"What happened to the pen?" Emrys asked.
Ruth got out of her daze and looked up from her desk. "Huh?"
"Your usual pen." He repeated indifferently.
"Oh," Ruth realised she should have come clean earlier about giving it away. Her husband was quite perceptive after all.
"I'm really sorry, Emrys. I had given it away at the tea party. I didn't have an appropriate trinket to give during the pregnancy announcement," Ruth apologised. Emrys seemed to be in deep thought.
"Its alright. It's just a pen. I will get a new one for you." Emrys replied before going back to his documents.
"Yeah... it was just a pen after all," Ruth felt relieved that he didn't make an issue out of it but a little embarrassed that it had only been her who treasured it like an anniversary gift.
She went back to her work. The very reason they were married in the first place. According to the novel, Emrys needed the support of her family mines to ascend to his current title. She needed marry Emrys to get out of her father the Count's control. It was a very typical reason for novels like this.
She read about this novel when she had finished her high school. "The King's Tears" was about the love between the crown prince Remiel and crown princess Anaise who met at an academy. Emrys Baeyafor was also a friend of theirs during the academy days. A stereotypical fantasy school romance. But because of succession issues, Emrys had to leave the school early and in his absence, Ramiel and Anaise grew closer and fell in love. Emrys, like most second male leads, was the only one in the story without a happy ending. Instead he had to marry Ruth in a loveless marriage to maintain his title.
'Yea with a circumstance like that, why would there be love?' Ruth thought matter-of-factly.
"There's an error over here," Emrys passed the document to butler William who promptly placed it back onto her desk.
Ruth's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as Emrys pointed out the error in her work. It wasn't the first time this had happened, and she couldn't help feeling like a clumsy student under his watchful eye. Despite her initial embarrassment, Ruth appreciated his guidance. Emrys had always been patient and methodical, his demeanor neither harsh nor overly kind.
"Thank you for catching that," Ruth said, her voice soft. "I'll make sure to correct it right away."
Emrys nodded, his attention already shifting back to his own documents. Ruth turned her focus to her work, determined to fix the mistake as quickly as possible.
As the hours passed, Ruth found herself lost in the intricacies of managing the duchy's affairs. She went through reports and signed documents. Despite her struggles, she persevered, channeling the same determination that had led her to tackle challenges during her university days.
At times, she stole glances at Emrys. His focused expression remained unchanged as he meticulously reviewed each paper. She had seen glimpses of kindness and understanding beneath his reserved exterior, but she knew to stop herself from deluding that it meant love.
It was during a brief break that Emrys finally looked up from his work and met Ruth's gaze. "You're doing better," he remarked, his tone neutral.
Ruth smiled, genuinely appreciative of his acknowledgment. "I'm trying my best."
"I know," he said, the corner of his lips quirking up almost imperceptibly.
Ruth continued to work at her desk till the evening started to roll around the corner. She was startled when Emrys cleared his throat, breaking the silence of the room. She looked up to find him standing by her side, an unreadable expression on his face.
"Ruth," he began, his voice steady, "I have something I'd like to do."
Ruth met his gaze, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Emrys?"
"Come with me," he replied, gesturing towards the door.
Ruth hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with questions, before she pushed her chair back and stood up. She followed Emrys as he led the way out of the study and down the hallway. They walked in silence and boarded the family's carriage, and Ruth couldn't help but wonder where he was taking her.
They eventually reached a quaint little shop nestled among the bustling streets of the city. It was a pen shop, the glass windows displaying an array of elegant writing instruments. Emrys held the door open for Ruth to enter, and she stepped inside, her eyes widening at the sight before her.
The shop was a treasure trove of pens, each one more exquisite than the last. Ruth felt a mixture of awe and surprise, her initial confusion giving way to a growing sense of anticipation.
Emrys approached the counter, his demeanor as composed as ever. The shopkeeper greeted him warmly, and they engaged in a brief exchange. Ruth stood by, her curiosity reaching its peak. After a moment, Emrys turned to her.
"Choose a pen," he said simply.
Ruth blinked, taken aback by his directive. "For me?"
"Yes," Emrys replied, his tone unchanged.
Ruth scanned the displays, her eyes lingering on the various options. After a moment of contemplation, Ruth selected a pen that spoke to her. It was a balance of elegance and practicality, much like the relationship she shared with Emrys.
"I've made my choice," she announced.
Emrys nodded, and the shopkeeper carefully wrapped the pen in delicate paper. As he handed it to Ruth, their fingers brushed briefly, sending a subtle jolt of electricity through her.
"Thank you, Emrys," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
He inclined his head in acknowledgment, his eyes meeting hers for a fleeting moment.
