The palace gardens were in full bloom as I walked back toward the guest quarters where Gwen was staying. The flowers seemed to mirror my buoyant mood, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the muted tones of my recent months of hiding. The weight of my newfound title, Duchess Seraphina, felt both exhilarating and surreal. I couldn't wait to share the news with Gwen and catch up on everything we'd missed.
As I approached the door to our temporary residence, I took a deep breath. The significance of what I was about to share with Gwen had me feeling like I was on the verge of something monumental.
I knocked and entered to find Gwen lounging on the sofa, absorbed in a book. Her eyes lit up as she saw me, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Gwen!" I exclaimed, closing the door behind me. "I have incredible news!"
She set her book aside, her expression curious. "Oh? Do tell."
I took a seat next to her, my heart still racing with excitement. "I've been granted the title of Duchess! The Queen has lifted the warrant against me, and I'm officially recognized now."
Gwen's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "That's amazing, Sera! I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you!" I said, almost breathless. "But that's not all. I also learned something surprising. Dragonir is actually a prince."
Gwen's eyebrows shot up. "You didn't know?"
I shook my head, still grappling with the revelation. "I had no idea. The Queen mentioned it during our meeting, and it took me completely by surprise."
Gwen nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "Well, Dragonir and I were childhood friends. I always thought you knew, given how close you two were. I guess he never mentioned it to you."
"Childhood friends?" I echoed, my mind racing. "I had no idea. He's always been such a reliable friend, but I had no inkling of his true identity."
Gwen leaned back, her gaze thoughtful. "Yes, we grew up together. He never flaunted his status, always seemed to want to keep things normal between us. I guess he was trying to shield you from his royal duties, but I didn't expect him to keep it a secret from you."
"I can understand why he might have kept it quiet," I said slowly. "It must have been a heavy burden for him, trying to balance his royal responsibilities with a normal friendship."
Gwen nodded. "Exactly. But now that you're a Duchess, things are shifting. You'll be meeting him again soon, I'm sure."
I nodded, still processing the layers of our intertwined past. "We should head to my new estate. I'd like you to see it."
With Gwen in tow, we made our way to the grand house that would now be my home. The estate was vast, with sprawling gardens and elegant architecture that spoke of old-world charm and new beginnings. It felt like a dream—a place I had only ever imagined in my wildest hopes.
Once we arrived, I showed Gwen around the estate, reveling in the grandeur of it all. The house was beautifully furnished, with rooms that spoke of both opulence and warmth. We wandered through the gardens, taking in the tranquility and the promise of what was to come.
After the tour, I excused myself to my study to draft a letter to Dragonir. The excitement of the day and the realization of his hidden identity made me eager to reconnect and share my news.
I sat at the mahogany desk, pen in hand, and began to write:
---
Dear Dragonir,
I hope this letter finds you well. I have some remarkable news to share. The Queen has granted me the title of Duchess, and I am now officially recognized within the kingdom. The arrest warrant against me has been lifted, and I am free to contribute to the realm as I have always hoped.
In our recent discussions, I learned that you are indeed a prince. This revelation has left me both astonished and deeply moved. I had no idea of your royal status, and it changes how I view our past and our friendship.
I am eager to reconnect with you and discuss the future. Your support has meant more to me than words can express, and I look forward to seeing where our paths will lead now that we are both stepping into new roles.
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and an invitation to visit my new estate. I would be honored to have you as a guest and to share this new chapter of my life with you.
Yours sincerely,
Duchess Seraphina
---
With the letter sealed and addressed, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I was ready to face this new phase of my life and, hopefully, reunite with Dragonir under better circumstances.
Returning to Gwen, I found her lounging in one of the grand rooms, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"I've sent the letter," I said, joining her. "I'm looking forward to seeing how he responds."
Gwen smiled. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear from you. Things are changing, Sera, and it's exciting to see where this journey will take us."
As we sat together, the weight of our past seemed to lift, replaced by the promise of new beginnings. The future was no longer shrouded in uncertainty but illuminated with possibilities, and I was ready to embrace it all.