I've served as the butler for the Cortiana family for the past 20 years, a day after the master inherited the duchy. Master Xanros is a military man, a celebrated war hero. The Cortiana family has always been in a neutral position for decades, having the excuse of being too busy guarding the northern borders and no time for politics.
The northern borders had to be protected because the Inoi tribes were savage brutes that pillaged the lands of the north. Master Xanros was victorious in keeping the land protected and managed to broker a peace treaty between the Kingdom and the tribes. This was no easy task because the Inoi were known to be stubborn and violent, it was almost like a miracle. It was then decided that he would marry the infamous bastard daughter of the King. After his marriage to the first princess, he decided to turn away from the battlefields and into court becoming one of five chancellors.
The master was known as a righteous and brave man in the eyes of people outside the manor. Inside of it, he was strict and lawful. It was a stark contrast from the beautiful duchess with a bad temper and a boisterous attitude. It was obvious to anyone who could see that there was no love between both of them. The duke attends meetings from around the duchy, only ever going home once or twice a month. The duchess on the other hand, visits the royal court almost every day. There were doubts that an heir will be produced and the vassals started pressuring the duke.
To everyone's surprise, the duchess was indeed carrying with her a baby. The duchy held a week long celebration and invited guests from all over to bless the Cortiana family's future.
One cold winter night after their visit to the castle celebrating the social season, the manor was thrown into chaos. Maidservants and footmen were clamoring in the halls, wondering what was happening inside the duchess' room. I rushed at the center of the door and heard a crash inside.
Cries of the duchess followed and she begins to beg for the duke's mercy. Everyone looked at each other, questions clearly written on their face.
The duchess was admittedly not a good person, she was known as the rose of the court, beautiful but thorns adorn its stem. She tried to take over the court not once but multiple times but failed in every single try. She was always brewing up scandals for her own entertainment and gain. With everything that she did, the duke never tried to stop her, not even reprimanding her actions so this incident was certainly a dilemma.
The next few days, winter raged on and the coldness start to seep inside every household, including the manor but worse. Every person inside felt that something was said and done between two of the masters. It was the kind of feeling that grips everyone's hearts in turmoil and anxiety. The glares of the duke, the screams of the duchess and the silence shared between the servants. It was almost as if it would one day burst and swallow the manor whole.
Spring came and everyone breathed a sigh of relief, expecting chaos but welcomed with a different sight. The duchess and the duke were sharing their meals once again. Not a single person knew what the root of that coldness was but we were all glad that it ended as soon as it started.
As the season once again changed, the northern duchy of Sylvion celebrated the Summer Solstice, villages in the north celebrate this festival with vigor. It also happens to be the expected birth date of the heir. Everyone is excited and busy preparing. I remember the sleepless nights that Summer and the genuine anticipation for the double celebration.
It turns out, it would be a season of a life ending and another welcomed into this world without the presence of her mother.