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The Duchess and her Library

The Grand Duke's Side Story 1: Too Late To Save It All

Grand Duke Elliot Griffith has always loved the scent of red roses; the fragrance brings him back to memories of meeting Grand Duchess Sophie, who used to greet him with a warm smile whenever he returned from the battlefield. Those moments should have been comforting, but he could never bring himself to return her smiles, despite how much he wanted to. He held back, not because he didn’t care, but because he was afraid of tainting her brightness with the darkness he carried from war. He would come home, his hands stained with blood and his armor tarnished by violence, and he couldn’t bear the thought of that blood touching her. So, instead of embracing her warmth, he kept his distance, retreating into the silence of his pain and leaving her alone, unacknowledged. The distance between them was shaped long before they met, rooted in a childhood marred by tragedy. Elliot was orphaned at a young age when his parents were assassinated, and from then on, he learned to shield himself behind a wall of stoic duty, leaving little room for the vulnerability of love.

At a young age, the Grand Duke was taught to suppress his emotions, molded by strict tutors and a demanding court to think only of the Duchy’s needs above his own. Feelings like love or affection were foreign concepts to him, dismissed as distractions for someone of his rank and responsibility. He never understood the flutter of the heart or the longing gaze of a lover; they were notions he’d only heard of in poetry, far removed from the pragmatic world he inhabited. Yet, when he first laid eyes on the Grand Duchess Sophie, he felt a strange and unfamiliar sensation he couldn’t quite place or name. Her crimson hair, vivid as a flame, seemed to defy the drab expectations of the court, mesmerizing him in a way he couldn’t explain. Red hair was rare in their country, almost mythical, and combined with her ocean-blue eyes, it gave her an ethereal quality that left him speechless. He watched her more than he realized, captivated by the soft light in her gaze and the effortless grace with which she carried herself. He didn’t know it was love; he only knew that he had never seen anyone so beautiful, and the thought of her lingered in his mind long after she was gone, like an echo he couldn’t quite grasp.

“I am Sophia Grace Rosewood, Your Grace. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The young woman, only 19 years old, greeted the Grand Duke with a graceful curtsy. It was the first time they had met, though they were not entirely strangers to each other’s names. The introduction had been arranged through Sir Reagan, a trusted ally recommended by Sir Albert, a close advisor of the Grand Duke. This meeting was more than just a formal introduction; it marked the beginning of a carefully negotiated alliance. The marriage between Sophie and the Grand Duke was agreed upon with one critical condition: the Rosewood territory would become part of the Griffith holdings.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Sir Reagan presented the Grand Duke with an envelope, his expression serious. Inside was not only the marriage contract but also something far more valuable—evidence against the CRAIGS, a dangerous and powerful organization that had long plagued the world. The documents detailed names, connections, and illicit activities of those tied to the Craigs, the very group responsible for the assassination of the Grand Duke’s parents. For Elliot, this was not just a marriage of convenience; it was a step towards avenging the murder that had shaped his entire life. He accepted the envelope with a quiet nod, masking the storm of emotions within. “Yes, a pleasure to meet you as well,” he replied, but his focus was already on the documents, his mind racing with plans to dismantle the organization that had haunted his past.

Years passed, and Elliot's life began to change subtly but profoundly with the constant presence of the Grand Duchess by his side. In her, he found a rare sense of peace, a sanctuary he didn’t realize he needed after the brutality of war. She became his refuge, always waiting for him when he returned from the battlefield, her gentle touch easing the exhaustion that weighed on him, and her soft voice soothing the nerves frayed by conflict. He had grown accustomed to her care, finding comfort in the knowledge that she was always there, never realizing how dependent he had become on her quiet strength.

But everything shattered when tragedy struck. Caught up in the responsibilities of his duchy and the endless demands of governance, Elliot had begun to neglect Sophie. He failed to notice the exhaustion etched into her face, the unspoken pleas in her eyes. He grew distant and cold, wrapped up in his duties, unaware of the consequences his actions would bring. He never realized that his indifference, his neglect, was slowly eroding the very foundation of their relationship. It wasn’t until it was too late that he understood the true cost of his negligence.

Sophie lost their child—a loss that left a scar deeper than any wound he had ever received in battle. The grief broke her in ways Elliot couldn’t fathom, and he watched helplessly as the light faded from her eyes. The once vibrant and loving Sophie became a shadow of herself, a stranger he could barely recognize. Her laughter, once bright and infectious, was replaced by a hollow silence, her kind gaze turned cold and empty. Elliot knew it was his fault; he had failed her when she needed him most, and the guilt weighed heavily on his conscience.

Desperate to atone, he vowed to seek vengeance against those he believed were partly to blame, but vengeance couldn’t heal the wounds he had caused. It was too late. The damage had already been done, and Sophie’s love for him had curdled into something darker. When they shared their first dinner with the Griffith family after the loss, the change in her was undeniable. She was distant, her eyes filled with a bitterness that pierced him deeper than any accusation. He knew then that his so-called family had mistreated her, had made her feel like an outsider, and he had done nothing to protect her. He had turned a blind eye, too caught up in his concerns, and now he was left with the unbearable guilt of knowing he had failed her in every way.