Ruth felt a small twist of emotions. She had already accepted the futility of this marriage. The words she heard from the previous day rang in her head.
'It would be best if the duchess lived separately,'
Perhaps if he had been cold and indifferent all the time she could have grown to hate him and have peace of mind. However, Emrys was just Emrys. He was courteous and just regardless of his true feelings to peoeple. A true second male lead through and through. Perhaps if they met under different circumstances it would have worked out. However she was playing the role of a duchess in this game on the highest difficulty settings. There was no way she could be the woman worthy of such a life.
She knew that when the divorce comes, she was going to miss him.
_____________________
Ruth cannot believe that another day had passed and the next "tea time" with the crown princess had begun. Her days seemed to blur together, marked by the regularity of "tea times" with the crown princess. Each meeting felt like an eternity, a stifling routine she had grown weary of. As she glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, she couldn't help but marvel at how time only slowed down when she least wished for it.
"How many tea times has it been?" she thought to herself, her mind growing numb from the repetition. It felt like an unending loop, a ritual she was forced to endure as part of her role as Emrys's wife. The facade of congeniality she maintained during these meetings took a toll on her, as she struggled to engage in conversations that held little interest to her.
It was on days like these that she longed for the day she leave the Baeyafor estate behind; when the suffocating routine of tea times and forced social interactions would be a distant memory. As the tea time with the crown princess carried on, Ruth found her thoughts wandering.
"What do you think of the decorations for the annual serenity gala, Duchess Baeyafor?" Princess Aniase asked, snapping Ruth out of her daydream.
Ruth's heart raced as she was brought back to the present, her mind scrambling to catch up with the conversation she had missed. She glanced at Princess Aniase, her eyes widening slightly as she processed the question that had been directed at her.
"Um... the decorations?" Ruth repeated, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Princess Aniase gave her a patient smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yes, for the annual serenity gala. We were discussing the theme and the arrangements. What are your thoughts?"
Ruth's mind raced to piece together a coherent response. She couldn't afford to reveal her momentary lapse in attention, especially in the presence of the crown princess. Gathering her thoughts quickly, she replied, "I believe a serene and elegant theme would be fitting for the gala, Your Highness. Soft colors, flowing fabrics, and delicate floral arrangements could create a tranquil ambiance."
Ruth's response hung in the air for a moment, and Princess Aniase's smile remained, albeit with a faint hint of disappointment. "A serene and elegant theme, you say? That's a rather safe and conventional choice, Duchess Baeyafor."
Ruth's heart sank as she detected the undercurrent of disapproval in Princess Aniase's tone. She mentally chided herself for not anticipating the princess's preference for more unique and daring ideas. She quickly tried to recover, "Of course, Your Highness. If you have any specific visions or concepts in mind, I'm more than open to exploring those directions."
Princess Aniase's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "I appreciate your willingness to adapt. We do want this year's gala to stand out, after all."
Ruth's gaze dropped to the floor, a mixture of embarrassment and determination swirling within her. She knew she had stumbled, but she was determined to learn from this moment and improve her ability to anticipate the crown princess's expectations.
Unfortunately, her moment of vulnerability did not go unnoticed by the other ladies present. Lady Elara, known for her sharp tongue and penchant for sarcasm, couldn't resist the opportunity to make a dig at Ruth. "Oh, how thoughtful of the Duchess to offer such a safe and predictable suggestion. I'm sure it will make for the most thrilling gala."
The other ladies giggled, their snide remarks veiled behind polite smiles. Ruth's cheeks flushed, and she fought to keep her composure. She had endured her fair share of snubs and snide comments in the social circles, but she refused to let them deter her.
"Thank you for your input, Lady Elara," Ruth replied, her voice steady. "I'm sure your creative insights would contribute wonderfully to the gala's theme."
The remark caught Lady Elara off guard, momentarily silencing her. Ruth's calm response had turned the tables on her, leaving her with no immediate retort.
Princess Aniase stepped in smoothly, diffusing the tension. "Let's remember that we are all here to collaborate and bring our individual ideas to the table. Duchess Baeyafor, I look forward to hearing more from you as we continue to plan."
Ruth nodded, offering a gracious smile. "Of course, Your Highness. I am fully committed to ensuring the gala is a success."
As the conversation carried on, Ruth was acutely aware of the cautious glances and veiled jabs from the other ladies. Each remark, no matter how subtle, felt like a pointed reminder of her inadequacy in this world of social intricacies. With her head held high and a facade of composure in place, she fought to hide the growing unease within her. Doubt gnawed at her, and she couldn't help but question her ability to navigate these situations. The weight of her insecurity settled heavily on her shoulders, casting a shadow over her resolve to prove herself.
