I gazed out of the grand window of my chamber, the early morning sun casting a warm glow across the room. The maids had just finished selecting my attire for the day, laying out the clothes on an ornate wooden chair with their usual meticulous care. The outfit they'd chosen was impeccable—deep blue velvet doublet embroidered with intricate silver thread, a pair of black trousers that fit me perfectly, and a crisp white ruffled shirt. I nodded in approval and dismissed them, preferring to dress myself.
Once I was dressed, I heard the familiar knock at my door. It was Pascal—his knock was always distinctive, a gentle but assertive tap that I had come to recognize over the years.
"Enter."
"The Holy procession is about to enter the estate grounds, Your Grace."
"Well then, we must go down to greet them," I said, standing up with a sense of authority.
"Has she had breakfast yet?" I asked, glancing down the hall toward Mara's room. I couldn't help but wonder what she was up to this morning.
"Yes, Your Grace," Pascal answered dutifully, always a step ahead. "Miss Mara had her breakfast in her room earlier. She then asked for directions to the library, expressing a desire to spend the day there."
The words hung in the air as I processed them. Could she read our language? That was...odd. My mind spun with questions. How could she understand our language so well? A flicker of doubt stirred in my heart. Could she really just be a shipwrecked Xoltecan? The thought lingered, unsettling.
"Is there anything you would like me to convey to Miss Mara?" Pascal asked as we descended the main staircase.
I hesitated for a moment. "Only that I request her to dine with me again tonight," I began but then stopped myself, an idea forming. "No, don't relay that. I'll find her in the library later and ask her myself."
As I descended the main staircase and walked out to the main entrance, the sound of heavy footsteps followed me. My knights had gathered behind me, their armor clanking with every move.
I saw as the first of the Holy Knights crossed the threshold into the estate grounds. An almost mischievous grin played on my lips as I watched them react to the potent protective magic that enveloped the estate. I got the slightest tremor of a wince amongst them, sure that the high priest and saintess inside the carriage must have felt it too.
But when the carriage arrived, I focused on the moment. I needed to be present. As the door swung open, I greeted them with the authority expected of a Duke. "Welcome to the Aster Estate, Your Holiness."
"Thank you for having us, Your Grace," Silas answered as he stepped out of the carriage in full regalia.
What a pompous bastard!
Stepping out right behind him was a woman in a white and gold dress with a lace veil over her face. I had seen this figure in passing during my last visit to the royal palace. It was the new Saintess.
"This is Saintess Celeste." Sila introduced Celeste, and I could feel her eyes on me as she stepped forward.
"An honor to meet you, Saintess Celeste," I said, my voice steady and composed.
Celeste stepped forward and did something I hadn't expected—she lifted her veil, revealing her face. This was a bold move, something that wasn't commonly done. Part of the allure of the Saintess was that she was seen as a heavenly maiden, connected directly to the goddess Elysarra. Her beauty was understood, a given, but it was not something to be revealed to just anyone. I supposed there was a good reason she was unveiling herself to me, but the thought made my stomach churn.
I noticed the flicker of irritation that crossed her face when she saw my reaction—or lack thereof. It was brief and quickly masked, but I caught it. There was no denying that Celeste was attractive. She had long, curly golden hair and eyes, the lightest shade of pink, and a face that could undoubtedly cause anyone to stop and stare in awe. But I wasn't so easily impressed. I'd seen beauty like hers in the capital all my life. And if I was being honest, her features paled in comparison to the woman who was probably nestled in a reading nook in my library right now.
The image of Mara, with her nose buried in a book, brought a warm smile to my face, one I quickly suppressed. The last thing I wanted was to give Celeste or Silas the impression that it was meant for them. But as I glanced between the two, I caught the smug smile on Silas's face, and I knew I was too late—the misunderstanding had already occurred.
"Please follow me," I said, turning away from them and leading them back inside the castle.
