The next morning, without wasting any time, I went to Julian's room again while my maids ran after me trying to fix my hair and my clothes, but I cared less since I had someone to worry about. I woke Julian myself and opened those windows and curtains. I washed him and dressed him while he was silent.
"I came here for you so we can eat breakfast together; let's do every day from now on." I took his hand and we went together to the dining room. I fed him and watched him finish his food until the end.
I went down on my knees and looked at Julian, saying, "My sweetie, since we have finished eating, let's go and do our tasks; you go with Dillion for your lessons, and I'll go to my dancing lesson with your father today, and then we are going to meet again at lunch, alright?"
He was expressionless and didn't respond in any way. I let it be because I knew he still needed time.
When I went to the room where I used to practice, I found my dance instructor and Amon already there. When he saw me, he stood up and said, "Let's start." I gave my instructor a kind hello, but I refrained from giving him the usual smile since I truly wanted to convey my anger. I was giving him a disgusted look because I remembered what had happened to my beloved Julian. I couldn't unseen it, and remembering his pain truly hurt me. I didn't want to say anything in front of them since it needed to be kept a secret forever. But wait till we're finished, and you'll see.
My teacher signaled for the orchestra team to begin playing, and as we bowed to one another, he wrapped his warm arm around my waist, tingling me as he got closer to me. I felt the room getting hotter. We swayed softly left and right as we began our Waltz dance, until my teacher interrupted.
"Keep your head up, your grace, and look into his grace eyes."
I raised my head to meet Amon, who had brown honey eyes that hid many secrets and pain. For a little while, I thought Amon and I were alone, with no one around us, as we allowed the rhythm to direct our movements while gazing into each other's eyes. I swear, this man is attempting to enchant me; all of my wrath and fury toward him simply vanished. Dancing with Daisy seemed easier and better.
I suddenly felt his breath in my ear as he leaned closer to me and whispered, "Are you ok?"
At that moment, my cheeks were about to burst, so I just nodded. However, he continued asking, "Are you sure nothing awful happened?,"
I retorted in the iciest of tones, saying, "Let me concentrate on my dance your grace, and let's chat afterwards."
His eyes widened a little, while I lowered mine to meet his broad, muscular chest.
Thank God, the instructor stopped us and congratulated us all before leaving. We cheered after her and thanked her, and I also invited her to the ceremony with Amon, who today seemed to be acting politely; it was the first time I had seen this trait in him.
Oh, yeah, I remember that I need to scold him about Julian. But he cut in to say, "Did you meet the dress designers?"
"No, I still didn't."
"That's good. Since I am here today, I ordered Leola to let them come so we can determine whether the outfit is suitable."
"Okay, I'm ready for that; let them in."
We positioned ourselves at a table facing the window, with two chairs next to one another, and kept an eye on them as they arrived and brought the items.
"Dear Duke and Duchess of Brennuse, we are from "For you, haute couture maison," and the greatest designers of noble clothes in the country, and we will be truly happy to serve you," they said after bowing.
We noded in agreement , and Amon then asks, "How is the preparation of the duchess dress going?"
Suddenly, they looked down as their smile began to fade, saying in a low voice, "We are here to notify you and beg your forgiveness because the ship that would have brought the fabric you selected will now arrive after next week due to a malfunction on it."
Amon crossed his fingers and questioned, "How can you call yourself the greatest in the nation when there is no professionalism in your job and you didn't notify me about the issue before?"
I turned my head toward him, astounding by his query, and realized that this man was truly of a different sort.
They started trembling, and their hands were shaking. They replied, "We sincerely apologize your grace. We hoped we could find another solution, but we failed. We can, however, make any dress you want out of any fabric at any price."
Since the dress really doesn't matter to me, I didn't want to give this conversation too much importance, so I cut Amon off before he could finish his thought: "I've got an idea." Looking at Amon, I continued, "Actually, I have always admired the dress of the former duchess in the painting every time I walked the hallway. If it's okay, I can wear that, and you can add some modifications to it. If that's okay with you, Amon, let's make it a tradition for future generations as well.
After pausing and taking a long time looking at the ground, he replied, "You are permitted to wear her clothing as long as you are a duchess, and if you are okay with it as a duchess, then I am too as a duke."
"Alright then, Leola, if you know where the dress is, please bring it here."
My passion for the outfit grew as soon as I touched it once it was presented. A cobalt blue crinoline dress with long tulle hanging sleeves and a baby blue small flowers in the center of the wide v neckline completed the look. The rest of the garment was made up of layers of lightweight cotton, lace, and tulle draped on top of one another starting from the Basque waist to the bottom. I changed behind folding screens, and because it fit, I felt even more in love with myself when I glanced in the mirror. I walked out to show them my look, as they took down the folding screen. I guess that was a good decision; because everybody in the room was astonished by it.
Daisy turned around me and smiled, saying, "Wow, my lady, you look wonderful in this outfit; it absolutely fits you."
Leola said, "I fully agree," and everyone nodded along with her.
I turned to face Amon, who was leaning toward me with wide eyes, flaring nostrils, parted lips, and raised brows.
" What do you think, Amon?" I questioned him. He shook his head in agreement and moved backwards to the chair after remarking, "It looks fine." I smiled at the way he commented; it's like someone threatened him. I can tell he likes it because of the way he sits, but he doesn't want to compliment me; instead, he compliments the thing itself. Ah, this man.
"I see. Then let's only add a few chains of thin pearls around the waist and at the bottom of the garment to make it shine clearly and brightly. Moreover, let's create a long cape that I may put over my dress and that should be dragged on the ground for one meter. Make sure it's made of navy blue velvet and has pearl trim around the neck. Nothing is required in terms of measurements."
"Then you may talk to Dillion about the payment and delivery. Since you are done, I'll take my leave," Amon told the designers.
"Where do you intend to go? I need to talk to you about an urgent problem, so I'll take off my clothing wait for me" I whispered, holding his hand.
"What is -" I interrupted him, "I said just wait for me."
I quickly ran to him after pulling the dress off, where he was already in the hallway. I stopped him by saying, "Amon, you brat, you heartless guy!" while hardly breathing.
He turned his head and said, "My wife, please watch your language."
"How can I control my language when you caused your child's depression at such a young age?" I paused, placed my hand on the wall, and looked up at him, while he was confused.
"Your son is now not in a stable mental state, do you understand?" I continued .
"What do you mean by that?" He stuttered as he took a step back. "How is it even possible? Julian has always been good mentally."
"Why are you so certain about that, Amon? Have you ever inquired as to how he is feeling?"