It’s not until the next morning did Giselle, Silas, and baby Eira prepare to depart from the humble cottage. The dawn morning air was crisp, the harsh winter giving chase to the indefinite warmth of the coming spring. Silas covered Giselle in a thick cloak and Eira in sheep hide, insisting it was still quite chilly outside. Giselle looks up at Silas with her big, golden eyes before blushing away—knights, with their armor gleaming with the same crest sitting in the front. Eira is wrapped in a sling to her chest staring at her with identical eyes.

The carriage, adorned with the Aethelstan crest stood ready for their departure—the horse in the form snorted plumes of steam in the cool air. Giselle had only reached Silas’ chest, her eyes met with his sturdy chest and broad shoulders. He quietly helps her up the carriage's stairs, carefully ensuring she doesn't fall. 

The carriage swayed gently, the rhythmic clapping of the horse's hooves a soothing lullaby against the backdrop of a snow-dusted landscape. Trees go by in a blink, passing the village she went into ever so often. Giselle sat, nestled on top of a plush velvet seat, her baby daughter Eira cradled in her arms. the Grand Duke, Silas Aethestan, set opposite to her his gaze alternating between the passing imagery, Giselle, and the precious bundle in her arms. 

Everything was going so fast.

 It hadn't even been a full year since she woke up in this body, alone and frighted. A woman with no name, family, or place to call home. now, she was the wife of a Duke, Bound for a grand Castle she could only imagine in picture books. it was a whirlwind marriage straight out of a rofan. She paused for a moment; what was a rofan?

Not finding the answer in her memory, she sighs.

“It’s strange, really.” Silas looks at her and asks, “What is?”

Giselle plays with the softness of her daughter’s palms before answering.

“I was just a girl with no memories and now I'm married to a duke. It’s quite…surreal. Something like this happening to a nobody.”

Silas clicks his teeth, then laughs, the sound rumbling through his chest. " indeed. but you are no ‘nobody’, to Giselle. The short time I lived with you, you showed me that you were strong even though you should not have to be.  When I first saw you, I was angry. I wondered why such a young girl was pregnant and in such a state. Every day I thought about the smile you showed me when I first came to. I thought for days how I wanted to protect that smile with my life.”

As the carriage rocked, Silas reached over, holding her hand. “And now, you are my wife.”

The air is warm, Giselle’s skin feels hot, and Silas wonders if he’s too old for the quickening of his heart he feels fight when–a soft cry forces them apart. They both glance at Eira, who’s gurgling happily, her tiny fists waving in the air.

“Oh,” Giselle sighs kissing her daughter’s face as she giggles in turn, “to be a baby. No worries, no responsibilities, just endless naps and cuddles.”

Silas doesn’t look at her but says, “A carefree existence, isn’t it?”

Meanwhile, across the duchy, leather is burying the Duke seal was sent to his children. the news of their father's sudden remarriage spread like wildfire, prompting a range of reactions. 

Cassian, the oldest and the Duke of the North frowned as he read the message. his initial reaction was one of concern. Who is this woman his father had remarried? And what were her intentions? He’s lost in his thoughts, until his youngest child, Elise shyly stands at the doorway, her big, ruby eyes staring at her father, “Daddy, would you like to have tea? Mommy's already waiting in the garden.”

"O-Of course. Wait for Daddy, Elise!"

Kael, the middle son, who managed a small municipal in the Duchy was practically jumping for joy. “Father’s finally found someone!” he exclaimed, dancing around with his wife Helena.

Lucien, the youngest son, was more reserved in his response. he pondered the implications of this new development, wondering how it would affect the family dynamic. Then, he shrugged and went about his business running the magic tower–that is if he doesn’t ignore his work again to bother his husband.

Vivienne, the youngest and The Duchess of the South was perhaps the most surprised. she had always believed her father would remain a widower, forever devoted to the memory of her mother. Her first thought was anger and when her wife calmed her down she calmly asked one of the nights that delivered the news, “How old is she?”

“Early twenties, my lady. She had a baby with her as well.” the knight replied. 

Vivienne's brow furrowed. a young woman with a baby no less. Her first thoughts weren't to question the girl's intentions but to give a sideways glance at her father. what the hell could he be thinking?

Despite their mixed reactions, the Aethelstan siblings were interested in their new stepmother and half-sister.

As the carriage finally pulled up to the imposing gates of the Aethelstan castle, Giselle's breath caught in her throat. The castle and all its magnificence stood with its towers reaching the sky, its walls adorned with intricate details. 

The gates swung open, the Carriage rolled into the courtyard. A line of servants stood waiting for them with expressions that were a mix of joy and curiosity. Giselle stepped out of the carriage, Silas's hand nearby, steadying her descent. She took a deep breath her eyes sparkling with trepidation and unease.