As I stood before Lord Lance, his serious face sent a shiver down my spine. The dim lighting in the grand hall seemed to amplify the stern lines etched on his face, making him appear even more imposing. I had acted harshly towards Duke Claude, pushing him to the edge, and now I was faced with the consequences. Guilt and self-loathing washed over me like a cold wave, making my skin crawl. I didn't deserve Lord Lance's understanding, not after the way I had behaved.

"Lady Wyrmsley, Lady Wyrmsley," Lord Lance called out to me, his deep voice stern but laced with a hint of concern.

I turned to face him, trying to compose myself. Lady Celeste's expression was troubled, her brow furrowed in worry. "Ah, Lord Lance, what is it? I'm sorry, but I need some time to think."

Lord Lance's expression remained impassive, but his eyes seemed to bore into my very soul. "If things get tough, just rest, Lady Wyrmsley. You need it." His words were a gentle reprimand, but they struck a chord within me. I knew I wasn't taking care of myself, not after everything that had happened.

I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease. "Then I shall go, Lord Lance. Have a great day, my lord." I curtsied, trying to show the respect due to him, but my heart wasn't in it.

As I walked out of the Duchy, the empty hallway seemed to stretch on forever. The atmosphere was oppressive, like a funeral shroud had been draped over the entire estate. The once-grand portraits on the walls seemed to gaze down at me with disapproval, their subjects' faces stern and unforgiving. I quickened my pace, eager to escape the gloom that seemed to cling to me like a bad omen.

The Fyietzel Garden was a welcome respite from the darkness that had settled over me. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting dappled shadows across the lush greenery. Cherry blossoms swayed in the breeze, their delicate petals dancing like ballerinas. The sweet scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and I breathed deeply, feeling some of the tension ease out of my shoulders.

I spotted a figure sitting under a tree – Countess Verde, her long bluish hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. She wore a vibrant red dress, a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of the Duchy. She looked up as I approached, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Countess Verde, I didn't expect you," I said, trying to sound more composed than I felt. I hadn't seen her in ages, and her visit was a surprise.

She rose from her seat, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I didn't mean to intrude, Lady Celeste. I came to deliver a message from your brother." Her voice was like music, melodic and soothing.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "My brother? What has he done now?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the curiosity that was eating away at me.

Countess Verde's smile grew wider. "Lord Callisto will inherit the Countdom in his coming of age ceremony. He wants you to attend, to see his family complete on this important occasion." Her words were like a balm to my soul, soothing my worries and filling me with pride.

I felt a pang of surprise, followed by a sense of wonder. Callis, the little scamp, had grown up. I remembered him as a clumsy, awkward boy, always getting into trouble. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

"When is the ceremony?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the excitement that was building inside me.

"The banquet will be held two weeks from now," Countess Verde replied. "Your father is thrilled about Lord Callisto's achievements. The wars on the border, the peace negotiations... he's made quite a name for himself." Her words were laced with admiration, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

I smiled, remembering my brother's antics. "Yes, Callis has always been a bit of a hero. Perhaps you should consider him as a potential suitor, Countess Verde?" I teased, trying to sound casual.

Countess Verde blushed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Lady Celeste, you're as mischievous as ever." We laughed, and for a moment, I forgot about my troubles.

We chatted for a while, catching up on each other's lives. It was nice to reconnect with an old friend, to forget about the troubles that had been weighing me down. As Countess Verde prepared to leave, I walked her out, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her.

 

After she departed, I returned to my thoughts, my mind whirling with the news about Callis and the Countdom. I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for both of us, and whether I would be able to make amends for my past mistakes.