Upon returning to her family's estate, Rose could hardly contain her excitement. She knew that her parents' reactions to the news of her impending marriage to Duke Karl would be a mix of shock and concern, but she was determined to make them understand the depth of her feelings.
Gathering her parents in the grand sitting room, Rose took a deep breath before sharing her news. "Mother, Father, I have something important to tell you."
Her mother's brow furrowed in concern, while her father leaned forward, his expression a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. "What is it, my dear?" her father asked gently.
Rose's voice held a blend of nervousness and excitement as she spoke, "I have received Duke Karl's acceptance of our marriage proposal. We are to be married."
Her parents exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by the unexpected news. Her mother's voice held a hint of worry as she asked, "Rose, are you certain about this? Marrying a man you barely know..."
Rose's gaze was steady, her heart filled with conviction. "Mother, I understand your concerns, but please believe me when I say that my feelings for Duke Karl are sincere. I have admired him for a long time, and this is not a decision I've made lightly."
Her father's voice was a mix of concern and curiosity. "And what is it about Duke Karl that has captured your heart, Rose?"
Rose took a moment to gather her thoughts before answering, her voice filled with emotion. "Father, it's his dedication to protecting his land and people. His strength and resilience in the face of adversity. He has always been alone, and I want to be the one by his side, to support him and bring light to his life."
Her parents exchanged a glance, and her mother's expression softened. "Rose, we care for your happiness above all else. While this is unexpected, if you truly believe in your decision and your feelings, then we will support you."
Her father nodded in agreement, a small smile forming. "Your mother is right. We may be worried, but if this brings you joy and purpose, then we stand by you."
Tears of gratitude welled in Rose's eyes as she embraced her parents. In that moment, she felt their love and understanding, their willingness to accept her choice even if it defied convention.
As the news of Duke Karl's upcoming marriage to Lady Rose spread throughout the estate, an air of excitement enveloped the once solemn halls. Calos and Irises, his loyal companions, were particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of a new lady entering their lives.
Calos, with his typically serious demeanor, couldn't help but let a grin break through as he turned to Irises. "Irises, can you believe it? Our duke is getting married!"
Irises, who usually exuded grace and poise, practically danced on her toes with delight. "Oh, Calos, this is such wonderful news! Finally, there will be laughter and joy echoing through these halls."
Calos nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Irises. We must prepare for Lady Rose's arrival in a manner befitting her station. The mansion needs to shine with warmth and elegance."
Irises clapped her hands together, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Absolutely, Calos! Let's adorn the grand hall with flowers, arrange a feast that will dazzle, and ensure every corner exudes the ambiance of celebration."
As they exchanged ideas and plans, their camaraderie and shared enthusiasm was palpable. It was a stark contrast to the quiet and somber atmosphere that had pervaded the estate for so long.
Calos tapped his chin thoughtfully. "And don't forget the gardens, Irises. Lady Rose's arrival should be met with a riot of colors and fragrances."
Irises nodded in agreement, her eyes already envisioning the transformed estate. "Of course, Calos. The gardens will be a sight to behold, as if welcoming her with open arms."
In the quiet solitude of his chamber, Karl lay upon his bed, lost in the realm of his nightmares. The past, like an unrelenting specter, seized his mind, plunging him into memories he had long tried to suppress.
The dream was vivid, cruelly replaying the events that had marked his childhood. He was only six years old when his world had shattered—when his mother, the one source of warmth and affection, had been taken away from him. He still remembered the sound of her laughter, the gentle touch of her hand, and the way she used to sing to him before bedtime.
But those moments of happiness had been short-lived, replaced by the grim reality that followed. His father, King Karash, had remarried hastily to Lady Lily, a woman who cared little for Karl and his needs. In the very year of his mother's death, Lady Lily was declared the new queen.
The nightmare played out with heart-wrenching clarity. Karl saw himself as a child, standing by helplessly as his father paid no attention to him, preoccupied with his new queen. The once-grand castle fell into disrepair, the once-bountiful meals became scarce, and the laughter that had once echoed through the halls faded into silence.
Karl's room, once a place of comfort, now felt like a prison as he relived those memories. He could feel the cold draft seeping through the cracks in the walls, the hollowness of his stomach as he went to bed hungry night after night. The joy that once filled his heart was replaced by a numbing sense of isolation and neglect.
As he woke, sweat clinging to his skin, Karl's chest heaved with ragged breaths. The nightmare had shaken him to his core, a painful reminder of the scars that had never truly healed. In the quiet of his room, he couldn't help but acknowledge the deep-seated fear of being alone and abandoned, a fear that had driven him to become the stoic and unapproachable man he was today.
As the night gradually gave way to the soft light of dawn, Karl sat up, his expression a mix of turmoil and determination. He had accepted the marriage proposal for practical reasons, but he couldn't deny that there was a part of him that longed for companionship, for the warmth that had been stolen from him so long ago.