Beatrice's POV
"Elena?" I whispered as her voice slipped into my thoughts.
She stepped inside and looked at me for a brief moment. In her eyes I caught a sorrow so deep it unsettled me. Then, without hesitation, she crossed the room and wrapped her arms around me in a tight, warm embrace.
I should have been surprised, yet I wasn't. She has always done this appearing after something dreadful has happened, offering comfort in the only way she knows how.
"It is all right," she murmured against my shoulder. "You shall be well, Beatrice."
Perhaps it was the warmth of her hold, or perhaps exhaustion had weakened my resolve, but I let myself lean into her, closing my eyes to push my fears aside if only for a fleeting moment.
"Thank you," I whispered, drawing away even though I needed her more than ever. But reason, sharp and urgent, forced its way into my mind. "But you must leave, Elena. If you are found here… if anyone sees"
"I can endure some scolding," she said softly.
Sometimes, when she comforts me, I forget she is five years younger. But words like these remind me.
"Elena," I breathed, "your punishment would be a scolding. Mine…" I swallowed. "I do not wish to imagine what they would do to me."
Her face shifted at once awareness, followed by a grief she tried to hide.
"I came to tell you something as well." She lowered her voice until it was barely a whisper.
"Your marriage to the Duke is being pushed forward. It should have taken place in six months, but now… you are to be wed in a week."
My knees weakened, and I sank onto the edge of my bed, confusion swirling in my head.
"In a week?" My voice trembled. "Was it my… were the Count and Countess the ones who requested this?"
"No." She shook her head gravely. "The Duke demanded it. I do not know why he is in such a haste."
"I heard Mother questioning Father about it," she added quietly. "They were both unsettled, but neither dared object. Father said, 'If the Duke demands haste, we do not decline.'"
She paused, studying me as though afraid I might break.
My heart pounded harder.
"But why?" I whispered. "Why would he?"
"I do not know," Elena answered. "But I wanted to warn you. They would not have told you until the day itself."
She hesitated, then added, "I thought… you deserved at least that much."
My throat tightened painfully.
"Thank you, Elena," I managed, though the words felt too small for what she had done.
She studied me a moment longer.
"You are shaking," she whispered. "Do you want me to stay a while?"
I wanted to say yes. Every part of me wanted the comfort of her presence.
But logic, the only shield I possessed forced my answer.
"No. You must go. Truly."
"Elena… if anything happens if anyone sees you here"
She nodded reluctantly.
She stepped back slowly. "You need time to think, Beatrice. I shall give you some space. Goodnight."
She slipped away, careful to ensure no one saw her leave.
When the door closed, my mind spiraled into a storm of shame from the ball, confusion over the Duke, the suddenness of the marriage.
Everything twisted together until I forced myself into sleep, using it as the only escape left to me.
Morning arrived much too quickly.
I woke heavy, weary, and certain I would not survive the day… until a knock sounded on my door.
Not Elena. Elena always called my name.
No one else knocks.
"My lady, may I come in?" a maid called gently.
I sat up straight, startled. "Yes… yes, you may."
She entered with two others, all bowing their heads.
"We were instructed to prepare you for breakfast with the Count and Countess," she explained.
I blinked. "Breakfast… with them?"
"Yes, my lady."
Their tone held no mockery. No coldness. Nothing familiar.
They drew my bath, combed my hair, dressed me layer by layer corset, chemise, gown moving with gentle, precise hands. I could hardly understand what was happening.
I finally asked, "Why are you all… treating me so kindly?"
The maids exchanged a brief look before one replied, "We carry only the orders given to us, my lady."
And that was the end of that.
When I arrived at the dining hall, I expected to be scolded, perhaps punished or to find guests waiting. Yet nothing of that sort happened. I was guided to a seat, acknowledged only with silent nods, by the count and countess and ignored completely through the entire meal Elena kept throwing glances my way while still continuing her conversation with them.
No harsh words.
No ridicule.
No threats.
Just… cold acceptance.
It unsettled me more than their cruelty ever had.
When I finally returned to my room, I thought over everything I knew of the Duke. I had asked around, listened to whispers, gathered the little information I could.
He never did anything unless it benefitted him.
And marrying into this family offered him no political gain.
Nothing about this marriage made sense unless he wanted something else, maybe from me?.
A role?
A part he expected me to play?
And if the mere engagement was enough to make the household treat me like a human being… then marriage itself might grant me something I had never been allowed:
freedom.
Or at least, safety.
Whatever role the Duke wants from me, I shall play it.
I only need to discover what it is.