In the grand and imposing study of the Duke's estate, Celeste's father sat behind a massive oak desk, his features stern and unreadable. The room was heavy with the scent of polished wood and old books. Standing by the window, her brother—the heir of the Grand Duke family—had his arms crossed, watching the bustling gardens outside.
"I've heard the whispers," the Duke began, his deep voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Celeste has been seen far too often in the company of this... commoner."
The brother turned, his sharp gaze meeting his father's. "Aether," he corrected, though not without a hint of disdain. "He's the one working on those charitable projects with her. From what I hear, he's intelligent, but his station... well, it's beneath her."
The Duke leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "It's not just his station that's concerning, but the effect this could have on our family's reputation. Celeste already endured a scandal with that broken engagement. This—this association could undo everything we've worked to repair."
"She's stubborn," the brother added, a slight smirk on his lips. "She always has been. If she believes in this cause, she'll defend it fiercely."
The Duke sighed, his expression softening momentarily. "She takes after your mother in that regard. But this isn't about charity. It's about maintaining the dignity of our lineage. If these rumors continue, it won't just tarnish her name—it will tarnish ours."
The brother hesitated, then asked, "What do you intend to do?"
"I'll speak to her," the Duke decided, his tone brooking no argument. "But tread carefully. Celeste is... delicate in her own way. If we push too hard, we might lose her trust altogether. And that, my son, would be a far greater loss."
The brother nodded, though his eyes betrayed doubt. "I hope she listens. For all our sake."
As the conversation ended, both men seemed to silently agree that the days ahead would be challenging—for Celeste and the entire family.
Later that evening, Celeste was summoned to her father's study. The summons was unexpected, but she complied, her heart heavy with apprehension. She knew well the weight of her father's authority and the expectations that came with her family name.
When she entered the study, the atmosphere was tense. Her father sat behind his desk, while her brother stood beside him, his expression carefully neutral.
"You called for me, Father?" Celeste asked, her voice calm though her hands were clasped tightly in front of her.
"Sit," the Duke said, gesturing to the chair opposite him.
Celeste obeyed, her back straight and her chin held high. She refused to let the unease in the room intimidate her.
"I'll be direct," her father began. "There has been talk—unpleasant talk—about your association with this commoner, Aether."
Celeste's expression didn't waver, but her heart sank. She had anticipated this confrontation. "And what of it, Father?"
The Duke raised an eyebrow, his stern gaze fixed on her. "You are a noble, Celeste. A member of the Grand Duke family. Your actions, your company, they all reflect upon us. This relationship—whatever it may be—is inappropriate."
"With respect, Father," Celeste replied, her voice steady, "Aether is no ordinary commoner. He is a man of remarkable character and intelligence. His contributions to our charitable projects have been invaluable. Surely you cannot dismiss his worth simply because of his birth."
Her brother cut in, his tone sharp. "No one questions his capabilities, Celeste. But this is about perception. The court already looks down on you after the fiasco with your engagement. Associating with someone from his station only gives them more reason to gossip."
Celeste's jaw tightened. "Is that what matters most? What do they think? Or is it the good we've done—the lives we've changed through our work?"
"You're young," her father said, his voice softer now but no less firm. "You don't understand the full consequences of your actions. Society is unforgiving. It won't see the good you've done, only the impropriety of your choices."
"I understand more than you think," Celeste replied, her tone unwavering. "I've seen how society treats those it deems unworthy. That's why I refuse to abandon this cause—or my partnership with Aether. He has shown me what it truly means to care for others, without pretense or expectation. Isn't that what you raised me to value?"
The Duke studied her for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Then he leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply.
"You've grown bold, Celeste," he said. "I only hope your boldness doesn't lead to ruin."
"I would rather face ruin than live a life dictated by fear of others' opinions," she said, standing. "If that's all, Father, I have work to do."
Her brother's eyes widened slightly, but the Duke simply nodded, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
As Celeste left the study, her steps firm and resolute, the Duke turned to his son. "She has your mother's fire," he said, almost wistfully.
"And her stubbornness," the brother replied, though there was a flicker of admiration in his voice.
The Duke sighed again. "Keep an eye on her. I fear this path she's chosen will be fraught with challenges."
The brother nodded, already planning his next move. For better or worse, the family wasn't ready to let Celeste walk this path alone.
As Celeste left the study, she found herself walking briskly down the corridor, her mind swirling with thoughts. She had expected resistance, but the conversation had left her drained. Aether had warned her this might happen, but she hadn't fully grasped the weight of her family's disapproval until now.
Her steps carried her to the library, where the familiar scent of parchment and ink calmed her nerves. She pulled out a book from the shelf at random, more for distraction than for reading, when the door creaked open behind her.
"Celeste," her brother's voice called.
She turned, watching as he closed the door behind him. His expression was softer now, the sharpness from earlier replaced with something more thoughtful.
"You're not here to lecture me, are you?" she asked, tilting her head.
He chuckled faintly. "No. Though I still think you're reckless." He crossed the room and leaned against a nearby table. "I came to tell you that the Academy sent word earlier today. Classes will resume next month."
Celeste blinked in surprise. "Next month? So soon?"
Her brother nodded. "Maybe you've forgotten due to everything that has happened to you but were already close to the next semester"
She frowned slightly, her mind already turning over the implications. "That means I'll need to split my time even more carefully. The projects with Aether are only just gaining traction. And if I'm away at the Academy…"
"You'll have to manage," her brother said. "Father will undoubtedly be watching more closely now. If you let your studies slip, it'll only give him more reason to interfere."
Celeste sighed, setting the book down on the table. "I won't let that happen. I can handle my studies and the projects. I've done it before."
Her brother raised an eyebrow. "You're taking on too much, Celeste. The Academy isn't lenient, especially with your reputation already under scrutiny. And Aether—"
She cut him off, her gaze steady. "Aether understands. He's always been supportive of me. He'd never ask me to choose between the projects and my studies."
A brief silence stretched between them before her brother spoke again. "You're determined to see this through, aren't you?"
"I am," she said without hesitation. "The Academy may reopen, society may whisper, and Father may disapprove, but I won't abandon what matters to me."
Her brother sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're impossible."
"And you're predictable," she replied with a faint smile.
He gave her a long look, then shook his head. "For what it's worth, I hope you're right. Just… don't expect me to save you if things fall apart."
"I wouldn't dream of it," she teased lightly, through her eyes held gratitude.
As her brother left, Celeste stood alone in the library, her resolve firm. The road ahead would be challenging, but the reopening of the Academy was just another obstacle to navigate. She would balance her studies, her projects, and the growing complexities of her relationships—because for the first time, she felt like she was fighting for something truly meaningful.