It had been a week since she arrived. On most days, she'd wake up to the maids, cheerfully dressing her and taking her down to breakfast. She'd usually eat with the maids in the staff room, taking extra care to avoid eating with the duke. She was afraid. Afraid that she would have to go through all of that again.
Reya could recall how the other boy had told her to stop eating sometimes, saying that she was going to get fat and that she didn't deserve to eat unless she kissed up to him. It was a "wife's" duty. That was what the boy called it.
She starved often back then. Her stomach always felt empty, so she filled it with stories and books to forget the feeling. Stories because they made her forget that she was a girl who was starving, a girl who lives with a boy who destroys everything she loves.
Lunch was the only time she sat with the young duke. He'd eat without sparing a glance at her and leave without saying a word. She liked the way it was. Quiet, with no one to bother her.
After the week had ended, Reya was given authority over the maids, the property, and the budget. It wasn't hard work for Reya, as she had spent most of her childhood filling in for her mother.
For the most part, She liked her life at the duke's mansion. He never bothered her, the maids were kind, and everyone treated her well.
Today, she was in the library after finishing her work. Some of the maids followed her in, carefully watching in curiosity.
" Reya," One of them called, " What are you reading?"
" A story about a swordsman." She said quietly, " Would you like to read with me?"
They grew silent for a moment, until a girl sighed and uttered, " We don't know how to read."
From that day on, a group of maids and young knights would gather at the library for reading lessons and Reya's specialty hot chocolate.
Life at the duke's mansion seemed livelier now, but it wasn't long until news of her actions reached the young duke.
-
The butler was a well-spoken boy with a bright smile and kind eyes. He admired Reya when he first met her, feeling as if she would treat the young duke well. To the butler, she was a forgiving girl, a generous person who taught the maids how to read, and someone who would cherish the duke.
He was on his way to talk to the Duke about Reya's current affairs. He unlocked the door to find the Duke sitting in an arm chair.
" Your grace," The butler began, " The Duchess has began teaching the maids and a few knights how to read in the library."
" It doesn't concern me." The Duke said, " As long as the staff are doing their jobs, I don't care about the Duchess."
" She means well. I'm sure."
" Why have the knights been so excited recently?"
The butler grinned, animatedly telling the Duke about Reya's fun stories and lessons in the library. In the dark of the room, the Duke smiled, and the butler noticed.
" I'll be taking my leave now, your grace."
In the evening, after Reya had eaten, the butler had smiled at her, nodding as if he were approving something.
" You're doing well Reya. Please keep it up."
" I won't let you down Sir Taylor."
-
Lessons in the library continued into late December. It had been two months since Reya started teaching. The maids and knights were exceptionally fast learners, able to write and read fluently after only half a month. Strangely, the Duke had written her a request to see his brother. She read it aloud, attracting the attention of those in the library at the time. They all squirmed nervously for awhile, until a maid informed her that the duke's younger brother was terribly ill.
The request asked her to tell his brother stories until he got better.
" Why didn't anyone tell me that the duke had a younger brother?" She asked.
" The duke is very protective of him." One of the maids replied.
" Indeed. But the duke doesn't get to visit often, especially during the winter when he is sent a lot of work." exclaimed another.
" I see. I'll be eating dinner with him for Christmas eve. If anyone is still awake, we can play games in the library to celebrate." The staff all cheered in unison, rushing out of the library to continue their tasks.
-
A maid escorted Reya through a rose garden, and into a secluded area of the mansion.
" He's inside and has been expecting you." She said, opening the door to reveal an enormous room.
She went inside, watching as the maid shut the door.
" Hello?" She called.
" Are you my brother's fiance?" A meek voice resonated from the back of the room.
" I am. I wanted to tell you a story today." Reya called out, following the sound of the child's voice.
" And tomorrow too?"
" Of course."
When she finally found him, she could see that his eyes were sunken in, contrasting his lively smile. He looked frail and sickly, blankets sprawled all over him.
" Is it alright if I get something really quickly?" She felt terrible looking at him. Was it always so dark in this room?
She remembered ordering red lanterns the other day. She wanted to decorate for the lunar new year, something her mother from far east did.
A few minutes passed and she had come back with a box of red lanterns.
" I'll tell you a story while I make lanterns for a special day."
" A special day?" He asked her.
" Yes. It's a holiday in the east where we celebrate the new year."
" I see."
Her story began and as it progressed, more and more lanterns filled the empty void of his bedroom. In the dim lights, the boy felt comforted and loved.
A feeling he had missed. When his mother and father died, his brother was too busy working to play with him. His brother stayed in a constant state of anger for a long time. Even then, he did everything he could to make him happy.
Even at the cost of his own happiness.
When was the last time brother was not angry?
" Reya?" The little boy calls, " Is my brother nice to you?"
She hesitated for a moment before replying, " Of course."
" I'm glad." he whispered, " My brother is the kindest person in the world."
-
Thank your for reading chapter 2!!
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