, my Lord. Pardon my intrusion, but where is the young Duke?"

"He has gone out to run some errands, but you will get to know him soon. I apologize for everything being rushed, but I have little time left."

"Don't say that, my lord. You must live to see your grandchildren."

Noelle kneels beside the bed, holding the hand of the grand Duke who smiles at her kindness. The Duke explains that his time is running short, which is why he wants to hasten the wedding. Noelle knows that the man is only pretending so that his son will agree to the marriage, but that does not matter to her. The conversation prolongs slightly as they discuss the wedding arrangements.

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