(Chapter 6)
Clarisse Faeloria stood at the doorway of her home, seeing off Lorcan Frostborne, the Duke of the North, as he made his way to the carriage that would take him back to his domain. The golden hues of the evening sky cast a warm glow, slowly fading as if bidding farewell to the encounter that had just taken place. Beside her, Jonathan and Eleanor Faeloria, her parents, beamed with pride and joy, their expressions unable to hide their emotions.
Lorcan appeared satisfied with the warm reception from the Faeloria family. Despite arriving unannounced, he had been met with hospitality beyond his expectations. Jonathan, ever the refined gentleman, maintained his politeness, though the wide smile on his face betrayed his attempts to remain composed.
"I hope Your Grace is pleased with what we have prepared," Jonathan said respectfully.
Lorcan studied him for a moment before offering a small nod. "I am very pleased. Thank you," he replied briefly but sincerely.
Eleanor, standing beside her husband, cast a hopeful glance at her daughter. She wished for Clarisse to say something charming—a parting remark that would leave a favorable impression on Lorcan. To her, every word her daughter spoke was a reflection of the fine upbringing and grace befitting a noblewoman.
Initially tense, Clarisse now felt relieved. Everything had gone well—better than she had expected. As Lorcan looked at her before stepping into the carriage, she offered a gentle smile and nodded gracefully. "Safe travels, Your Grace. May your journey be smooth and pleasant," she said with soft elegance.
Lorcan gave a slight nod before stepping into the carriage. The vehicle departed soon after, leaving the Faeloria family standing there, watching as the luxurious carriage disappeared around the bend.
Once it was out of sight, Eleanor immediately turned to her daughter. "Wasn't the Duke so different from what the rumors say?" she asked excitedly.
Clarisse nodded. "Yes, Mother. He is nothing like the rumors. He is far more composed and wise."
Eleanor smiled in satisfaction. "He seems to like you very much, and that makes me so happy."
Jonathan, not wanting to be left out, added, "Keep it up, my dear. Make sure the Duke always feels comfortable whenever he is with you. I am very proud of you, Clarisse. You have done your best."
Clarisse could only smile at her parents' praise. However, deep in her heart, she felt an increasing weight. Their expectations were high, and she realized just how much hope they had placed in this marriage. Their gazes seemed to say that she was capable of fulfilling all their dreams—perhaps even more than she already had.
As night fell, Clarisse returned to her room. She sat at a small desk near the window and opened her diary, her longtime confidant. With a quill in hand, she began writing about everything that had happened that day. Every detail—from her conversation with Lorcan to the hopeful glances from her parents—was recorded. Writing in her diary had been a habit since she first learned to write. Every feeling, every event, she documented with care. This diary was a silent witness to her life's journey, holding secrets that only she knew.
The following morning, as dawn broke, a letter arrived at the Faeloria residence. It was from Kaelion Arvasyn, Clarisse's childhood friend. Kaelion, a noble heir known for his kindness, had always been someone she could rely on.
Clarisse read the letter with a smile. Memories of their childhood together resurfaced, bringing warmth to her heart.
"I hope you're doing well. I heard the Duke visited your home? If anything is troubling you, talk to me."
Clarisse chuckled at Kaelion's ever-blunt yet sincere words. His letter brought a sense of comfort, reminding her that there was still someone out there who cared for her—not because of status or wealth, but out of true friendship.
She carefully folded the letter and placed it inside her desk drawer, treasuring it like a small piece of solace.