I glanced out the window and saw Duke Lucius stepping down from the carriage, accompanied by a man I hadn't seen before.

In a flurry of movement, I scrambled to dress. "Ahhhh," I murmured to myself as I hastily pulled on my clothes.

The sun had just begun to rise, casting a warm glow over the estate grounds as I hurriedly got dressed and made my way downstairs. 

"Quickly now, everyone," Felix urged, his voice carrying over the commotion as everyone hastened to the hall to greet the Duke. Heart pounding, I joined the throng of servants.

"Miss Elise! My, did you dress yourself?" Cathy exclaimed in a hushed tone, her eyes twinkling with pride.

"Indeed, she's becoming quite independent," Sarah remarked, her smile warm and approving. 

"Miss Elise, are you sure you're getting enough sleep?" Emma's concerned voice reached my ears. 

"I did, Emma," I reassured her with a smile. "Don't worry." 

As we entered the hall, Duke Lucius's imposing presence filled the room. The advisor stood silently beside him, his demeanour commanding respect.

"Welcome back, Your Grace," the servants echoed respectfully, their voices filled with reverence. "Welcome back, Count Julian," they added. 

"Thank you," he replied warmly as his gaze swept over the assembled crowd. "It's good to be back."

Beside him, Count Julian offered a light nod, a faint smile gracing his lips.

As some of the servants dispersed, returning to their duties, I remained behind.

 

Duke Lucius turned his attention to me, his expression softened with genuine concern.

"Elise, how are you doing?" he asked gently. "Have you grown accustomed to this place?"

"Yes," I replied softly, meeting his gaze. "I'm adjusting well."

"That's good to hear," he said, his eyes held a depth of understanding. "I'm here now if you need me."

I nodded gratefully at his offer.

Count Julian stepped forward with a courteous smile, exuding an air of sophistication and charm. His dark, penetrating eyes sparkled with intelligence and resolve.

"Allow me to introduce myself, Elise," he said politely, extending his hand. "I am Count Julian. I am glad to meet you."

"Nice to meet you," I replied, accepting his hand and returning his smile.

But as our hands touched, a sudden, faint tingling sensation shot through my fingers, leaving me momentarily surprised.

Glancing up, I noticed a subtle shift in Count Julian's expression.

"I don't see Louis," the Duke suddenly remarked, scanning the hall.

"He's still sleeping, Your Grace," Felix replied with a knowing smile. "Shall I wake him?"

Duke Lucius waved a dismissive hand. "No need, let him rest. If we wake him too early, he'll be unbearable," he chuckled softly, a hint of fondness in his tone.

"Of course, Your Grace. Save yourself some patience for later," Felix said, earning a laugh from the Duke.

"Ah, yes, let the sleeping prince enjoy his beauty slumber," Cathy quipped, prompting a playful swat from Sarah.

"If only Louis could learn a thing or two from Miss Elise," Felix added, his tone lighthearted yet teasing.

As the conversation carried on, I couldn't help but remember the memory of my mother's indulgence, letting me sleep in each morning.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty," my mother used to tease, nudging me gently. 

"Mmm," I'd groan in protest, pulling the covers tighter around me, unwilling to part with the warmth of my bed.

"Come on, darling," she'd coax, her hand tenderly caressing my hair. "Time to rise and eat breakfast. I made your favourite pastry."

But I'd always stubbornly bury my head deeper into my pillow, unwilling to heed her call. 

"Elise, you didn't have to get up so early just to greet me," the Duke's words interrupted my thoughts. "Though I am genuinely glad that you did."

"Yes, Miss Elise, His Grace is right, you should have gotten more sleep," Emma agreed, placing her hands gently on my shoulders as she guided me back to my room. "Come, let me fix your hair."

Their words warmed my heart, as if they sensed the pressure I felt from all the praise.

- - -

"Emma, do you happen to know why Duke Lucius went to the capital?" I asked, glancing at her reflection in the mirror as she tidied my hair. 

Emma paused, her eyes meeting mine through the mirror, a flicker of concern shadowing her expression. "I believe His Grace went to report something important."

"What about?" I pressed.

"... His Grace went to report on the incident at your village, Miss Elise," Emma replied carefully.

"Who did Duke Lucius report to?" 

"The King's Council. They hold the highest authority in matters of the kingdom's security and governance."

"B-But don't worry, Miss Elise," Emma reassured, her voice gentle yet rushed. "Everyone has been explicitly instructed to keep your survival a secret. Your safety is paramount, and His Grace himself will ensure it."

"I wasn't worried, Emma," I replied with a smile.

"I'm glad to hear that, Miss Elise," Emma nodded, feeling relieved, her smile mirroring mine.

As Emma delicately placed a hairpin in my hair, I felt a slight weight on my head. Looking up, I noticed her deftly securing the elegant ornament in place.

"Emma?" I asked, turning to face her with curiosity.

"It's a gift from His Grace," she explained with a warm smile. "He bought it specifically for you while he was in the capital."

"For me?" I murmured, touched by the thoughtfulness of the Duke's gesture, my fingers tracing the elegant curves of the hairpin.

"For you, Miss Elise. He entrusted it to Felix because he was too shy to give it to you directly," Emma chuckled softly. 

"The gemstone in the hairpin is a golden topaz," she continued. "It matches perfectly with your champagne-coloured eyes!"

"Yes, Emma, It is exquisite," I replied softly, my voice filled with genuine appreciation.

As doubt pricked at my consciousness, I reached for a small mirror in front of me, lifting it to scrutinize my reflection. Holding my gaze steady, I observed the subtle interplay of light and colour in my eyes. 

Sure enough, as I examined them closely, I noticed the faint shift — a softening of the once vibrant golden hue, now tinged with a delicate shade of pale yellow.

"Miss Elise, is something troubling you?" Emma asked gently.

"Oh, not at all," I replied. "J-just admiring the hairpin."

"You must really like it, I'll have to ask His Grace to buy more of these," she suggested with a twinkle in her eye. "After all, a lady can never have too many accessories."

"Oh no, one is more than enough for me," I replied hurriedly, not wanting Emma to relay any unnecessary requests to the Duke.

"Haha, of course, Miss Elise," she said understandingly. "But you know, your fair complexion truly complements any accessory and dress. It is a delight for anyone to have the chance to dress you."

"Thank you, Emma," I replied with a bashful smile.

With a gentle smile, Emma rose from her seat, smoothing down her apron. 

"Now then, let me head down to prepare breakfast," she announced. "Please rest up, Miss Elise."

"Alright, Emma."

After Emma left the room, I couldn't resist the urge to pick up the mirror once more. 

The questions hung in the air unanswered. But my hair, still a light brown hue, remained unchanged, offering a small anchor of familiarity amidst the unsettling transformation of my eyes.