A period of time went by, and before long, it was the moment for them to take a break in the garden. Amidst the serene beauty of the royal gardens, Ruth sought a moment of solace, her mind still mulling over the earlier conversations that had left her feeling like an outsider in this world of intricate social dynamics. The rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds offered a brief respite from the weight of her unease.
As she settled onto a bench beneath a flowering tree, she closed her eyes momentarily, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The interactions with the other ladies had left a bitter aftertaste, their veiled insults lingering in her thoughts like a shadow. Ruth knew she had to find her footing, to prove herself in this unfamiliar terrain, but the task seemed daunting.
Her moment of solitude was short-lived when the delicate sound of footsteps approached. Ruth opened her eyes to find Lady Eleanor standing before her, her expression a blend of concern and contrition. "Duchess Baeyafor, may I have a word with you?"
Ruth nodded, pushing aside her own reservations. "Of course, Lady Eleanor. Please, join me."
Lady Eleanor took a seat beside Ruth, her posture elegant and her gaze seemingly sincere. "I couldn't help but notice that you seemed a bit distanced during the earlier conversations. I wanted to check if you're alright."
Ruth offered a small smile, touched by the gesture. "Thank you for your concern, Lady Eleanor. It's just that these gatherings can be a bit overwhelming for someone new to this world."
Lady Eleanor nodded empathetically, her eyes focused on Ruth's with a steady intensity. "I understand completely. It's not easy to navigate the intricacies of high society."
Ruth's curiosity was piqued by Lady Eleanor's unusually direct approach. "It's true. There are many nuances to grasp."
Lady Eleanor leaned in slightly, her voice lowered to a confidential tone. "You know, Duchess, it's important to be cautious about who you associate with in these circles. Loyalties can change in an instant, and sometimes, appearances can be deceiving."
Ruth's brow furrowed, intrigued by the implications of Lady Eleanor's words. "Are you suggesting that there are those who may not be trustworthy?"
Lady Eleanor's gaze held Ruth's, a mix of sympathy and camaraderie in her eyes. "I merely mean to offer a word of advice."
Ruth's heart raced, a subtle sense of unease settling over her. Lady Eleanor's words seemed to carry a deeper meaning, one that eluded her understanding. She felt like a pawn in a game of intrigue she hadn't fully comprehended.
Ruth watched Lady Eleanor depart, a whirlwind of thoughts churning in her mind. The encounter had left her with a sense of disquiet, a nagging feeling that there was more to Lady Eleanor's words than met the eye. The uncertainty seemed to deepen, casting a shadow over her attempts to navigate the complexities of high society.
Minutes later, as Ruth wandered through the garden, lost in her thoughts, the distant sound of commotion reached her ears. Her heart quickened as she followed the source of the noise, her steps guided by curiosity and concern.
And then she saw it – Lady Eleanor, her face a mask of distress, her voice filled with panic. "My pearl necklace! It's gone!"
Ruth's pulse quickened, a mixture of sympathy and suspicion welling within her. She watched as Lady Eleanor's distress drew the attention of the other ladies, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.
As the ladies gathered around Lady Eleanor, offering support and sympathy, Ruth stood at a distance, her gaze unwavering. Her instincts were on high alert, and a thought began to form – the missing necklace, Lady Eleanor's distress, and the cryptic warning she had received earlier – could they all be connected?
"Duchess Baeyafor, you were the last person who saw the necklace! Please, tell me if you know anything," Eleanor said, her voice edged with a hint of accusation. She clutched Ruth's hand, her grip tight and her eyes piercing.
Ruth's heart raced, the weight of the situation settling heavily on her shoulders. The accusation was implicit in Eleanor's words, and Ruth could feel the eyes of the gathered ladies on her. She met Eleanor's gaze with a mixture of surprise and confusion, her voice steady yet tinged with apprehension. "Lady Eleanor, I assure you, I had no involvement with your necklace."
Eleanor's grip on Ruth's hand tightened, her voice taking on a colder edge. "You were the last person who came into contact with it. How can we be sure?"
The other ladies joined Eleanor in giving biting accusations, their faces a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. The weight of their gazes pressed down on Ruth, suffocating her under their judgment. The once-promising world of high society had become a nightmare, and Ruth realized she was entirely alone in her struggle to clear her name. The realization stung like a fresh wound, a harsh reminder of the isolation she had endured these past four years. It seemed that no one would stand up for her, that her efforts to fit into a role she was never meant for were seen only as a feeble attempt to escape her own inadequacy.
The gazes that once held a glimmer of curiosity now bore into her like accusing daggers, and Ruth felt her resolve crumbling under the weight of their scrutiny. She had tried to weather the storm of judgment, to prove herself against all odds, but she couldn't deny the truth any longer – this world was not her home, and these people would never be her allies.
