Bells sounded from the courtyard and cheers resounded through the estate making Gwen stand up to look out of her window. Long carriages were entering the estate and the loud rattling from the wheels announced their entrance.
Theresa's hand squeezed her daughter's shoulder. Gwen turned back around and breathed in a deep breath to keep the worries at bay. They walked out down to the front doors to see the butlers grabbing her luggage and putting it into the carriages.
She didn't bring too many items, but most of the luggage ended up being some gifts that her family was giving to Maximillian. Gwen strode out the doors to see her father speaking with the attendants that were furiously bowing. A tiny laugh escaped from her lips which brought the attention of the people that Maximillian sent for her.
Lauren and Avery were already sitting in the main carriage waiting for her, and she gave them a small wave while the knights rushed over to her. There were over ten men in total in a line formation of two, and they gave her a deep bow. She motioned for them to stand up, but they continued to bow.
"Your Grace, we are all pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Likewise," Gwen replied softly. "Please rise."
They all straightened with their eyes full intent on her, and Gwen laughed at their eager response. A knight with a friendly face stared at her while his mouth dropped open in awe.
"Dear god, she is beautiful."
The head knight jabbed at him with his elbow. "Please shut up, Evan."
Her father came to stand by her side while giving them all a side-eye. The knights backed off a bit and gave Gwen more distance. Gwen patted her father's arm in reply. He twisted them away from the knights to chat privately. Gwen looked up at her father in question.
"What is it, Father?"
The count smiled. "I only know you're going to break more hearts."
Gwen rolled her eyes. "I know, I'm gorgeous. Don't be too heartbroken about it, Father. It came from you."
Her father laughed. "I'll be sure to tell your mother." He paused. "I want to remind you how you should not be afraid of your new role. It is overwhelming at first, however, I have full confidence that you will be able to do it with the help of Maximillian."
"Will he ever return?"
"Don't be dramatic. I have full confidence that he will return to you soon."
"I apologize for my ignorant words," she murmured. "What is Maximillian like?"
Alexei grimaced. "Max is surely… an enigma. He works hard, that young man. He will be a good fit for you since I know that you two have similar interests."
"I still don't understand why you decided to match a marriage for me though. I didn't think you had plans for me to get married."
"You are correct, Gwen. Your mother and I wanted you to get married on your own accord to a man that you wanted. However, I don't have all the details either about Maximillian's plans. It runs along the lines that he needs to be married soon to secure his dukedom."
It did make sense that Maximilian wanted to ensure his estate, but there were better times to get married. He could have waited to get married until after he returned from his mission. It was quite the hassle, but it didn't matter either way. It just felt like they were jumping through hoops to get to a simple conclusion.
"Why me?" she whispered.
Alexei smiled. "You were the only one."
Gwen's heart stuttered from the implication of how Maximillian wanted her from the start, and she gave a quick nod, accepting her fate. She turned back to the attendants who were back at their jobs and asked them their names.
They all enthusiastically answered, and she had to demand one at a time. She tried hard to memorize them all since she wanted to recognize their hard work. They were all so sweet and hilarious, but they needed to leave soon and make haste to try and get to the Latimer estate in seven days.
Gwen turned back to hug her family tightly. Her father whispered a small prayer over her, and her mother kissed her on the cheek, reminding her to stay poised. Gwen nodded, keeping the reminder close. She was sad to leave them, but she was ready to start her new journey. She hoped that her new family would treat her well.
Brennon gave her a real hug for once while she ruffled Adrian's hair. It was a habit for all her family to ruffle Adrian's hair since he liked it longer. Gwen squeezed Adrian's chin before leaving since he was not on board with the marriage still.
Gwen took the hand of one of the knights, Cassian, and got into the carriage. She waved at her family before the carriage took off. Her face was pressed up against the glass, as her family got further away while they stood there on the marble steps on a sunny afternoon watching her departure.
When the carriage left the large metal gates, and her family's figure was too small in the distance, Gwen finally turned back into her seat and pressed her hands together in a small prayer.
The gates closed behind her, the clang of the metal sinking back into the ground, finalizing her fate. Gwen leaned back into the plush navy cushions inside of the flashy carriage and closed her eyes, ready to arrive at the Latimer estate.