I shifted slightly in my sleep as the door opened with a soft click. I recognize these soft but careful footsteps that didn't seem to disturb me.
Ah. Lilith is here....
I sifted again. pulling the warm blanket up and snuggling up against the pillow on my left. I opened an eye that refused to open.
"Bring my breakfast later and leave every document I need to see on the table..." I yawned softly, clearly too tired to get out of bed yet, and continued to murmur, "I don't plan to get out of this room today
It's only been two hours since I fell asleep. No wonder why I'm still so exhausted. But still I need to get up soon. Being a grand duchess isn't easy after all...
Slowly I drifted off again.
I slept for another hour before reluctantly waking up. I sat straight on the bed, leaning against the frame as I watched Lilith set up the table with my breakfast. After doing her task, she turned around to face me.
"When did you go to sleep last night?" Her voice was gentle as always.
"Hmm...around five pm." I yawned as i mumbled the words out.
"You only slept for three hours? ... It's not good for your health, and it isn't going to help with your growing under-eye bags!" She scolded, but there's no heat behind those words. Just genuine concern.
I let out a soft chuckle. "You worry too much, Lilith."
She walked over to the dresser, taking a black shawl with ruby red flower embroidery on top. Then she carried it over and put it around my shoulders as I was getting down from the bed.
"It's chilly today, Madam... You should take better care of yourself."
"Thank you."
She nodded and took a step back. I sigh as I feel the coldness of the soft rug under my feet. Pulling the shawl up my shoulder as I took steady steps towards the table and settled down on the chair.
I looked at the breakfast before me. Warm bread. A bowl of tomato soup. a side of fresh-cut fruits. And Lilith is making tea in front of me.
Perfect.
"Uhh... could you get me some headache medicine from the physician after you are done making the tea?" It was a statement rather than a question. Lilith nodded and finished making the tea, then left the room to go to the physician.
I slowly dipped the bread in soup and took a bite. Soft buttery bread mixed together with the flavorful soup feels like a paradise in my mouth.
I took another bite and looked out the window on the side.
Outside, the world had gone quiet.
It's snowing...
I soon finished eating. Stood up and went over to the dressing table.
Looking at the reflection before me reminds me of my day as a lawyer. The late-night research. Looking for evidence at the crime scene with the cops. Took a toll on me. Making me look like a raccoon because of the under-eye bags.
Man, I really do look like shit.
Can't blame anyone but my insomnia, which has gotten worse than before. Hmm.
I sighed softly, then went back to my set at the same time Lilith entered with a glass of water and medicine in hand. I nodded and took the medicine and water in one gulp.
Ugh, bitter.
"How are the kids doing?" I asked Lilith who is now cleaning the table and putting away the papers and documents that I have to analyze today.
"They are still asleep; only Lord Alaric is in the library."
"Library? But it's still so early... Knowing him, he doesn't go to the library without a reason." I paused for a moment. "Do you happen to know why he went there?"
"No, Madam. I have no idea why the young master went there." I nodded slightly. "You may go now." With a bow, she left.
This is odd. Why did he go there? He isn't someone who is fond of reading books at all. Rather than studying and reading, he always seems to prefer swordsmanship and going out to learn the methods that were written.
Could it be because of the late Duchess? I mean, the only people I know who love reading are the late Duchess, Cedric, and Isolde... and sometimes myself.
I suppose he misses his mother. It's the only time he goes there, after all.
I shifted slightly in the chair to get more comfortable. I picked up the first envelope that was wrapped in white ribbon with the golden imperial lion symbol on top. This is an invitation to the Imperial Palace.
The noble council meeting in the capital. I opened the envelope and pulled out the card—a letter slipped out and fell on the ground. I picked it up and put it down on the table beside the envelope.
The invitation card says it's on the last day of the second week next month.
Great! I'll head to the capital right after the routine inspection of the territory.
Now I placed the card down and picked up the letter.
[Dear Grand Duchess,
I hope you are doing well. As I had informed you in my last letter. You must remember it. I postponed the meeting as long as I could. But I can't delay it any longer. I hope the time is convenient for you. I did my part. Now you must do your part and prove your worth to me and all the nobles who are currently looking down on the Korvaldt Duchy.
Yours, E.]
I slowly ripped the paper into shreds. Then stood up, opened the window, and threw it out.
The Emperor is only doing this out of trust for the late Grand Duke's judgment. Not out of favor for me. But either way, it is a good chance for me.
I just have to play my part right as I was taught.
No one must find this letter. It could only complicate things if anyone does.
It seems like next month is already packed with the upcoming events, meetings and the noble council.