As the accusations continued to fly, Ruth's heart grew heavier, and a decision began to crystallize within her. It was a decision born out of years of bearing a burden that wasn't hers, of enduring insults and insinuations that had worn her down to her breaking point. With a mixture of anger and sorrow, Ruth realized that she had been fighting a battle that was rigged against her from the start.
Amidst the chaos of the accusations, Ruth's voice finally rose above the rest, cutting through the noise with a newfound determination. "Enough!"
The words hung in the air, silencing the accusations and drawing the attention of the gathered ladies. Ruth's gaze swept across the faces that had tormented her, her voice strong and unwavering. "I have endured your doubts and your scorn for far too long. I have tried to prove myself, to fit into a world that never welcomed me. But I can no longer bear this burden."
"What is going on?" Princess Anaise's voice cut through the tension as she emerged from the palace and entered the garden. Her presence commanded attention, and the ladies turned their gaze toward her, their expressions a mix of surprise and apprehension.
Ruth's heart raced as Princess Anaise arrived on the scene. She had not expected the princess to witness this unfolding drama. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Ruth turned her attention to Princess Anaise, her voice steady but laced with the weight of her emotions. "Princess Anaise, forgive me for this scene. It seems that events have taken a turn beyond my control."
As the tension hung heavy in the air, Eleanor's voice pierced through the moment. "Your highness! Please make Duchess Baeyafor tell me the location of my necklace."
Eleanor's shameless plea cut through the air, drawing the attention of both Ruth and Princess Anaise. Ruth's heart sank at the audacity of Eleanor's accusation.
Princess Anaise's gaze shifted to Eleanor. "Lady Eleanor, this is not the time nor the place for baseless accusations."
Eleanor's eyes widened in feigned innocence, her voice dripping with desperation. "But your highness, the necklace was last seen while conversing with her. She must know something about its disappearance."
Ruth felt a mixture of frustration and disbelief at Eleanor's persistence. She met the princess's gaze, her voice steady as she spoke. "Princess Anaise, I assure you, I had no involvement in the disappearance of Lady Eleanor's necklace."
"Alright everyone," Princess Anaise's voice carried authority and reason, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "We will not get anywhere with insults and accusations. Let us take a more orderly approach."
The gathered ladies turned their attention to Princess Anaise, their expressions a mix of curiosity and relief. Ruth watched as the princess took control of the situation, her steady demeanor calming the turmoil that had gripped the garden.
"Please, everyone, return to your seats," Princess Anaise continued, her tone firm but composed. "We shall conduct a search of belongings in an orderly manner to address these concerns."
The crowd began to disperse, the tension gradually giving way to a sense of orderliness as the ladies returned to their designated spots. Ruth felt a mixture of apprehension and hope. While the prospect of a thorough search brought a glimmer of relief, she also knew that this was an opportunity for the truth to emerge.
As the ladies settled back into their seats, Princess Anaise's gaze swept across the garden, her voice carrying to all. "Let this search be a reminder that we must treat each other with respect and fairness. Baseless accusations and hostility have no place among us."
Ruth watched as the search began, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Princess Anaise's approach offered a semblance of justice, a chance for the truth to prevail and for the weight of suspicion to be lifted from her shoulders.
Amidst the shifting crowd, Eleanor's expression grew more tense, her earlier confidence giving way to unease. As the search progressed, it became increasingly clear that the accusations had not yielded any evidence to support Eleanor's claims.
Finally, as the search concluded, Princess Anaise stepped forward once again, her gaze steady as she addressed the gathered ladies. "It appears that no evidence has been found to link Duchess Baeyafor to the missing necklace."
A collective murmur of realization and surprise rippled through the crowd. Ruth felt a mixture of relief and vindication, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. The truth had prevailed, and her name had been cleared.
Princess Anaise's voice held a note of finality as she continued, her eyes scanning the assembly. "Let this be a lesson to all of us. We must be cautious with our words and judgments, for they can have far-reaching consequences."
Despite Ruth's innocence being proven at the end of the tea party, the ladies of the court still harbored resentment and animosity towards her. As they mingled among themselves in hushed conversations, their words carried a mixture of disdain and skepticism.
"It's clear that she had something to do with it, even if they didn't find any evidence," Lady Elara whispered, her tone dripping with skepticism.
"Exactly," Lady Isabella agreed, her lips curling into a sneer. "Just because they couldn't find anything during the search doesn't mean she's innocent."
Ruth walked away from the gathering and headed back to her estate on her carriage. The lingering echoes of the ladies' conversation faded into the background.