Read My babys are gone :: The Duchess

The Duchess was a kind and resilient woman, who faced the heart-wrenching loss of her husband in a war when their children were still young. She was left to raise them on her own. The Duke was only ten years old when he lost his father, and his sister, Amelia, was sixteen.

The hardships faced by the Duchess were immense, leaving her little time to mourn her beloved husband's death properly. The burden of raising her children alone amidst such sorrow and turmoil demanded all her strength and attention.

Her son, the Duke, bore a striking resemblance to his father, especially with his golden-red eyes and strong, muscular posture. This resemblance was a constant reminder of her lost love, making the process of moving forward both a source of happiness and pain. The sight of her son often brought back memories of the man she had loved so deeply, filling her with both pride and a profound sense of loss.

Despite these conflicting emotions, the Duchess channeled her grief into nurturing her children and ensuring their future. Her unwavering dedication and strength became the foundation upon which the Duke and his sister, Amelia, built their lives. The Duke grew into a capable and honorable leader, his father's image reflecting not just in his appearance but in his valor and integrity. Amelia, shaped by her mother's resilience and love, became a nurturing figure herself, embodying the compassion and strength she had witnessed growing up.

The Duchess's household shone with an outward sheen of normalcy and order, but behind the walls, only her closest servants knew that she was slowly becoming mentally ill. The immense pressure and unresolved grief took their toll on her mind, manifesting in moments of confusion and melancholy that she tried to hide from her children. Her loyal servants, bound by their deep respect and affection for her, protected her secret, ensuring that the household continued to function smoothly and that her children remained unaware of the extent of her suffering.

Though learning the truth that Alex was pregnant because of an accident made her more anxious about him potentially leaving them and not wanting the children. This anxiety led the Duchess to worry about the stability and future of her family. She feared that Alex might not fully embrace his role or develop feelings strong enough to stay, which could leave her son and the unborn children in a vulnerable position.

Determined to secure a loving and stable environment for her grandchildren, the Duchess devised a genius plan. She believed that by fostering a deep connection between Alex and the family, especially with the Duke, she could encourage Alex to embrace his new role wholeheartedly. Her strategy was to create an atmosphere of warmth, support, and genuine affection that would make Alex feel irreplaceable and cherished within the family.

The Duchess began to spend more time with Alex, sharing stories of the Duke's childhood, expressing her excitement about becoming a grandmother, and offering her unwavering support. She made sure Alex felt included in every aspect of the family's life, from household decisions to preparations for the babies' arrival.

As the weeks passed, the constant monitoring of the pain in Alex's stomach became less necessary, and his discomfort began to subside.

Despite the Duke still being at war, the household was filled with a sense of anticipation and hope. They had received news that victory was near and that the Duke was expected to return home in sixteen days. This prospect filled the air with excitement, and everyone in the estate eagerly awaited his return.

During this time, Alex found himself increasingly integrated into the daily life of the estate. The Duchess's efforts to include him in family activities and decisions helped him feel more connected and valued. The warmth and acceptance he received from everyone, especially from the Duchess and Amelia, made him feel like he was truly part of the family.

As they strolled through the gardens or ventured into the nearby woods, the Duchess shared stories of her own experiences as a young mother and the adventures of her children. These stories not only entertained Alex but also offered him valuable insights and advice. She spoke of how baby dragons, unlike other beings, are exceptionally active from the moment they hatch. Their boundless energy and curiosity require constant vigilance, especially in those first days. The knowledge and instincts to care for these spirited younglings often get passed down from the parents, a tradition the Duchess was keen to impart to Alex.

"On their first day," the Duchess explained, her eyes sparkling with fond memories, "baby dragons can be more active than any other young beings. It's in their nature. They'll explore everything, and their curiosity knows no bounds. When my children were born, especially the Duke, I had to watch them constantly. Their dragon instincts are strong even at that age."

Alex listened intently, absorbing every detail. The Duchess’s stories were not just a window into her past but a guidebook for his future. As they walked through the gardens, the serenity of the surroundings seemed to envelop him, temporarily shielding him from the uncertainties that lingered in his mind.

But then, as if awoken from a dream, Alex's thoughts turned inward. Despite the warmth and acceptance he had found with the Duchess and her family, a knot of uncertainty tightened in his chest. He had never truly considered what his future would look like in this new dynamic. Would he stay with them? Could he see himself raising the Duke’s children alongside the Duchess, immersed in a life so different from his own?

The weight of these questions settled heavily on Alex's shoulders. He had always known that his relationship with the Duke came with complexities, will he End like Lucy.