The clock in the grand hall chimed, heralding the late afternoon as Amelie entered the ornate library of the Duke's estate. Sunlight slanted through tall windows, the duke's imposing figure caught her eye. He stood in front of a fireplace, his regal form highlighted by the warm light and surrounded by towering bookshelves. "Good afternoon, Your Grace," she greeted him with a gentle tone that echoed through the expansive chamber.
"I'm sorry Friedrich won't be able to join us today," he replied, turning toward her with a warm smile that crinkled the corners of his flaming amber eyes. "The emperor beckoned for my presence once more, but I declined his request and sent him as a delegate in my place to resolve the matter," he continued. Ludwig looked troubled.
Amelie felt a pang of sadness, knowing all too well the weight of duty that weighed upon his shoulders. Had the ruler become increasingly insistent since the nobleman declared his heir's arrival? She was consumed with regret and pondered whether the saying "no good deed goes unpunished" rang true. "I understand, Your Grace. It must be taxing to shoulder so many responsibilities."
The duke sighed, running a hand through his dark, disheveled hair. "It is as it is, though I do wish it were different." He motioned to join him by the fireplace before adding, "Won't you sit? We have much to discuss."
Amelie took a seat opposite him, her eyes momentarily lingering on the books that adorned the walls around them, each one a testament to the duke's vast knowledge and curiosity. "What is it you wish to discuss, Your Grace?" she asked, regaining her composure.
"I trust you are well-acquainted with our current predicament?" he asked.
The duke's unspoken question hung in the air like the scent of fragrant tendrils of burning wood. Amelie's heart raced as she nodded, her soft curls bobbing against her neck. "Yes, Your Grace. I am." She swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat.
Ludwig watched her intently, noting the concern etched on her delicate features. He knew it couldn't be easy for her, either - to be thrust into such an important role under such trying circumstances. But they both understood the importance of this arrangement for the child's well-being, and she was not without her own benefits from it.
As he closely observed her, he noticed the slight swelling of her belly beneath her tight-fitting clothes - a sign of her pregnancy. He often watched as she held his child, whom he had been hesitant to touch at the beginning due to his lingering grief. But there she was, with the weight of her past and her pregnancy weighing her down, yet never hesitating to carry little Adrian around the garden.
"I see that you have been attending to young Adrian with great care," he began, his voice deep and reassuring. "Your devotion to your duty is admirable." He paused, taking a sip of tea from a fine china cup that rested on a nearby table. "I must confess, I am concerned about your own situation," he continued, his amber eyes searching hers for signs of understanding. "You are carrying a child of your own, and yet you continue to tend to mine as if there were no added strain."
Amelie felt her face grow warm under his scrutiny, but she held his gaze with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I take my responsibilities seriously, Your Grace," she replied softly. "Both Adrian and... and the life within me depend on it."
"I am aware that you have grown fond of him over time," he continued. Amelie nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips as she recalled their shared moments with the young heir, who had come to trust and adore her unconditionally.
Her heart swelled with pride at the thought of their bond, and she felt a sudden urge to defend herself. "I would never neglect either of my charges, Your Grace," she assured him. "They mean everything to me." She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "But I understand what you're saying. I must take care of myself too."
He studied her for a moment more before finally nodding in understanding. "Yes, Amelie. You must take care of yourself." He reached out, placing a warm hand over hers where it rested on her swollen belly. "For your child's sake and for mine." His voice was low and pleading, his eyes filled with unspoken emotion that made her heart skip a beat.
"Then you have my permission to stay as long as you need," he finally said, meeting her gaze with a mix of gratitude and relief. "I will do whatever it takes to ensure your comfort and well-being, along with that of your child."
Amelie felt her breath catch in her throat as she looked into Duke Ludwig's amber eyes. His words were like a balm to her soul, lifting some of the weight she'd been carrying since accepting this daunting responsibility. She couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty of their situation.
"Thank you, Your Grace," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Your kindness is... it is more than I could have asked for." Fond memories of the estate flooded her mind. Maggy had become a dear friend, and taking care of Adrian always brought joy to her heart. She cherished every moment spent within those grand walls.
The duke nodded, his demeanor softening as he studied her. "You are deserving of kindness, Amelie," he said quietly. "You've given so much of yourself to my son already."
Right on schedule, Anna appeared, searching for Amelie with Adrina cradled in her arms. The gentle coos from the infant served as a constant reminder of their shared responsibility for this precious life."Your Grace, the young heir woke up and he's had his bath and wants to be fed."
"We will discuss this further," Ludwig said, standing up abruptly. "I trust you have duties to attend to?" Amelie could tell that the topic was still heavy on his mind, but he was making an effort to give her space.
"Anna," he beckoned, his rich voice echoing through the halls. "Please join me in my study after you've finished your job here." With a nod, he strode off, leaving Anna to carry out his orders.
"Of course, Your Grace," she responded with a curtsy.
As Amelie left the library, a renewed sense of purpose and determination filled her. She couldn't change the past, but she would do everything in her power to ensure Adrian and her own child would have a bright future ahead of them.