Far away, on the southern outskirts of the Eldenbridge Empire, lies a prosperous duchy near the sea. The Duchy of Nerei is famous for its big underwater gold mine and silk production.
It was ruled by the Barnand family for many centuries. The only founding family who did not have a single drop of blood connected to the royal family.
The Eldenbridge people dubbed them the Silver Blood because the Barnand Family is second only to the royal family in terms of financial and military power, yet no member of the family ever married into the royal family to gain power.
Their in-laws come from the commoners' background and are married into the Barnand family. Not the opposite. It also applies to the current Duke of Barnand, Christian D. Barnand. People call him the Empire Sword and Pen.
His wife, the duchess, is the former chief doctor of the queen. She come from a small farmer's family in the north. However, upon her arrival in the duchy, she was able to get control of empire medical supplies. Now she has secured herself a spot on the national council beside her husband.
The Eldenbridge empire always valued talent above all. And the Barnand family is the one who upholds that the most. All of the Barnard children are always born talented. Which is why, for many decades, the king always posted them on imperial duty.
The duke's only daughter, me, of course, is not exempt from this. I have been assigned to the royal treasury since I was ten years old and was promoted as head at the age of nineteen. I am twenty and currently enjoying my annual leave away from my employer, the king.
How wonderful...
A day without paperwork and field visits. I can lie down in bed all day.
What a Luxury...
"My Lady, are you awake?" A knock on the door followed by a woman's voice.
"Come in, Dena." I said.
I coughed, clearing my voice. My exclusive maid, Dena, came in with a bucket of water and towels in her hand.
"My Lady, you have received another letter from the imperial palace." She said
"Oh come on, I am only gone for three days and I have received a letter from the queen, a letter from the king, and a letter from the crown prince. Just leave it be. I have five more days before my leave ends. I said grumpy.
Dena chuckled and put the bucket on the table across from my bed. She walks to my right side and opens the curtain. Sunlight suddenly passes through and brightens the room.
With a heavy sigh, I get up from bed and walk towards the bucket to wash my face.
"It is a letter from your father's office, my lady." Dena said, with a happy tone.
My eyebrows are frowning. Why did my father go through the hustle to write from the imperial palace?
"What is it? He never wrote me a formal letter," I said.
"Maybe it is about your fiancee candidate, my lady? You have spoken with him before about this. " Dena smiled as she said this.
She stretched out her hand to give me the letter. I can feel the heavy paper in my hand. The symbol of the imperial house of Knights is stamped on it. I can see my father's writing at the bottom.
I open the seal and straighten the folded paper.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Dear Daughter,
I have found candidates to be your fiance. I thought it would be nice if you could return early to the capital to meet them first before you return to your work and get more busy. Your mother and I have selected some and proposed the below list to you:
1. Marques Hassel : 25 years old, a brilliant politician, he has been appointed as the crown prince's aide for five years. extremely courteous and responsible man
2. Baron Eire: a 23-year-old swordsman and honorable knight.He comes from a humble blacksmith family in our duchy. He earned himself a title during the equinox war. Extremely trustworthy and loyal
3. Evans, Clive: I'm 27 years old. The head of the merchant guild and an Imperial secret agent. A very talented business man. He has supported your mother's business very well.
I sent a copy of the list to His Majesty and His Highness a few days ago.I am sure they have already written to you. You can formally meet them under guardian pressence according to imperial law, as soon as you are available. Write me back if you have set the date.
I and your mother will be around for the next couple of months before going back to the duchy.
Yours truly father,
The Duke of Barnand
~~~~~~~~~~~
How come he arranged a formal meeting for my marriage so fast? I only told him a few days ago that I wanted to get married.
"Dena, can you prepare the carriage today? We will depart for the capital tomorrow morning. " I said
"Of course, my lady. Do you want to use the magic portal? " She asks
"Yes, send Diego to give notice to the gate keeper. Also, bring me some paper and ink before you leave. " I ask
"Yes, my lady. I will go prepare then. "
I write my father a reply and send a messanger ahead. I told him I was on my way and would like to meet with the candidates as soon as I arrived.