Sophie’s parting words echoed in his mind, a chilling reminder of his failures: It's too late. And as much as he wanted to reach out, to mend what was broken, he knew deep down that he was the one who had pushed her to this point.

It was in the third year of their marriage when the strain of his duties reached its peak. Elliot had always hoped that his tireless work would someday pay off—that it would allow him to finally make it up to Sophie for all the times he left her alone. But the demands of the Emperor were relentless. The Empire was on the brink of war, and the Emperor himself pressed Elliot to lead the army to victory, tightening his grip with thinly veiled threats. The Emperor had made it clear: if he did not comply, they would not hesitate to harm the Grand Duchess. The choice felt like an impossible one, tearing him apart. If he continued on this path, drowning in his obligations, he knew he would lose her completely. Yet if he refused, he risked her safety. His power was still insufficient to challenge the Emperor’s authority, and it left him trapped in a painful dilemma.

Then one fateful day, a message arrived that turned his world upside down. The letter carried grave news: the Grand Duchess had collapsed from exhaustion and malnutrition. The words were like a punch to his chest, knocking the air out of him. At that moment, all thoughts of duty and the Emperor’s threats vanished. Fear gripped him, and his only concern was for Sophie. Without a second thought, he abandoned his post, ignoring the risk of punishment and the potential wrath of the Emperor. He ordered an immediate retreat from the battlefield, caring little for the consequences.

The journey back to his estate was a grueling three days, but he didn’t stop to rest, pushing himself and his horse to their limits. The only thing on his mind was the image of Sophie—frail and pale, lying helpless and alone. As soon as he arrived at the estate, he didn’t even pause to change out of his dusty, blood-stained uniform. He dismounted and ran straight to the manor, his heart pounding in his chest.

Without waiting for anyone’s announcement, Elliot burst into her chambers. He was out of breath, his face drawn with worry, and for a moment he hesitated at the threshold, afraid of what he might find. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn, and the air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs. His gaze swept across the room until it landed on the bed, where Sophie lay motionless, her once vibrant face now gaunt and colorless.

Seeing her like this, something inside him shattered. He had seen countless men fall in battle and had held comrades as they bled out in his arms, but nothing had ever felt as gut-wrenching as this. It was as if all the battles he had fought meant nothing if he couldn’t protect the one person who mattered most. He approached her slowly, his armor clinking softly in the silence, and fell to his knees by her bedside. Sophie was so thin and frail that he barely recognized her. She seemed like a mere shadow of the woman he once knew, her vibrant spirit replaced by an empty, distant gaze. He sank onto the edge of the bed, placing his muddied helm on the floor, but she didn’t respond. Her eyes were open, but her soul seemed to have withdrawn. The weight of his power, the prestige he had fought for, felt utterly meaningless at that moment.

Taking her cold, fragile hand in his, Elliot was struck by the sensation of her lifelessness. As he looked down at their entwined fingers, he felt a sudden sting of wetness on his cheeks—tears. The realization hit him: for the first time since his parents’ death, he was crying, and it was for her. Embarrassed and confused by the emotions he had never allowed himself to feel, he bowed his head, pressing his forehead to her hand. At that moment, the Grand Duke, unyielding in battle, felt utterly defeated—he had lost the one war that truly mattered.

Elliot’s voice was quieter than usual, softened by an unfamiliar vulnerability. “I must admit, I am not someone who easily expresses my feelings, especially when it comes to matters like this. But right now, I feel it is important to try, even if I’m unsure how.” He paused, his gaze still fixed on their hands, unable to meet her vacant eyes. “Over these past few years, I know I have acted in ways that seemed cold, perhaps even cruel to you. And for that, I am deeply sorry. It troubles me more than I can say, the thought that my actions may have caused you pain. That was never my intention. I never wanted you to suffer, least of all because of me.”

He hesitated, waiting for some sign of acknowledgment from her, but the silence stretched on, filled only by the sound of his breath and the distant rustle of the wind outside. Her expression remained blank, her gaze distant and hollow, as if she couldn’t truly see him.

Elliot swallowed, forcing himself to continue despite the tightness in his throat. “What I want now, more than anything, is a chance for us to find a way forward. Not just for my sake, but for both of us. I dream of a time when we can leave these shadows behind when the bitterness of the past fades away, and we are free to build a life together that is marked by peace and understanding. I’m not asking for us to be perfect, just for the chance to find a quiet, gentle place where we can breathe again, side by side.”