The musty scent of age and history filled my senses as we entered the grand entrance of the ancient mansion. The walls were lined with intricate tapestries; their colors faded, but they were still awe-inspiring in their intricate details. High ceilings loomed above us, supported by massive stone columns that seemed to stretch into darkness, giving the space a cavernous. It had always been my favorite sight to see whenever I returned from the Capital.
As I glanced over my shoulder, I noted that my two guests did not share in their approval of my home.
Celeste's gloved fingers grazed the velvet drapes as we walked. She glanced around, her pink eyes narrowing as she caught sight of the servants who lingered nearby. They stared at her with curiosity, as if she were some exotic creature from a faraway land, instead of being entranced by her beauty as she was accustomed to. She huffed, tossing her golden curls over her shoulder.
We continued down the long, maze-like corridors, our footsteps echoing off the cold stone floor until we stepped into an unexpected oasis: a lush garden bathed in sunlight, the air filled with the scent of roses and lilacs.
"Here we are," I announced, gesturing for Celeste and Silas to sit at a wrought-iron table set for tea. The porcelain teacups gleamed in the sunlight, and delicate pastries tempted them from a tiered stand. As they settled into their seats, the maids stepped forward, pouring tea into their expectant cups.
Celeste delicately lifted her teacup, the intricate patterns dancing under the soft sunlight. She brought it to her lips, her expression softening as the warmth of the tea brushed against her lips. I watched as the soothing sensation elicited by the tea spread through her, and for a moment, she seemed to lose herself in the tranquility.
"Is the tea to your liking, Saintess?"
She met my gaze, offering a subtle nod. "Yes, it's wonderful," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper, betraying a hint of vulnerability.
I watched as her gaze shifted to Silas, who seemed equally affected by the tea's calming properties. His usually rigid posture had relaxed, his shoulders dropping as if relieved of a heavy burden.
"This is unlike any tea I've ever had," Silas remarked, his voice tinged with confusion as if the tea had unraveled the tightly wound coils of his inner turmoil.
I allowed a small smile. "It's a family recipe passed down through the centuries. It's said to have calming properties, to aid in peace and relaxation."
Celeste took another sip, her eyes fluttering closed again, the warm embrace of the tea seeming to wash away whatever troubled thoughts had been running through her head. I knew she was trying to keep up her defenses, but the tea's effects were undeniable. Even though she must have realized that I'd chosen this particular tea to soften their resolve, she couldn't resist its comforting allure.
As the tea worked its magic, I could sense a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The garden, with its vibrant array of flowers and perfectly pruned hedges, radiated an uncanny stillness. The servants hovered at the edges, their eyes lingering on Celeste a moment too long. Something in the air felt... off.
Celeste carefully placed her teacup on the table, the delicate clink breaking the silence. "I heard that you had a younger brother, Your Grace. Will he not be joining us?" she asked, her tone tinged with wariness.
I kept my expression neutral. "He's attending to other duties at the moment. But I'm sure he'll be disappointed he missed meeting you, Saintess."
Something in Celeste's gaze shifted, a flicker of suspicion passing between her and Silas. She wasn't fooled by my pleasant demeanor.
"I would like to offer my apologies, Your Holiness," I said, turning the conversation. I was indisposed and could not attend your first visit the previous week. I was informed it was a matter of great importance. I hope your journey back wasn't too taxing."
I saw the briefest flash of anger in Silas's eyes, and the corners of his mouth twitched as I reminded him of his failure in decorum.
"There's no need for apologies, Your Grace. We understand you were unwell, and the journey back to the temple was manageable. As you might know, we've established a new temple in the Elysarra Forest. So the journey back was not a long one."
At the mention of Elysarra Forest, I felt a tightening in my chest. The forest had been under our family's protection for generations. "Yes, I did hear about your new temple," I responded, keeping my tone steady.
"We were taken aback by its beauty upon our arrival. The forest has been exceptionally well cared for," Celeste added, her voice syrupy with false sweetness.
