"The gardens are beautiful around here," Emma was enjoying her time exploring the Dukedom's land. After a good bath and a satisfying breakfast, she was in the mood to entertain herself with a walk around the gardens.
It felt so refreshing and pure that she could sleep under the shade of a tree for a few minutes. However, at the same time, she felt out of place. She didn't know why, but whenever she reached the walls surrounding the quarters, she felt trapped, almost without air.
Her eyes instinctively looked around, to the maids and guards, 'They are watching me.'
The servants looked at her from time to time, their inquisitive and curious looks came out without them noticing.
Even with all the colorful flowers, trees full of life, beautiful stone bridges, and ponds with little fishes, Emma could still feel that her peace and calm were disturbed by the soft murmurs. Maybe they thought they were being discreet and careful, but they were not.
She coul
"Who else knows about this?" Liam's voice didn't show any sign of anxiousness, but the coldness and anger were present in his gaze. His eyes had transformed into a raging red, an ominous red that could bring disaster to whoever dared to cross his path. "Speak!" Ilian gulped a bit and shook his head. "I don't know how many more received the notice, Your Highness. However, I heard the rumors about it being a joke to make Her Highness look bad in the eyes of the public. There is a saying that many nobles are opposing your marriage to her and are trying to dirty her image. However, I don't know who posted the reward note, but it originated in the south…" "Where?" "Three families in the South, from the faction of Duke Feiras." Liam narrowed his eyes, he knew that man very well, and nothing concerning him or his allies was good news. That man had been against Liam's brother Crowning from the first day of his mandate. His little group of nobles belie
"Did he send a message, Ina?""Yes, Your Highness, he had been meeting with the Generals until late and to have your dinner first.""I understand," Liam had been working non-stop from that time we separated. Emma hadn't seen him for a few days now. Not in the morning, not at night.'I don't feel him sleep beside me anymore, and I don't feel him waking up and kissing my cheek. His warmth is not anymore around me and I miss it.'"When is he coming back?" Emma said to herself, but Ina hesitated and lowered her face.She was worried too. The servants had begun to start whispering. There were rumors about the Duke getting distanced from his wife because of an imminent war with the luriems.The many generals that had been entering his study every day were the first sign. However, somebody heard that the armies at the frontier were starting to move. Even the fairy Kingdoms, allies of Avalor had given some reinforces."Is he eating well? Is h
The shout of the Duke echoed in the hall. The floor trembled, some books fell down. It was so strong and loud that the servants and guards outside heard it too.The two Generals on the front frowned and looked at the beautiful woman for a brief moment. They didn't say a word and waited for her to go out.Emma was shocked. She couldn't move, not only because of fear but from a painful punch in her heart. It was taking her breath and courage away.She wanted to see him, she wanted to make her see her. She knew he will be angry but, in the end, he will go to her and tenderly ask her why she went to find him. He will helplessly sigh, but he will show a gentle smile at her.However, he didn't do any of that. The eyes were tired and frowning. His aura was dangerous and filled with rage.Emma hesitated for a brief second, as she couldn't believe it still. However, she regained her thoughts and turned around to leave. Then the voice of the man stopped her
After saying his part, he left. She was still in the same position for a few minutes more, not moving, not waiting nor hoping anymore. She just looked at the window where his figure was vanishing from the view.It was then that she felt her heartbreaking little by little.Then she laughed, however, there was no joy hidden in her small chuckles, but sadness. A cruel and lonely sadness that came with tears in her beautiful eyes.She knew that it was time to wake up from the beautiful dream. The cruel reality was calling her back from that sweet illusion she had for the past months. It never crossed her mind that it would be that painful, though."Is this all?" she whispered and looked at her hands. The Duchess ring was still on her finger. "Is this over?"For the rest of the night, she moved to the side couch. With only a warm quilt to cover her body.She couldn't go to the bed as they had been sleeping there so many times together. If she wan
"What is the meaning of this?"Liam knew that those traveling words written in the book were not simple wishes. They were detailed plans. The woman was thinking of leaving."Plans for the future," Emma said without fear. She knew that it was useless to deny it. "My future, I don't want to be tied up to a loveless marriage. If you don't desire to let me be here, I said it to you once, I will leave."Her words were crude and cold. She tried to hide the pain in her eyes and the sadness of her heart to not start crying right then. The only option was to sound emotionless and indifferent, the same as he.Liam looked at her indifferent face and felt funny. For the first time in many years, he felt that a pang had hit his lungs and impeded for him to breathe with ease.He was not controlled by the damn Rosaline Fragrance. He knew it, but that didn't mean it was love.'Maybe it was some residual effect,' he thought and dismissed the feeling"
The next few days, Liam went to the Capital accompanied by his major Generals. He made a secret appointment with his brother, the King, to inform about his findings.The King was aware of the recent movements of the armies. Not only he but the other Ministers and nobles knew that something was happening. They had raised their complaints and questions in the assembly, but they never received clear answers."How are you going to manage it, Liam?"The King was in his study with the Duke, but he was distracted with a strange sphere in the middle of the desk. His eyes were focused, and they had a special golden glint that didn't look natural nor ordinary."I will have to eliminate the traitors.""You will need a reason to do that," the King knew that they can't reveal anything about the pearl or more enemies will stand in their way. "You won't like to harm her, do you?""…" Liam thought of the beautiful woman that accompanied her that nigh
The days on the Dukedom were full of rumors again. However, the love life of the Duke and his wife were not at the center of attention this time.The soldiers and knights from the frontier and the outskirts regions were passing to pay their respects to the Duke. The air of war and battle was echoing in the land.Some servants were scared, some others couldn't contain their ire. They thought that the Kingdom of Luriem was again raising their swords against Avalor.Those servants were quickly shut up and take out of the Dukedom with a warning. Of course, their silly comments were directed at the inner circle, their contempt was, however, on the woman inside the walls.Emma didn't know anything about what was happening. outside. Her life was peaceful and calm without any disturbance.She will go out to train and read in the library and no one would upset her life. However, her eyes were not looking with glint anymore anything.He will look at t
Master Jin was one of the few men who can enter whichever place in the palace without being shouted at by the King. The poor servants and assistants by the side were glad that the old man had arrived to give some sense to the King, that recently had succumbed to debauchery with his Queen.Even the Duke, his brother, was now about to explode in anger from the work his older brother had ordered to do. The many reports that came to his desk every day were not his work."What is that brat doing, Liam?"Liam visited the Palace for a few days, and he didn't plan to stay longer, but he didn't know that the shameless brother of his will shove him with decrees right when he arrived.The many documents with his royal seal were too much for him to handle, so he had to bring Jano with him and two other assistants."He is having fun with his Queen," Liam sounded irritable almost to the point of anger.Master looked at the young lad with a smirk. He knew