Suddenly, Sophie’s fingers tightened around his, the unexpected pressure startling him. Elliot looked up and met her eyes for the first time, and what he saw there made his heart twist painfully. Her face was wet with tears, but it wasn’t just sorrow that shone in her gaze—it was raw, unfiltered disdain. He straightened instinctively, a wave of uncertainty crashing over him. He had prepared himself for many things, but not this.

Before he could speak, she slowly pulled her hands away from his, the motion deliberate and filled with a finality that sent a shiver down his spine. Elliot stared at her, confusion and a growing sense of dread etched into his features. He could feel the words bubbling up in his chest, a desperate plea for her to stay, to listen, but he bit them back, knowing they wouldn’t change what was coming. He waited, his heart pounding in his chest, knowing that whatever she was about to say would pierce him.

"Too late. It’s all too late. You speak now as if your words can undo the years of hurt, the years of silence, the years I’ve spent trying to survive in the wake of your actions. And yet, where were you when I needed you? Where were you when I was breaking when your harshness left me bruised and shattered inside? Do you think a few words, no matter how carefully crafted, can erase all that? Do you think I can just forget the pain you’ve caused me, the weight of feeling small, of feeling nothing more than a shadow in your world?"

"You say you didn’t intend to hurt me, but intentions mean nothing when the damage is already done. The wounds, the scars—they don’t just vanish because you’ve had a sudden change of heart. You’ve never seen me, not really. You’ve never understood what it means to be a woman in a world where my voice is nothing but a whisper. I am powerless. I am nothing but a powerless woman who has been forced to swallow every slight, every insult, every cruel word because I have no choice. I have no say. I cannot change the world, I cannot change what has already been done to me, I cannot change what I have lost. And I cannot change you. I know for a fact that you will always put your responsibilities as a Grand Duke first, then me. For I am nothing just a contractual wife for the sake of your Empire."

Tears welled up in her eyes, but her anger was sharper. "Now you speak of peace and harmony, but it’s too late to save it all, Grand Duke. The ship sailed long ago. Your apology can’t undo what’s lost. I’m done. It’s over."

What Sophie said struck Elliot deeper than any wound he had ever sustained on the battlefield. It was over. All hope for their relationship was gone. He could conquer empires and command armies, but he couldn’t save the one person who mattered most—his wife. The bitter irony of being the most powerful noble in the Helinia Empire, yet powerless in the face of his own mistakes. That was the last memory they shared, before the tragic day he found Sophie in a carriage accident, her lifeless body lying in a coma.

Hella S.

Creator

The scene where the Grand Duke confronts Sophie was with the help of my friend, who's also addicted to fantasy-historical romance. We created a scenario where we almost acted it out to feel the words more. It was quite fun and felt surreal to empathize with the characters.

It's also inspired by the movie, "The Duchess" (2008) starring Keira Knightly and Ralph Fiennes. Watching this movie opened my eyes to a fresh perspective that I hadn’t considered before. It sparked a new wave of inspiration in me, helping me overcome the writer’s block I’ve been stuck in for the past few weeks. I’m so grateful for your patience, dear readers! I truly hope this new chapter conveys the emotions and struggles of the characters in a way that resonates with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts on their relationship—it would help me shape the story in a direction that you all will enjoy even more. Also, I've been reading a lot of historical books and webtoons that I think made me more inspired to use words out of my comfort zone. It felt new and unfamiliar to write this way. Am I going to continue with the Grand Duke's POV? Who knows. Maybe or maybe not. But, I do hope that you enjoy this chapter that took me 3-4 weeks to brainstorm and countless revisions. See you next update!

#romcom #Historical_Fantasy #duchess #library #Hella #starlis #romance

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The Duchess and her Library

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Grace awakens in an entirely different world, inhabiting the body of Grand Duchess Sophia Grace Rosewood-Griffith—a noblewoman of great power and prestige who has been in a coma for two years. Now, Grace must navigate this magical and historical realm filled with ancient spells, enchanted relics, and dangerous court intrigue. Tasked with playing the part of the Grand Duchess, she soon realizes that someone is plotting her demise, and she is determined to uncover the truth.

Her only sanctuary in this unfamiliar world is the Grand Duchess's hidden magical library, a sprawling, enchanted haven filled with ancient tomes and mystical artifacts. This secret refuge becomes her headquarters, a place where she can unravel the mysteries around her while exploring the forgotten spells and long-lost history hidden within its walls. Here, she discovers clues that point her to Reagan, a significant person from her past who seems to hold the key to everything—the identity of her enemies, the secrets of her past, and the reasons behind her sudden reincarnation.

As Grace delves deeper into this world of dark secrets and forbidden magic, she makes a bold plan: to solve the mysteries, expose the conspirators, and demand a divorce from the enigmatic and powerful Grand Duke. But as she spends more time in this magical world and with the Grand Duke himself, she finds her resolve wavering. Will she manage to keep her heart in check, or will she be swept away by a love she never expected? Join her on a thrilling journey of magic, mystery, and romance in a story where nothing is as it seems and every page is a new revelation.

17 episodes