(Chapter 25)
That night, Clarisse Faeloria awoke from a dream so strange and unsettling that it left her shaken. It was the first time she had experienced a dream that felt so vivid, so intense. In it, she encountered a man whose gaze burned with desire, like embers consuming all her defenses. That gaze held her captive, and every touch in the dream left her feeling powerless. As she opened her eyes, dawn had just begun to break, yet her body was drenched in cold sweat. An unshakable unease lingered within her.
"What does this dream mean?" Clarisse murmured breathlessly, trying to steady her restless heart.
That lingering anxiety made her yearn for home even more. Though the grand castle where she now resided was breathtaking, its unfamiliarity felt suffocating. The thought that this might become her permanent home weighed heavily on her heart, filling her with an overwhelming sense of pressure.
As morning arrived, Clarisse sat before her vanity mirror. Sasa, her loyal maid, gently brushed her long, silky hair.
"Lady Clarisse, it seems you didn't sleep well again last night," Sasa observed, her voice soft yet filled with concern.
Clarisse let out a deep sigh before replying quietly, "Yes, I... I couldn't rest properly. Something keeps disturbing me."
Sasa paused for a moment, meeting Clarisse's gaze through the mirror. "If I may be bold, my lady… If something is weighing on your mind, I am always here to listen. Sometimes, sharing your thoughts can ease the burden on your heart."
Clarisse hesitated but eventually decided to speak. "I had a strange dream, Sasa… a dream that left me feeling unsettled."
Sasa listened attentively as Clarisse described her dream and Lorcan's behavior. She did not appear surprised, only deeply thoughtful.
"How interesting," Sasa murmured gently. "It seems that His Grace, Lorcan Frostborne, is quite obsessed with you, my lady."
Clarisse frowned. "Obsessed? What do you mean?"
"From what I have observed, I have drawn a conclusion. The Duke does not merely like you. What he feels… is something deeper, a desire that borders on the uncontrollable."
Clarisse fell silent, her heart pounding. "What should I do?" she whispered hesitantly.
Sasa offered a reassuring smile. "The most important thing is to maintain your boundaries, my lady. Do not let your emotions be controlled by him, and do not surrender to his wishes before the right time. Hold firm to your principles."
Sasa's words gave Clarisse a newfound sense of strength. From that day on, she decided to be more cautious. Whenever Lorcan attempted to take her hand, Clarisse would gently pull away. She began wearing gloves during their meetings, a subtle way to maintain distance without offending him.
Before long, however, Lorcan's discomfort became apparent. One day, as they strolled through the castle gardens, he asked in a soft yet sharp tone, "Do you truly dislike it when I touch you, Clarisse?"
Clarisse hesitated but answered calmly, "That is not what I mean, Your Grace. I simply believe that before marriage, there are boundaries we must respect."
Lorcan gave a faint smile, but there was something unreadable behind it. "I see. I was foolish to overstep. From now on, I shall restrain myself… until the time comes."
Though his words were reassuring, Clarisse felt uneasy. "Restrain himself?" she thought. "Does this mean he intends to push me after marriage?"
As their conversation continued, Lorcan spoke in a tone laden with meaning. "Clarisse, I want you to know one thing. When we marry, I want everything to be perfect… especially our first night together."
Clarisse's face burned with a mix of anger and embarrassment. She immediately stood, meeting Lorcan's gaze with firm resolve. "Forgive me, Your Grace. But you have overstepped your bounds. I hope you will show me more respect."
Lorcan's expression turned cold, as if unaccustomed to rejection. But Clarisse remained steadfast. "I am not merely an object to fulfill your desires. If you truly respect me, you will understand what I mean."
Though he said nothing more, disappointment was evident in Lorcan's gaze. Clarisse knew this was only the beginning of the challenges in their relationship. No matter the risk, she had to stand firm in her beliefs.