I spent the rest of the day packing and checking. When morning comes, I hop on the carriage with Dena, and depart with three knights towards the capital of Eldenbridge.
Along the way, I opened letters from the royal family. The queen sounds excited and wishes me to meet my fateful partner among the candidates. The king, on the other hand, sounds worried in his letter despite his approval. As much as he is happy to hear this information from my father, he tells me that he will not issue the marriage licence if I decide to marry at the end. He will be handing the final approval to the crown prince.
What nonsense, since when a marriage licence for a nobility's wedding is decided by the crown prince?
I closed the king's letter roughly and tossed it to the empty seat beside me.
Dena is looking at me curiously.
"Do you ever hear of a marriage licence that has been approved by a crown prince?" I asked Dena
"No, my lady, as far as I know, his majesty the king is the one who has the authority to approve or reject noble's wedding." Dena said.
"Is there any problem, my lady?" Dena asked again.
I sigh long and heavy.
"The king just transferred my marriage approval to Davien. Because we are childhood friends, "I said."
I feel annoyed.
Dena looked shocked and confused at the same time.
"How come, my lady?" she asked.
"I don't know. Maybe the king has finally gone mad, "I said
"My Lady!! That is not appropriate," said Dena. scolding me
My hand starts to move to Davien's letter. I opened the royal seal and found his unique handwriting inside. There is only one sentence there.
~We need to talk~
I look at these words over and over. What is wrong with him? sending me a letter with one sentence only? What a waste of paper
I folded his letter and tossed it away.
We need two days of travel by carriage to finally reach the capital gate. If we do not use a magical portal, it usually takes four days.
I stopped by Madam Siena Boutique on the way. Madam Siena herself walks to welcome us to the store. A few young ladies who were at the store suddenly stared at me.
"Lady Rosaline, how long has it been since your last visit?" She said with a bright smile.
"Madam Siena, it's nice to see you. I need a couple of summer dresses for tea time. " I smiled back at her.
"Of course, I have rare fabrics that came just recently. They are very light, cool, and have a beautiful pattern. Let me show you. " Said Madam Siena, while showing me the way.
But I stopped her.
"Actually, I am on a tight schedule today. Can you take my measurements first? As for the fabric and design, I will leave it to you, madam. I believe you have well aware of my taste. " I said.
"Of course, my lady. I will send the dress to your mansion tomorrow as usual." Said Madam Siena overjoyed.
"Perfect. Thank you, madam. " I said, and walked towards the fitting room.
I heard people started gossiping along the way.
'Is that Duke Barnand's Daughter?'
'She is so beautiful and elegant.'
'Do you see her silver shining hair? such a rare color.'
'Her grey eyes are really pretty too.'
I feel embarrassed the more I hear it. That is why I never spend much time at a dress shop.
"Don't listen if you don't want to." A small voice comes from beside me.
A young lady with brown hair and purple eyes was looking at me with a smile.
"Sometimes I also feel uncomfortable hearing people talk. even if it is praise. " She said this while Madam Siena's assistant was measuring her.
"True. Can they stop talking for a day." I chuckle
"Nonsense, not even royal decree can stop ladies and their moms gossiping." she said again.
"That, I couldn't agree more." I laughed.
"Forgive me for suddenly talking to you, my lady. I am Francesca Hassel. " She said, still smiling.
"Ah, you are Marquis Hassel's sister." I said excited.
"No need to apologize. I am happy to meet a new friend. " I repeated myself.
"Thank you, my lady; it is an honor," she said cheerfully.
"How is the former marquis hassle these days? I heard he suddenly fell during the last winter ball at Fermont Duchy in the north. " I ask
"He is recovering, my lady. Now my brother has fully taken over since the succession. I heard from him that he will be formally meeting you in the near future, my lady. " She asks shyly.
I can feel my cheeks flushing. Madam Siena gives me a meaningful smile while taking my measurements.
