The next morning after the day of the carnival.Alexandra bustled about her chambers, packing up with the help of a few attentive maids. Today marked their departure, just she and her mother. She didn't know when the other families would be leaving, but her heart felt heavy with anticipation and uncertainty.
The King and Queen had graciously given the visiting families a week to depart, as they were not part of the royal lineage. It seemed only fitting that they should return to their own homes, leaving the castle to its rightful inhabitants.
By noon, the mother-daughter pair stood in the grand hallway, flanked by the King and Queen. The air was thick with bittersweet emotions, a blend of farewell and hope for what lay ahead."It was such an honor to host you, the Carmarthens, in our home," the King said, his voice warm and genuine."I can't wait to have you back in our home, dear Alexandra," the Queen added, her radiant smile lighting up the hallway, as though she were a sunbeam in human form."Thank you, your majesties," Alexandra replied, bowing her head with respect. Her eyes darted around the hallway, seeking a familiar face among the gathering crowd. The other families were there too, likely to bid them farewell, but she found herself searching for one person in particular.
She hadn't seen Silverstein since that fateful night of the carnival, and a flicker of worry danced in her heart. Where could he be?
"He went to work in another kingdom," she heard Queen Selina whisper, startling her with the revelation. How did the Queen know what she was thinking?After a brief exchange of pleasantries with the other families, Alexandra and her mother were finally sent on their way, the warmth of the royal family's hospitality still lingering in their hearts.In the hallway, Kiara stood, her fists clenched tightly at her sides, crimson drops staining her palms. Anger and envy churned within her, igniting a fierce determination to reclaim what she believed was hers.
...
As the carriage rolled away from the castle, Alexandra rested her head on her mother's shoulder, the gentle sway of the vehicle soothing her troubled thoughts."You haven't spoken much today, Alex. Are you alright?" Brione asked, concern lacing her voice as they alighted from the carriage. The loyal butler was already waiting to welcome them home."Welcome back, Duchess Brione and Lady Alexandra," the young man said with a bow."Mm," Brione hummed absentmindedly, taking Alexandra's hand as they entered their home. She guided her daughter to her room, leaving the bags for the maids to carry.
"Something is wrong, isn't it, Alex?" Brione observed, her worried gaze locking onto her daughter's downcast eyes."I'm fine, Mama. It's just..." Alexandra trailed off, her voice trembling as tears welled up. "I'm just really going to miss you." Her resolve crumbled, and she sobbed, each tear falling like a fragile crystal.
"Oh, my baby," Brione cooed softly, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "Sweetheart, you don't need to cry for something so unnecessary. I will always be here whenever you need me, okay? You can always travel back and forth; don't stress it, alright?" She gently stroked Alexandra's hair, her own eyes stinging with unshed tears. She understood that letting go was never easy.
"Freshen up and come down for lunch, okay?" Brione kissed her daughter's forehead and cheeks before stepping out, leaving Alexandra to gather her thoughts.Following her mother's advice, Alexandra quickly changed into a beautiful purple Victorian dress, the fabric flowing like liquid twilight. She opted for minimal jewelry, allowing her natural beauty to shine through, and descended the stairs.The dining table was already set, and the inviting aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air.
Taking her seat, Alexandra began with the rabbit stew, savoring the tender meat. She looked up at her mother, her eyes widening in delight. "Mama! You made this, didn't you?!"Brione laughed, her heart swelling with joy. It seemed her daughter had not forgotten the taste of her cooking, which was a comfort in itself."It's so good!" Alexandra exclaimed, eagerly stuffing her mouth with the delicious meal her mother had prepared with love."Right? Is it that good?" Brione chuckled, joining her daughter in enjoying the hearty feast.
...
As the evening shadows lengthened, Brione retreated to her study, admiring a few paintings that she had printed into pictures using her printer. The images sparkled with life, each one telling a story of cherished memories.A soft knock interrupted her reverie. She rose to open the door, her heart fluttering at the sight of her husband.
"You're back? The butler didn't even announce it," she said with a warm smile, welcoming him inside."Alexa is asleep; I didn't want to disturb her," Alfred replied, his eyes twinkling as he gazed at his beloved wife."Mm." Brione approached him, her fingers deftly removing his tie and unbuttoning his jacket, revealing the hard contours of his chest beneath. He was left shirtless, a sight that made her heart race.She placed her palms on his warm skin and kissed him softly. What began as a tender peck quickly transformed into a ravenous embrace, their lips moving together with growing passion. Alfred gripped her waist, pulling her closer as they stumbled toward the bed.Gently, he laid Brione down, the softness of the sheets cradling her as he slowly slid her nightwear away, leaving her bare and vulnerable before him. He kissed her again, his lips trailing from her mouth to her nose, cheeks, jaw, and then down to her neck, where he nibbled and sucked, leaving a mark of their intimacy."Ahh!" she gasped, the sensation igniting a fire within her, causing Alfred to respond with even more fervor.
Though they were married with a grown daughter, their intimacy felt as fresh and thrilling as it had on their wedding night, a testament to the depth of their love.His mouth explored her body, suckling on her sensitive nipples while his hand ventured lower, finding the warmth and wetness that awaited him. She writhed beneath his touch, pleading silently for more. He acquiesced, slipping his fingers inside her, eliciting cries of pure pleasure as he worked his magic."You're the most beautiful, Brione. No other woman can ever take that away from you," he murmured, planting a tender kiss on her lips before collapsing beside her, both enveloped in blissful contentment.
Later that night, Alexandra sat in her study, a parchment scroll spread out before her. A quill and an ink plate rested nearby, the faint scent of the ink filling the air. She rested her chin on her hand, the feather of the quill tickling her skin as she contemplated her words.With a deep breath, she began to write a letter to her brother, her thoughts flowing onto the parchment as she poured out her heart. Each stroke of the quill was a whisper of her hopes and dreams, a bridge connecting her to the family she cherished.