In the moments leading up to dinner, Tina carefully helped Rose get dressed, ensuring that every detail was in place. Rose's gown was a vision of elegance, the fabric flowing gracefully as she moved. As she looked at herself in the mirror, a sense of confidence and excitement bubbled within her.
"You look absolutely stunning, my lady," Tina remarked, her eyes filled with admiration.
Rose's smile was both appreciative and nervous. "Thank you, Tina. I can hardly believe that I'm about to meet him."
Tina's gaze held a mix of encouragement and support. "You're ready, my lady. Just be yourself, and everything will go well."
With a deep breath, Rose nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. She was eager to finally meet her husband, to bridge the gap that had separated them and embark on this new chapter of their lives together.
Meanwhile, in the grand dining room, Duke Karl entered with an air of weariness clinging to him. The days had been long and taxing, and the nights even more so, haunted by restless dreams of his past. He took his seat at the head of the table, his demeanor cool and composed as always.
As the dinner progressed, the atmosphere held an undercurrent of tension, both Karl and Rose conscious of the significance of this moment. Rose took a deep breath, her nerves mingling with her excitement. With a determined smile, she looked to Karl and spoke softly, "Duke Karl, it's been a week since we last saw each other."
Karl's gaze shifted to her, his expression unreadable. "Indeed," he replied in a voice that held a trace of weariness.
A sense of compassion filled Rose's eyes as she inquired further, "How have you been, Duke Karl?"
Karl's response was curt, his voice carrying a tinge of exhaustion. "Busy, as always."
Rose's heart went out to him, her concern genuine. "I hope you're taking care of yourself, despite the demands of your responsibilities."
Karl's gaze held a touch of surprise, as if her concern was unexpected. "I manage."
As the conversation continued, Rose's determination to bridge the gap between them shone through. Despite Karl's cold exterior, she saw glimpses of the man she had loved through her reading. She sensed the weariness in his voice, the burden he carried, and she longed to offer him comfort and solace.
The night was calm and serene, and Rose had settled into her room after the dinner. She had been lost in her thoughts, replaying the events of the evening, when suddenly, the room was bathed in the soft light of sunrise. To her astonishment, Duke Karl entered the room, a presence that both startled and perplexed her.
Rose's heart raced, her nerves in overdrive as she struggled to comprehend his unexpected presence. Karl's calm and tired expression didn't offer much explanation, leaving Rose shaky and unsure of what to say.
With a shaky voice, she finally managed to speak, "Duke Karl, what are you doing here in my room?"
Karl's gaze met hers, his voice carrying an air of nonchalance. "We are husband and wife now, Lady Rose. It's only natural that I should share the same quarters."
Rose's eyes widened at his matter-of-fact statement. As Karl began to remove his top, revealing a physique that was undeniably impressive, Rose's mind was filled with a mixture of awe and nervousness. The image before her was quite different from the one she had imagined from the pages of the book.
As her gaze lingered on his form, she found herself captivated by his presence, the realization of his handsomeness striking her in a new and unexpected way. He was more than just a character from the pages of a novel; he was a living, breathing man standing before her.
Caught in her thoughts, Rose's mind raced as she grappled with the unfamiliar emotions and sensations swirling within her. The idea of sharing a bed with her husband was both thrilling and daunting. Her lack of experience with romantic relationships only added to her nervousness.
With a newfound resolve, Rose finally made up her mind. She turned around, ready to face whatever awaited her. She took a deep breath, prepared to step into this uncharted territory of marriage and intimacy.
But as she turned, she was met with an unexpected sight. Karl was fast asleep, his breathing steady and peaceful. The tension that had been building within her suddenly dissolved, replaced by a mixture of amusement and relief.
Rose couldn't help but chuckle softly at the turn of events. Her imagination had run wild with assumptions, only to find her husband asleep and unaware of her inner turmoil. With a shake of her head and a smile, Rose realized that even in the midst of uncertainty, there was room for laughter and the unexpected.