Duke Matheo couldn't help but feel a wave of tenderness come over him as Lady Emilia drifted off to sleep beneath the stars. He took her in his arms and held her gently, feeling her fragile body as he carried her back to her room.
Duke Matheo felt his bond with Lady Emilia strengthening with each step, his sense of loyalty and protection growing. He was resolved to be the kind of man she deserved—someone who would treasure and encourage her at every turn, no matter how big or small.
Duke Matheo couldn't help but touch a stray strand of hair away from her face as he placed her down on her bed, his fingers staying on her cheek for a second longer than was necessary. Lady Emilia appeared ethereal in the faint glow of the candles, her serene smile inspiring awe and devotion in him.
Duke Matheo gently tucked her in with a nice blanket while keeping quiet. For a brief period, he stayed by her bedside, watching over her while she slept, his heart brimming with love and affection.
As he left the room, Duke Matheo kissed Lady Emilia gently on the forehead and silently promised to always adore and protect her, leaving her to dream beneath the stars. And as he turned to go, he felt at ease because he knew that their love would persevere through any obstacles they faced.
Lady Emilia woke up as the soft light of dawn came through the curtains, her thoughts instantly turning to what had happened the night before. She sat up in bed with a start, her heart racing with anticipation and fear upon a sudden understanding.
Lady Emilia couldn't help but experience a surge of emotions as she thought back to Duke Matheo's surprising apology and their beautiful time in the garden. She was excited to see what the next day held as she knew their relationship had taken a big shift.
As Lady Emilia pondered the whirlwind of emotions stirring within her, Sasha, her faithful servant, entered the room with a gentle knock on the door. Startled out of her reverie, Lady Emilia smiled warmly at Sasha's arrival.
"Good morning, Sasha," she greeted, trying to push aside her swirling thoughts about Duke Matheo. "Thank you for coming."
Sasha returned the smile, though she couldn't help but notice the slight furrow in Lady Emilia's brow. "Good morning, my lady," she replied with a curious glance. "I've brought your morning tea and will assist you with your preparations for the day. Is everything alright?"
Lady Emilia paused, uncertain how to put into words the turbulent emotions swirling within her. "Honestly, Sasha, I'm not really sure," she sighed. "Last night was quite... eventful. Duke Matheo and I had a conversation, and things... changed."
Sasha's surprised and worried gaze widened. "Changed, my lady? In what way?"
Lady Emilia hesitated, trying to find the appropriate phrase to describe the tumultuous feelings whirling inside of her. "It's challenging to articulate," she acknowledged. "But there was an apology, a moment of understanding... Perhaps even a glimmer of something more."
Sasha's gaze softened with empathy as she listened closely. "I see," she said, recognizing Lady Emilia's intensity of feeling. "Well, whatever happens, I am here to support you, my lady. And if you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask."
Lady Emilia was glad for Sasha's consoling words and smiled. "Sasha, thank you," she murmured with sincerity. "Your loyalty and kindness mean more to me than you know."
Lady Emilia put her racing thoughts aside for the moment and, with Sasha's assistance, started to concentrate on the job at hand. However, she had a deep-seated suspicion that her meeting with Duke Matheo had started something irreversible that would permanently alter the trajectory of her life.
( Three days had passed by)
When Lady Emilia learned that Duke Matheo was not there, her heart fell. The realization of the seriousness of the issue stoked the worry that had been eating at her since their last meeting. She felt uneasy and yearning at the idea of Duke Matheo taking a risk on her behalf.
With anxiety in her voice, Lady Emilia questioned, "Sasha, do you think he'll be alright?"
Sasha gave a comforting nod, but her eyes betrayed her own concern. "I'm sure Duke Matheo is a skilled warrior, my lady. And he has the soldiers by his side to protect him. But we must pray for his safety and swift return."
Lady Emilia nodded, attempting to ignore her worries and concentrate on the work at hand. "You're right, Sasha. We must have faith in Duke Matheo and his abilities. But until he returns, we must do everything in our power to support him and the soldiers in their fight against the monsters."
Lady Emilia organized food and provisions to be sent to the men in the forest with a strong sense of resolve. She was aware that every bit would count in their fight against the animals that were endangering their territory.
As the days went by, Lady Emilia discovered that she was always tense and that her worries were all focused on Duke Matheo and the soldiers. She would look up at the stars every night and silently hope for their safety and quick return.
Then, on that terrible morning, a soldier had arrived and was concerned because Duke Matheo was among the many injured soldiers.
When Lady Emilia learned of Duke Matheo's injuries, her heart fell. She was completely overwhelmed by the worry that had been bothering her since he left for the conflict. Her mind racing with worries for Duke Matheo's safety, she hurried to the side of the wounded troops without a second's hesitation.
As they arrived at the temporary camp where the wounded soldiers were being cared for, Lady Emilia's eyes darted around in a panic until they came to rest on Duke Matheo's unconscious body. Taking in his pale face and the bandages adorning his wounds, her breath seized in her throat.