(Chapter 27)
The long-awaited day had finally arrived. Clarisse Faeloria, the daughter of the esteemed Faeloria family, was preparing to return home after spending a week at Frostborne Castle. Her suitcases had been packed by her loyal maid, Sasa, and Clarisse stood before the mirror, gazing at her reflection with mixed emotions. There was relief, yet also an unexplainable unease.
Just as she was about to step out of her room, a knock sounded at the door. Sasa opened it and immediately bowed respectfully as the imposing figure of Lorcan Frostborne, the Duke of the North who had occupied her thoughts more than she cared to admit, appeared in the doorway. His presence radiated authority and cold detachment. Clarisse took a deep breath, realizing that avoiding him would be impolite. She knew she had to face him.
"You're leaving?" Lorcan's deep voice carried an edge, demanding an answer despite the obviousness of his question.
Clarisse nodded softly, bowing slightly before responding, "Yes, Your Grace. As per our agreement, today I return to my family's estate."
Lorcan studied her intently, his usually expressionless face now looking harsher, more somber. "Can you not stay a little longer? Another two weeks, perhaps?"
Clarisse shook her head firmly. "I'm sorry, Your Grace. Our agreement was clear—today is my last day here."
The silence that followed only thickened the tension in the air. Lorcan's recent change in demeanor unsettled her. Once, there had been a flicker of curiosity and perhaps even hope in her heart toward this man, but those feelings had since faded, replaced by unease and doubt. Their arranged marriage felt like a trap. The thought of marrying Lorcan no longer intrigued her—it filled her with dread.
As if reading her thoughts, Lorcan raised an eyebrow and gazed at her sharply. "Do you not like me?" he asked, his voice as cold as ever.
Clarisse stiffened but quickly composed herself. She forced a small smile, though her heart pounded in her chest. "I don't understand what you mean, Your Grace."
Lorcan looked unsatisfied. "Why pretend not to understand? You cannot keep up this act any longer, Clarisse."
She remained silent, confused by his sudden shift in behavior. Beneath his usual stoicism, she sensed something unspoken.
"I'm sorry, Your Grace," she finally said, her voice soft yet resolute. "I truly don't know how to answer that."
Lorcan studied her for a long moment before repeating his question. "Do you not like me?"
Clarisse met his gaze directly, searching for the right words. "I don't know," she admitted at last, her voice steady.
Lorcan let out a short, humorless laugh. "You truly don't know, huh?"
Clarisse's discomfort deepened. "I have packed and am ready to leave, Your Grace. I ask for your leave," she said politely, bowing in respect.
Yet, Lorcan remained unmoving. "I am asking you to stay," he said, his tone firmer now—a command rather than a request.
Clarisse exhaled slowly. "I cannot stay any longer. Our agreement was clear."
Just as she turned to leave, the door opened again, and several guards entered the room. Among them, Sasa stood in the corner, looking anxious. Clarisse turned, bewildered, and fixed Lorcan with a sharp stare. "What is the meaning of this, Your Grace?"
Lorcan sighed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You will remain here until our wedding day. I want you to write to your family, informing them that you will be staying until everything is settled."
Clarisse's face paled. "I will not write such a letter! I am leaving, and if this continues, I will petition for this marriage to be annulled!"
Lorcan's gaze darkened. "Annulled?"
Clarisse met his eyes with unwavering determination. "Your forceful behavior has gone too far. This is unbecoming of a noble—even for you, Your Grace."
Without warning, Lorcan gave a cold order. "Take her maid to the dungeon." He gestured toward Sasa.
"My Lady Clarisse!" Sasa gasped in fear.
Clarisse froze, shock and fury coursing through her. "Your Grace! Why are you imprisoning my maid? She has done nothing wrong!"
Lorcan regarded her impassively, his face as unreadable as ever. "If you do not do as I say, she will suffer worse consequences. For now, return to your room."
Anger flared within Clarisse, her restraint crumbling. "What nonsense is this?! You cannot treat me like this!"
The polished decorum she had upheld shattered. Her face flushed with fury, and the strength she had long suppressed surged to the surface. Lorcan might be the Duke of the North, a ruler respected by many, but he had no right to enforce his will upon her in such a manner.
"You may be the Duke of the North, but I am Clarisse Faeloria, daughter of the honored Faeloria family! You hold no dominion over my life, and I will not allow you to trample on my honor or my maid's!"
For the first time, Lorcan seemed momentarily unsettled by the fire in her eyes. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them.
"You are bold," he murmured, almost as if issuing a warning. "You must remember who holds power here, Lady Clarisse. This is my domain, and you are merely a guest who must abide by my rules."
Clarisse did not back down. Her unyielding gaze made Lorcan hesitate, if only for a fraction of a second. "Rules that lack justice will never hold sway over me, Your Grace. If you continue to force my hand, I will not hesitate to appeal to the King or the Council for justice."
The atmosphere grew even more tense. The guards exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what would happen next. Sasa looked at Clarisse with a mix of fear and admiration.
At last, Lorcan let out a slow breath, his piercing gaze never leaving hers. "You make things more complicated than they need to be."
"Because you are making the wrong choices," Clarisse countered sharply.
Lorcan turned away and issued his final command to the guards. "Take her to the dungeon."
Clarisse stood her ground, her heart racing, but she knew one thing—she would not let Lorcan, or anyone, strip her of her freedom and dignity.