I could feel her probing, trying to get under my skin. "The forest has been a cherished part of our lineage for generations," I said, the words tasting bitter. "It was with heavy hearts that we ceded its guardianship at the King's behest. We recognized its significance to the Church, particularly to you, Your Holiness."
Silas took the opportunity to steer the conversation. "The Elysarra Forest's rich history made it an ideal choice. It's where the revered Elysarra vanquished darkness—a fitting place for a temple."
The mention of that ancient battle sent a shiver down my spine. I could feel the tension between us, the unspoken understanding that our conversation was a dance of carefully chosen words.
"Though we were saddened to relinquish control of it," I continued, my voice growing colder, "we still hold dominion over Zandel Forest. Of course, as you may know, that is an equally important heritage sight in the Duchy, and any foray into its depths requires my explicit consent."
Silas understood the implication. He knew that I was aware of the Holy Knights' recent activities in Zandel.
"We fully acknowledge and respect your sovereignty, Duke Mikhail," he said smoothly.
The garden around us, filled with vibrant flowers and the gentle murmur of the fountain, felt like a stage set for a performance we were all carefully scripting.
"What was the important matter that needed discussion, your holiness."
Silas leaned forward, his tone shifting. "It is a matter most delicate, Your Grace. There's growing concern within the court. Your continued bachelorhood has raised eyebrows."
I felt my irritation flare, though I kept my voice even. "Is my personal life now a matter of state concern?"
Silas replied, his tone measured. "The precedent set by previous Dukes marrying at the age of 28 years, and you are reaching that age, your Grace. As you may be aware, in some instances, the royal court has been known to intervene in matrimonial matters of noble families."
My patience was wearing thin as the truth behind their visit finally settled in. The Saintess wasn't here for a simple social call—Silas was here to pressure me into marriage, and he was pushing the Saintess as a candidate. I answered with a cold edge to my voice, "The kings over history have always honored our traditions and remained uninvolved in our affairs, particularly those of marriage, Your Holiness. I would expect that they continue to honor our ways, regardless of when I decide to marry."
I watched as a smug smile crept across Silas's face, his voice dripping with condescension. "Of course, the court and temple honor your traditions, Your Grace, but the continuity of the Ducal lineage is a pillar of our kingdom's stability, and we all have a vested interest in ensuring that the Ducal family continues. And since you and Lord Aster do not frequent the capital, wouldn't it be wise to consider outside input on possible marriage partners?"
My grip tightened on the handle of my teacup, the effects of the calming tea barely able to temper the anger rising inside me. The iciness in my voice now reached my gaze as I responded, "Rest assured, the future of the Aster lineage is not something we take lightly. There is someone in mind already to be my wife, Your Holiness, so there is no need to worry."
The shock on both Celeste and Silas's faces was almost satisfying. I knew they hadn't expected that. Both Belmont and I were the most sought-after bachelors in Lumicrestia, and many had tried—and failed spectacularly—to win our favor. We were always the subject of hot gossip, mainly because we were rarely seen in the company of women. The news that I already had a bridal candidate sent ripples through the room; even the nearby staff couldn't hide their surprise.
Silas stammered as he tried to regain control of the conversation, clearly thrown off by the unexpected turn. "That is... wonderful news, Your Grace," he sputtered. "Who is the lucky girl? What family does she come from?"
I brushed off his question with a simple, dismissive answer. "I am protecting her privacy, and you will know when we announce our engagement." My words made it clear that the subject was closed, and pressing further would be a breach of noble etiquette. The awkward silence that followed was almost palpable.
I knew that was likely everything they had planned to discuss, but I couldn't let them leave just yet—not when Belmont and the others were probably still at the temple. I needed to stall them and keep them occupied. "It's not every day that we are honored with the presence of the Saintess, and since you have traveled all this way, allow me to offer you a tour of the castle," I offered, my tone smooth but firm.
I could see the hesitation in their eyes, but they had no polite way to refuse. This wasn't over, and I wasn't going to let them leave without ensuring that Belmont and the others had enough time.