#20

The moment I stepped inside, everything seemed to freeze. The duke was sitting at his desk, looking as composed and regal as ever, but his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of me. The butler, who had been standing by the door, looked equally stunned. And then there was the duke’s assistant—his jaw nearly hit the floor as he blinked rapidly at my disheveled state.

It was impossible to ignore how I must have appeared to them. My pajamas clung loosely to my frame, not meant for formal occasions, and my hair was an untamed mess of curls. Despite my less-than-regal appearance, I had never felt more determined in my life.

I could feel my cheeks heating up from the attention—was it embarrassment? Maybe. But I couldn’t afford to care about that right now. This was my chance to make it clear.

The duke blinked, clearly taken aback by my sudden outburst and appearance. He glanced at the butler, who looked equally perplexed, and then back at me. His usual calm demeanor wavered slightly, though he quickly masked it with a composed smile.

“Arwenzylle,” he began, his voice carefully neutral, “I believe you’ve come to see me, but… your current state…”

I stood tall, despite the soft flush on my face, and spoke again, cutting him off. “I need to go out.”

I can't tell the duke that I'm going to the auction house. I'll just tell him I'm going out and find a way to get there myself.

The duke’s brow furrowed slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. I could feel the weight of his gaze, and for a moment, I almost faltered. But I stood my ground. I couldn’t afford to show any more weakness. I had made up my mind.

“I need to go out,” I repeated firmly, the words echoing in the tense silence of the room. I was determined. It was time to make this decision, and nothing—nothing—would hold me back now.

The duke leaned back in his chair, regarding me thoughtfully. I could see his mind working, processing my request. After a moment, he sighed softly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his chair. The butler and his assistant exchanged confused glances, but neither dared to interrupt.

“Arwenzylle,” the duke began again, his tone a mixture of curiosity and concern, “I do not understand why you want to leave now. You’ve only just settled here. What is it that you seek to accomplish out there?”

I could feel the tension rising in my chest. I had no intention of telling him about the auction house or my search. It was something I had to do on my own. I couldn’t risk the duke knowing just yet.

“I just… need some air,” I said with a half-hearted shrug. The lie felt hollow, but I couldn’t think of a better excuse. “I’ll return soon.”

The duke studied me for a long moment, his gaze piercing as though he could see right through me. I wasn’t sure whether he believed me or not, but he didn’t press further. He simply nodded and motioned to the butler.

“Prepare a carriage for her,” he ordered.

The butler, still in shock, quickly straightened and moved to comply, though he cast a bewildered glance at me as he exited the room. The assistant, too, seemed to be at a loss for words but didn’t dare question the duke’s decision.

Once the room was quieter, the duke’s eyes softened, though there was still a hint of concern in his gaze. “Be careful, Arwenzylle,” he said, his voice gentler this time. “I trust you will be back soon. I’ll be expecting you.”

I nodded, forcing a small smile to my lips. “I will.”

And with that, I turned and exited the room, my heart racing with anticipation. The moment I left the mansion and stepped outside, I would be free to pursue my plan. I just needed to find him. No more hesitation.

As I walked through the hall, my thoughts were already racing ahead. The auction house. I had to find a way to get there without the duke’s knowledge. There was something I had to uncover—someone I had to find. The world as I knew it, and everything that I had endured in my previous life, depended on it.

As they continued to ride through the lively market, Arwenzylle’s eyes caught sight of a small bakery at the corner of the square. The sweet scent of freshly baked cupcakes wafted through the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. She had an idea.

“Milla, could you buy cupcakes for the duke?” Arwenzylle asked, pointing to the bakery where a line of customers stood, patiently waiting their turn.

Milla, who had been keeping a careful eye on her mistress, nodded. "Of course, my lady. Is there a particular kind you would like?"

"No, just any that look delicious." Arwenzylle smiled, her gaze still drifting across the market. She then turned to Milla, her expression serious. “But remember, Milla, you cannot cut the line. It’s very rude. Wait for your turn, alright?”

Milla chuckled at the unexpected sternness in Arwenzylle’s tone but gave a respectful bow. "Understood, my lady. I won’t break the rules."

“Good,” Arwenzylle said, her voice softening.

“Just don’t go anywhere, alright?” milla shouted

Milla gave a reassuring smile, and as she stepped off the carriage to join the line, Arwenzylle leaned back, watching her maid with a quiet satisfaction. For a moment, everything felt calm, peaceful.

But in the blink of an eye, something strange happened.

A moment later, Milla turned her head, expecting to see Arwenzylle still by the carriage, but she was gone.

"Lady Arwenzylle?" Milla’s voice rose in concern. She quickly scanned the area, but there was no sign of her.

Arwenzylle had vanished.

The hustle and bustle of the market suddenly felt distant to Milla, her pulse quickening as she realized the gravity of the situation. Without thinking twice, she turned back to the two knights, now alert to the sudden disappearance.

“What happened? Where did she go?” one of the knights asked, looking around frantically.

Milla’s mind raced as she tried to retrace Arwenzylle's steps. She hadn't seen her mistress leave, hadn’t even heard her move away from the carriage. But she had, somehow, slipped out unnoticed.

"She couldn't have gone far..." Milla muttered under her breath. "We need to find her. Now."

Meanwhile, Arwenzylle had found herself standing in the middle of a narrow alleyway, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn’t planned on disappearing like this, but the moment she had stepped away from the carriage, she had felt an overwhelming urge to explore on her own. The feeling of being suffocated by the mansion’s walls, the responsibility, and the expectations pressing on her, had become too much.

She needed space. A break.

But now that she was here, in the crowded market, with no clear idea of where she was or how to get back, the excitement of her impulsive decision quickly faded into uncertainty.

What had she done? Where had she gone?

With a deep breath, Arwenzylle straightened herself, deciding it was better to stay calm. But something told her this was no ordinary mistake. The market had an air of mystery to it—something that tugged at her senses, something hidden just beneath the surface.

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