#18

Later, as I lay in the massive bed of my new room, I stared up at the canopy, trying to make sense of everything. The warmth of the silk sheets and the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains felt unreal.

All my life, I had worked, fought, and struggled to survive. And now, I was expected to live like a princess? To do nothing but enjoy the luxuries of this new life?

It was almost laughable. Yet, as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but wonder—how long could this peace truly last?

The next morning, I woke to the sound of birds chirping outside my window and the soft rustling of curtains as Milla pulled them back to let in the morning light.

“Good morning, my lady,” she said cheerfully, setting a tray of tea and pastries on the table beside my bed. “Did you sleep well?”

I blinked at her, momentarily disoriented. The events of the previous day came rushing back, and I had to remind myself that this wasn’t a dream—I was really here, in a noble’s mansion, waking up in a bed that could probably fit three of me.

“Yes... I did,” I said hesitantly, sitting up. “Thank you.”

Milla beamed, clearly pleased. “That’s wonderful! The duke has instructed me to help you prepare for the day. He’s arranged for you to meet some of the staff and tour the estate.”

I tilted my head. “A tour?”

“Yes, my lady. He wants you to familiarize yourself with the mansion and its grounds. It’s important for someone of your status to know every corner of your home,” she explained, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Home. The word felt strange, yet oddly comforting.

After a quick breakfast, Milla helped me dress in another gown—this one even more extravagant than the last, with layers of flowing fabric and intricate embroidery. I hardly recognized myself when I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.

“You look perfect, my lady,” Milla said, clasping her hands together with a smile.

“Perfect” wasn’t the word I would’ve used, but I didn’t have the heart to argue.

---

The tour of the mansion was as overwhelming as I had expected. The estate was massive, with countless rooms, hallways, and courtyards. Milla guided me through it all, introducing me to staff members and explaining the history behind certain rooms and decorations.

By the time we returned to my room, my head was spinning with all the new information. I sank into a chair, feeling more tired than I had expected.

Milla poured me a cup of tea and handed it to me with a knowing smile. “It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?”

I nodded, sipping the tea. “It’s... so different from what I’m used to.”

She tilted her head curiously but didn’t press for details. “You’ll get used to it, my lady. The duke has high hopes for you, and we’re all here to support you.”

I stared into the tea, her words echoing in my mind. High hopes. But for what? He had said he didn’t want anything from me, yet there had to be a reason he had brought me here.

---

Later that evening, as I sat in my room, staring out the window at the sprawling gardens below, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I called, expecting Milla or another maid.

To my surprise, it was the duke himself.

“Your Grace,” I said, standing quickly and bowing my head.

He waved a hand dismissively. “Sit. I’m not here for formalities.”

I obeyed, curious about the unexpected visit.

He stood near the window, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out at the gardens. “How are you finding the mansion so far?”

“It’s... beautiful,” I replied truthfully.

He nodded, though his expression remained distant. “Good. You’ll have everything you need here, Arwenzylle. I’ve made sure of it.”

I hesitated before asking, “But why? Why go to so much trouble for me?”

He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “Because you are important, Arwenzylle. Far more important than you realize. For now, I ask only one thing of you—live as you are meant to. Live as the princess this house needs.”

His words left me with more questions than answers, but before I could press further, he inclined his head slightly and left the room.

I sat there in silence, his words replaying in my mind. Important? Me?

Whatever his reasons, one thing was clear—this was only the beginning.

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