It's late morning, and I find myself rushing through the castle corridors toward the Duke's study. My heart races with a mix of nerves and curiosity. The Duke has called for a meeting with a select few, and to my utter shock, I am among them. He considers me one of his people? The thought sends a strange warmth through my chest, though it's quickly chased by anxiety. What could this meeting be about?

As I approach the study, I notice the heavy wooden door is already open, with two knights standing guard. Their eyes meet mine, and one of them gestures for me to enter. I nod in acknowledgment, trying to keep my composure as I step inside. The room is spacious, filled with the scent of polished wood and faint traces of parchment. I glance around, searching for a familiar face.

At first, I don’t recognize anyone. The room is filled with people who seem to belong, while I feel like an intruder. But then, my eyes land on Lady Miriam and Lila seated at the long table. A wave of relief washes over me as I make my way to them.

"Elara," Lady Miriam greets me warmly, her voice a comforting balm to my nerves.

"Lady Miriam, Lila," I reply, offering a small smile. The tension in my shoulders eases slightly. At least I’m not alone here.

"We were just talking," Lila says, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, "about how neither Lady Evelyn nor Sir Gareth has arrived yet."

I nod, glancing around the table again. This time, I notice the head maid seated near the end of the table. 

My thoughts drift back to the last time I was in this room—the first time I met the Duke. The memory sends a shiver down my spine, but I quickly push it aside. This isn’t the time to dwell on the past.

Suddenly, the room falls silent as the knights announce the Duke’s arrival. I quickly rise to my feet, following the lead of everyone else as we bow in respect. The Duke strides into the room with the same commanding presence he always exudes, his eyes sharp and focused. He takes his place at the head of the table and gestures for us to sit.

I lower myself back into my seat, trying to steal a glance at him without being obvious. He’s already engaged in quiet whispers with Lady Evelyn and Gareth, his expression unreadable. I wonder what they’re discussing, but before I can speculate further, the Duke begins to speak.

“Thank you all for coming,” he says, his voice deep and resonant. “This meeting will be brief.”

His words are always measured, each syllable carrying weight. I find myself holding my breath, waiting for what he’ll say next.

“I wanted to inform you all that I will be moving to the capital for a while,” the Duke announces.

My heart drops. Moving to the capital? For how long? I can’t help but look at him, my face undoubtedly betraying my panic. As if sensing my distress, his gaze flickers toward me for the briefest of moments, before he continues.

“I will be accompanied by Gareth, a few knights, Captain Aldric, and Lady Miriam, as she is my physician,” he explains. “Lady Evelyn will remain in the castle to oversee operations in my absence. I expect everything to run as if I am still within these walls.”

My mind races. He’s leaving, taking Gareth and Lady Miriam with him. The realization hits me like a blow. I won’t see him for a long time. The thought of his absence makes my chest tighten. How will I endure it?

The Duke turns to Lady Evelyn and the head maid. “I need both of you to make arrangements for the additional personnel who will accompany me on this journey.”

With that, the meeting is concluded. The Duke thanks everyone for their hard work and urges us to continue with our duties. I barely hear his words as the weight of his departure settles heavily on my shoulders. 

I force myself to stand, to bow along with everyone else as the Duke exits the room, but all I can think about is how empty the castle will feel without him. Numbly, I make my way back to my room, the sense of loss sinking deeper with each step. I close the door behind me, leaning against it as I try to collect myself.

****

Time passes in a blur. I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts a tangled mess. I can’t believe he’s leaving. What if… what if he never returns? I scold myself for being so dramatic, but the fear lingers. The Duke is the only person here who… well, who sees me. Even if he doesn’t know the whole truth, he’s given me a place, a purpose. Without him, I’m just… lost.

A soft knock pulls me from my thoughts. I barely register it at first, but then I hear Sophia’s voice, faint but growing louder. “Lady Elara?”

Before I can respond, the door creaks open slightly, and Sophia’s head pokes through. “Lady Elara, are you awake?”

I sit up, rubbing my eyes. “Yes, Sophia. Is something the matter?”

Sophia steps fully into the room, her usual brightness tempered by a hint of urgency. “Not exactly an issue, but we need to go to Lady Evelyn’s study.”

I blink at her, still groggy. “Why?”

Sophia gives me a look, half-amused, half-exasperated. “Why do you think? They’re making announcements about who will be accompanying the Duke to the capital.”

The mention of the capital sends a fresh wave of sadness through me. I shake my head. “There’s no point. I’m not on that list.”

Sophia frowns, clearly puzzled. “But how do you know?”

“Because,” I say, my voice small, “I’m just an outsider. There’s no reason I would be included.”

Sophia’s expression softens, but there’s a determined glint in her eyes. “Elara, the Duke has taken a liking to you. Everyone can see that. Why wouldn’t you be on the list?”

“Thank you for saying that, Sophia,” I murmur, though her words do little to lift my spirits. “But… I just can’t see it happening. I’m not one of them.”

Sophia sighs, clearly frustrated by my pessimism. She marches over to me, grabs my hand, and tugs me to my feet. “Well then, it won’t hurt to find out, will it?”

Before I can protest, she’s already pulling me out of the room, her grip firm and unyielding. I have no choice but to follow, a mix of dread and hope swirling in my chest as we make our way to Lady Evelyn’s study.