The butler awaited me outside the Grand Duke's study, his expression as rigid and unsympathetic as when he had first greeted me. He gave a curt nod, gesturing for me to follow without saying a word.
As I trailed behind him, I couldn't help but notice the meticulous care he took with every step, as though the very act of walking was a calculated performance. The palace's icy silence was broken only by the rhythmic click of his shoes against the stone floor and the soft rustle of my threadbare dress.
The butler finally stopped in front of a pair of large oak doors with intricate carvings of snow-laden forests. He pushed them open, revealing a room that momentarily stole my breath.
The chamber was vast, with ceilings so high they seemed to touch the heavens. A grand chandelier, wrought of iron and shimmering crystals, hung above, casting a warm but subdued light across the room. A plush carpet, thick and intricately woven, spanned the floor in hues of deep navy and silver.
Against one wall stood a four-poster bed, the dark wood carved with twisting vines and wolf motifs. The canopy above was made of sheer fabric that flowed like mist. Thick, fur-lined blankets and pillows were arranged with precision, inviting but undoubtedly foreign to someone like Ophelia who was used to straw bedding.
A large fireplace dominated another wall, its hearth flanked by two high-backed armchairs covered in a soft velvet that matched the room's austere elegance. The flames crackled softly, their warmth barely managing to cut through the room's natural chill.
Despite its beauty, there was an undeniable coldness to the space, much like its master.
The butler cleared his throat, snapping me out of my daze. His sharp gaze raked over me once more, a flicker of disapproval crossing his face as he took in my shabby attire.
"This is where you'll stay, Your Highness," he said, his voice clipped and formal. "It has been prepared to suit your station."
I almost laughed at the irony. A station that had been ignored and scorned all of Ophelia's life now suddenly warranted a room befitting royalty?
"I see," I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
He ignored my response, gesturing toward a petite figure standing silently by the fireplace. "This is Ada," he said. "She will serve as your personal maid."
The girl stepped forward, her small frame almost lost in the oversized gray uniform she wore. Her chestnut hair was pulled back into a neat braid, and her hazel eyes darted up to meet mine before quickly lowering in what I could only assume was practiced subservience.
"Your Highness," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, before dipping into a deep curtsy.
I studied her for a moment. She seemed young—no more than sixteen—and nervous, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her apron.
"I hope we can work well together, Ada," I said gently, hoping to put her at ease.
Her eyes flickered up to mine again, this time with a hint of surprise, before she quickly nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. Thank you."
The butler, who seemed unimpressed by our exchange, cleared his throat again.
"Ada will assist you with whatever you require. Should you need anything beyond her capabilities, you may summon me," he said, his tone making it clear he doubted I would need much.
"Of course," I replied, matching his formal tone with a faint smile.
He gave a stiff bow before turning on his heel and leaving the room. The heavy doors closed behind him with a resounding thud, leaving Ada and me alone in the massive space.
Ada shifted awkwardly, her hands clasped in front of her. "Would you like me to prepare a bath, Your Highness?" she asked timidly.
I hesitated for a moment, glancing down at my mud-streaked dress and travel-worn hands. A bath would be heavenly, but I wasn't entirely sure I was ready to embrace this sudden shift in status.
"That would be lovely, Ada. Thank you," I finally said with a soft smile resting on my lips.
She bobbed her head and scurried toward a side door, which I assumed led to the adjoining bath chamber.
Left alone, I wandered toward the bed, running my fingers lightly over the soft fur blankets. The room felt unearthly, like stepping into the pages of a story I didn't belong in.
This was Ophelia's world—a world of cold grandeur and hidden dangers.
A life I have to start getting used too.
Ada returned moments later, announcing that the bath was ready. "Shall I assist you, Your Highness?"
I shook my head. "No, I can manage. Thank you, Ada."
She nodded, looking almost relieved, and stepped back. "If you need anything, I'll be just outside."
The bath chamber was just as luxurious as the bedroom, with a large marble tub steaming with fragrant water. Candles lined the edges of the room, their soft glow reflecting off the polished stone walls.
As I sank into the water, I let out a sigh, the heat soothing my tired muscles. It was a rare moment of peace, and I intended to savor it.
But even as the warmth seeped into my bones, a part of me couldn't relax.
This was only the beginning.
In time, the Grand Duke would meet his end. And if I didn't bear his heir, I'd find myself at the mercy of that deranged emperor, just like the original Ophelia.
I couldn't let that happen.
Securing my place meant only one thing: I had to ensure the Duke and I produced an heir. My survival—and perhaps even my sanity—depended on it.