Chereads / The Fall of the Empress / Chapter 6 - Chapter 5: Lily of the Valley

Chapter 6 - Chapter 5: Lily of the Valley

Rain pattered on the roof of the mansion, against the sides. A smooth rythym that Cesare worked to. He was exhausted but he pushed through, reading paperwork and signing letters.

He was going to be the Duke soon, so he needed to get used to the endless stream of assignments, work and stress. Cesare wouldn't be surprised if his hair began to fall out.

Today felt once again, empty. Like every other day. There was nothing to look forward to, no one he wanted to seek out, no one he would kiss in the abandoned library or his secret garden.

He ran a hand through his hair. His scalp was sweaty and the roughness of his hands caught strands of his hair, peeling back skin. He was working hard on his sword skills, along with learning how to manage the mansion.

The Duke, his father Trevor, was still in power, but him and his wife, Annie, are to retire and move to the seaside when Cesare is married. Cesare prays that day moves further and further back.

-

The rain hit the pavement, creating intricate patterns on the ground, the droplets bouncing up and dispersing. The sound of horses clicking the ground filled the empty air. The mansion of the Houlston family was beautiful, intricate designs and amazing structural architecture. She was in awe. Viscount Young sat across from the young lady. Everyone knew of the need for the fiance for the young duke, and here was Felix Alan Youn, with the beautiful, fertile ahd young key to his sucess across from him.

Alexandra Van Pousie.

She has her hair pulled back into a braid, hidden by her cloak. The dress she has on resembles that of a commoner, but it is all to appeal to the duke and duchess.

She smiles. Her skin soft and smooth, eyes deep as sapphire but shiny like diamonds, her cheeks and lips round, touched with pink as if they were kissed by roses. The curls of her deep orange hair framing her face.

She was a beautiful child as well, but fully grown into a young adult, she is almost mesmerizing, as if the heavens are on her side.

They probably are. Felix thought. Which is why this must work?

He was weighing his options. He was bringing the "deceased" daughter back to life, handing her over to a family whos political status is unknown. She herself is a political weapon.

No one but him knows of her existence, who she is, and what she stands for.

Alexandra's family was murdered because they began a revolution against the empress and emperor. A lot of nobles agreed and sanctioned with the Van Pousie family and as a sign of warning, the empress had their family assasinated.

The talk of revolution would begin one more when the reason for its existence it is still alive. Theoretically.

"I'm nervous, Felix." Alexandra said. She bit her lip slightly, and looked up at him through her eyelashes. He gulped.

"What bothers you?" He could see Alexandra thinking for a second. She pouted.

"What do I say? I've never been around such high-ranking nobles.." A country bumpkin. Alexandra has never been around nobles higher than himself. He raised her in the country to prevent other influences than him.

"Be calm, Linnie. You don't remember, but Cesare, the young duke, used to be your fiance, so surely the duchess will accept you." He gave her his most reassuring smile. All Alexandra offered was a troubled expression while fiddling her fingers in her lap.

She doesn't like talking about her childhood. He knows she remembers everything, but she acts as if she doesn't recall a thing about her father, her mother.

Felix never pushed for answers.

The carriage pushed to a stop.

The coachman opened the door. Felix got out and offered Alexandra a hand. She took it and stepped out. Her hand was soft and long, like a musicians hand.

"Are you ready, Linnie?" She nodded. The approached the door of the mansion. Guards let them pass because of Felix's rank and his relation with the Houlston's domain.

A maid stopped them in the main entrance. Alexandra was instructed to keep her hood up, and to not look at anyone, but Felix caught her staring at everything. The entrance was beautiful. High cielings with painted mosaics, hanging chandeliers and a staircase made of velvet carpet and opal.

"I have a gift for the Duke, Duchess and young Duke. If you could gather them, tell them Alexandra is here."

The maid nodded, sending two others running in different directions.

He felt Alexandra cling to his arm. She was worried.

-

"What?" Cesare couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Alexandra?" Who was that?

The maid was panicking. Shelly? Her hands were clammy and she wiped them on her apron.

"Forgive me, but this is urgent. The Viscount Felix Young is here with a woman he calls Alexandra. He needs your attention."

Cesare was too exhausted to deal with Felix. Felix was a pushy man with shady connections. But he was close to his dad so Cesare needed to be tolerant. All Cesare did was stand and follow Shelly.

The got near the main entrance when he heard his mother cry out.

His father was staring in shock, while his mother had both hands cupping the womans face, who was smiling. His mother was wiping tears with her handkerchief. Felix stood by watching.

Cesare wanted to move. Wanted to go down, but his feet were frozen in place.

Alexandra.

With her coily, flame orange hair and her deep blue eyes. Her two beauty marks under each eye like constellations.

Everything felt like a dream from there onward. Alexandra and his parents took her to a room set aside on the first floor. It was not as lavish but open enough where they could all talk without disturbance.

Alexandra took her cloak off, placing it on her lap.

"Alexandra…" Cesare's mother spoke first. Her eyes were puffy and there were streaks in her makeup where her tears lead.

The conversation they had felt like a dream. Everything went in one ear and out the other. The situation was so surreal.

Neither the duke or duchess asked Alexandra about what she went through, but the weight of it hung heavy.

"Alexandra.." The duke began. "As the duke, I must ask for you to open up about your experiences. Without such knowledge, I cannot allow you to take on the Houlston name."

Alexandra tensed.

"Of course. Forgive me, duke."