Butler Kan's soft voice broke the silence. "My lord, Lady Athi is asleep. You should rest too."
Duke Kyle nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Alright."
As they walked through the hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoed: step... step... step. Duke Kyle turned to Butler Kan. "Kan, what did the witness say about the accident?"
Butler Kan's expression turned somber. "He said the carriage wheels slipped because of ice, and the accident happened. In that accident, the Duke and Duchess died."
Duke Kyle's jaw clenched. "Keep an eye on that villager. We don't know if he's telling the truth or not." His voice dropped to a whisper. "And I know this accident was not an accident. My sister and brother-in-law's deaths were pre-planned murder."
Butler Kan's eyes widened slightly. "But, my lord, not only one but all villagers say they saw the accident."
Duke Kyle's gaze pierced through the darkness. "Kan, they only saw the accident. But they didn't see what happened before the accident, right?"
Butler Kan nodded. "Yes, my lord."
Duke Kyle's voice turned icy. "I'll order some trustworthy knights to keep an eye on that man. Hmm... I'm not going to forgive whoever did this to my family."
Duke kyle hesitated before speaking. "kan, one more thing... should I ask Athi to come with me? She's so young, and I think—"
Duke Kyle's words were cut off. "My apologies, my lord, but I don't think it's a good idea to take my lady with you. If you take her, all the relatives will try to take the seat of the head, and that will be bad. I think my lady should stay here and focus on becoming the next head of this family. I know it will be hard for her, but, my lord, in life, everyone has to take risks. Ah... I hope you understand."
Duke Kyle's expression turned thoughtful. "I understand, Kan, but she's only 12 right now. It's way too much for her. I get what you're saying, but tomorrow I'll ask her once if she wants to come or not."
Butler Kan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, my lord."
Butler Kan bowed at Duke Kyle. "My lord, you should rest now. Have a good night."
Duke Kyle nodded. "Yes, good night, Kan."
The next morning, snowflakes gently fell outside, casting a serene silence over the mansion. Athanasia woke up, feeling a mix of emotions. She got out of bed and walked to the window, pushing aside the curtains to gaze at the snow-covered landscape.
Memories flooded her mind – memories of playing in the snow with her parents. She remembered running to them, shouting, "Mom! Dad! It's snowing! Come on, let's play!" Her parents had joined her, laughing and playing in the snow.
Athanasia's eyes welled up with tears as she recalled those happy moments. She felt a lump form in her throat, and her voice trembled. "Sob... Sob... Hey, you stupid Athi, stop crying like a baby... Sob..." She wiped her tears away, taking a deep breath.
"I have to be strong. Otherwise, Mom and Dad will be hurt." She steeled herself, calling the maids to help her get ready
she ask the maids where her Uncle is the maid said "princess his Grace is in study room doing paper work with Butler Kan".
As I walked to the study room, I overheard some maids gossiping. "Did you hear? His Grace is planning to take Princess Athanasia with him," one of them said. The other maid responded in an arrogant tone, "He's just pitying her because she's become an orphan."
"Yeah, maybe you're right. Poor Princess," the first maid said. "She's always lived a carefree life and troubled others. Now, she'll trouble the poor Duke. He already has two sons to take care of because, after Duchess Elodie's death, he's a single parent. If he takes the Princess with him, she'll only make his life more difficult."
Their words cut deep, and my heart ached. I took a deep breath and entered the study room, trying to compose myself.
Uncle Kyle smiled warmly at me. "Athi, you're awake. Did you sleep well?" I forced a smile, hiding my sadness. "Yes, I slept well, thanks, Uncle."
"That's great. Come on, sit. I have something to discuss with you," Uncle Kyle said. I sat on the sofa in front of him, and Butler Kan poured tea for us.
"Yes, Uncle Kyle? What is it that you want to ask?" I inquired, trying to sound calm.
Uncle Kyle's expression turned serious. "Well, Athi, what if you join me in Adrasia and live with me, Adrian, and Arion?" I repeated, "Live with you guys?" I glanced at Butler Kan's face, then back at Uncle Kyle.
(I thought to myself: I don't want to make Uncle's life difficult, and I'm okay here, so it will be alright, right?)
"Hmm... Uncle, I want to go with you, but I don't want to leave my house, and I will become a great head. Okay? Then I'll visit you, okay?" Uncle Kyle smiled, patting my head. "Alright, I'll wait then, okay? But Athanasia I'll be your Guardian,And remember, my darling, your uncle is always there for you, and not only me, Adrian and Arion will be with you too, always."
I smiled, trying to hide my turmoil. "Yes, Uncle." But inside, my heart was throbbing.
"Uncle, I should go and study. You should do your work, okay? See you at lunch." Uncle Kyle smiled and said, "Okay, study hard, Athi."
I smiled too and closed the door. I went to my room, closed the door, and wanted to cry, but I didn't. I thought that if I cried, my eyes would become red, and Uncle Kyle and Butler Kan would ask me why I cried. I didn't want to trouble them again and again, so I started studying.
The days passed, and Uncle Kyle's departure drew near. Seeing him prepare to leave, I felt a pang of sadness. I wanted him to stay with me, but I knew I couldn't be selfish.
"I'll miss you, Uncle," I said, trying to hold back tears.
Uncle Kyle sat down beside me, our heights equal. He kissed my forehead and said, "Sweetie, Uncle will miss you too. So, are you going to write me letters?"
"Yes, I will," I replied, trying to sound brave.
Uncle Kyle smiled. "That's great. Then we'll be in touch, right?" He stood up and walked toward the carriage. The horses' hooves clip-clopped on the ground as the coachman shouted, "Hupp!" The carriage began moving, and I waved my hand, shouting, "Bye, Uncle!"
Uncle Kyle waved back, his voice carrying through the air. "Bye, Athi!"