"Ah, yes... I guess... I just received my father's letter. That is why I am returning." I said
"That is good, my lady. My brother is a little timid, but he is a good man. I can assure you. " She said enthusiastically.
"Indeed, the marquis is one of the most handsome eligible bachelors in the empire after all." Add Madam Siena, who is ecstatic.
"Khm.., yes of course. I know the marquis. We often meet at work. He is indeed a very good man. " I said, embarrasedly.
"Ah yes, I am sorry. Of course you have met my brother before, "Francesca looked down shyly.
I smile. I feel embarrassed too.
Madame Siena and her assistant finished taking our measurements not long after.
"Ok ladies, we have finished taking your measurements. We will send the dress once ready. " Madam Siena stated.
"Thank you, madam." Francesca and I agreed.
"Where were you heading after this Lady Francesca?" I ask
"Ah, I plan to go to the palace after this, my lady. My brother left important documents at home." She said
"Do you bring your own carriage with you?" I ask again.
"Oh no, my lady. My maid will fetch a carriage for me," she said.
"Come with me. I am also heading to the palace." I said
"Thank you, my lady." She said, while smiling.
"Please, just call me Rosaline." I smiled back.
"Yes, Rosaline, please call me Francesca." She said happily.
"Alright, Francesca." I reply.
We depart for the palace after having lunch in one of the cafes nearby. I decided to meet Davien first before going home. Dena keeps nagging me to stop by the mansion first to clean up and change my clothes before meeting the crown prince, but I insist.
I do not need to dress up just to meet Davien.
Francesca defended me, saying that I still looked flawless, and we practically became best friends after that. I know it's cheap.
We arrive at the palace before sunset and are directly guided by the butler to the crown prince's study room. Tok Tok. The butler knocked on the big door.
"Your Highness, Lady Rosaline and Lady Francesca request a meeting." The butler said
"Let them in." A heavy voice is heard from inside the room.
No matter how many times I hear Davien's voice, I never got used to his low tone.
The door swung open and I saw a man with long brown hair and purple eyes standing beside a big mahogany table.
I walked inside and saw another man with black short hair sitting behind the desk. The Crown Prince of the Eldenbridge Empire, Prince Davien. His hair is as dark as a raven's feather. His pair of golden eyes are looking straight at me sharply.
"Your Highness.. The Glory of the Empire." I greet him. Bent my legs politely. No response.
"Marquis Hassel." I greet the other one. I slightly lower my head.
"Lady Barnand, you're back early." He said.
"Ah yes, There were urgent matters that I needed to attend to, " I reply.
"Khm Khm. Then, I will escort my sister out first. I believe she needs to return home before dark. " He said.
"Of course, marquis..." I said
" See you later, Francesca." I said good bye to Francesca.
"See you again, Rosaline." She replied.
I was left alone with Davien. A few minutes have passed since the Marquis and Francessca left the room, but not a single word has come out of Davien's mouth. Is he angry?
"So, care to talk to me?" I started
He sighs
"Why suddenly marriage? You never mentioned this before? "he rose from the chair and asked
Now we are only a few steps apart.
"Well, you know, I will get married eventually. Why not now? " I reply firmly.
"You still have two years left before your work contract ends." He said
"Davien, it's just a warm-up. You know every noble will need years before they actually get married. " I said.
"What if I don't approve?" He responded.
"On what basis do you reject it?" I asked him stubbornly.
But he does not answer.
"Is this about me leaving my post? Is that why you are not happy for me and make a direct request to his majesty? " I asked again.
He stared at my eyes for a long time.I look at him back. The next moment I know, he pulls me into his embrace. I can feel my cheek becoming red.
"Your Highness..." I pushed him a little, but he strengthened his hold.
"It just happened so fast. I am not prepared to lose you. " He said softly.
Am I hearing things? Or is he drunk ?
I push him hard and look at his face. Those pairs of golden eyes were shaken, like melted gold. He let me go just enough so that I could see his expression clearly. His two hands were still on my waist.
Our height difference makes me have to look up.
I've never seen this expression before. Is it... hurt? sad? or what? I can't even say a word to ask