I'm Athanasia, daughter of Duke Leon Eckard and Duchess Lilia. My life was a vibrant tapestry, woven with love, laughter, and happiness. Everyone adored me, and I worshipped my family.
On my 12th birthday, the night of my grand celebration, Mom and Dad's absence weighed heavily on my heart. They had left for a business trip abroad, leaving me with a mix of excitement and longing. The castle's opulent halls felt empty without their warm smiles.
As the party unfolded, the sweet scent of candles and the soft strains of the orchestra filled the air. I wore a delicate, rose-petal pink gown, my hair styled in loose curls. But beneath the façade of joy, a nagging sense of unease lingered.
Then, Butler Kan's ashen face appeared at the door, his eyes sunken with grief. "My lady, Duke and Duchess have returned." His voice trembled, like the last leaf on a winter's breeze.
My heart skipped a beat. I rushed toward the entrance, expecting Mom and Dad's warm embraces. Instead, I froze. Their lifeless bodies lay before me, their eyes cold and still, like the dark, polished marble of the castle floor.
The room spun, and my feet felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot. I couldn't breathe. The air was thick with the stench of death. Guests stared at me with pity-filled eyes – a look that made my skin crawl.
Tears streamed down my face, hot and unrelenting. My throat constricted, choking back a scream. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair.
"Athanasia, dear child..." someone whispered, but their words were lost in the cacophony of my grief.
My family members' hushed conversations cut through the haze: "Who will succeed as head of the family?" Their selfish concerns stung like a slap to the face.
That day, my world shattered. The once-vibrant colors of my life faded to gray. The music stopped, and the candles flickered out, plunging me into darkness.
As I stood alone, grieving and vulnerable, Butler Kan remained my sole source of comfort. My family members, once warm and loving, now seemed cold and calculating. They pressured me to leave with them, their eyes gleaming with self-interest.
Butler Kan's wrinkled hands grasped mine, his warm touch a beacon of reassurance. "My lady, I know your sorrow runs deep," he said, his voice low and gentle. "But beware, for many seek to exploit your family's name and legacy. They crave wealth and power, not your well-being."
His words struck a chord within me. I remembered my parents' warnings about the treacherous world of nobility.
"Don't trust anyone, my lady," Butler Kan urged, his eyes serious. "Not until you're certain of their intentions."
I heeded his counsel, declining every offer, no matter how enticing. Some family members grew angry, their faces reddening with rage.
"How dare you refuse our generosity?" they spat.
But Butler Kan stood firm, shielding me from their malice. Despite his advanced age, he remained a formidable nobleman, unwavering in his loyalty.
As the storm of greed and ambition raged around me, Butler Kan's steadfast protection became my anchor.
Three days later, my mom's big brother, Uncle Kyle, Duke of Adrasia, came to the mansion. I greeted him, and he looked at me with a very dark expression. He always looked angry and furious, but he was very kind-hearted and coolly handsome.
I couldn't sleep for the past few days, and dark circles had formed under my eyes. Uncle Kyle came close to me and carried me in his arms. "Aww, un...cle," I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat.
"Athi, were you not able to sleep?" Uncle Kyle's deep voice was gentle, and his warm breath caressed my ear.
I nodded, and tears welled up in my eyes. "...it's alright, my sweet heart. Just cry as your heart contents." Uncle Kyle's words were like a soothing balm, and I burst into tears.
"Aww...awww...sob...sob...sob," I cried, my body shaking with grief. Uncle Kyle carried me to my room and put me on my bed, patting my head reassuringly.
"It's alright, sob...un...cle...Mom...and Dad... Sob...promise me they will come back, but they...sob... Their promise...awwww...." I wailed, my heart heavy with sorrow.
Uncle Kyle's expression turned somber. "I know, Athi, but I know sis and brother-in-law loved you so much. Look, if you are going to be sad like this, don't you think it will hurt them? So I want you to be strong, so will you become strong?"
I looked up at Uncle Kyle, determination rising within me. "Yes, I'll become strong. I wouldn't cry. I don't want Mom and Dad to be sad."
Uncle Kyle smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, that's like a good girl. So be a good girl and sleep, okay?" I nodded, and Uncle Kyle patted my head once more, his touch a reassuring presence.
As I drifted off to sleep, Uncle Kyle's gentle voice whispered in my mind, "Be strong, Athi. I'll be here to guide you."