"Oh, Duchess of Ethwer," he said. "What a surprise."
The duchess, Julia's mother, stood before him. She was dressed in a flowing black gown with beautiful jewels adorning her neck and wrists.
Her eyes, however, seemed weary as if something heavy was settling on her mind.
"Julian," she replied, "You came."
Julian chuckled softly. "Yes, I had to; how could I ignore your invitation, Duchess?"
She remained silent for a moment, observing him. Finally, she spoke again.
"I did not come here to play games, Julian. There are things that need to be discussed."
Julian laughed, his voice filling the quiet garden. "Oh, why so serious, Duchess?" he teased. "It's a day to enjoy, isn't it?"
He paused for a moment, his expression turning serious, before he closed the distance between them.
"Or... do you think you have an excuse for the betrayal that your family has done?"
