Nathaniel slowly returned back to normal. He laughed again, ate properly, attended meetings, and slowly became the Duke everyone knew. Olivia was relieved. Watching her son smile again gave her hope that Eleanor's death was no longer consuming him.
Soon, she encouraged him to court ladies again.
Nathaniel agreed.
The first lady was Mia Etherwind, daughter of a respected Lord. She was short, elegant, and pretty, but Nathaniel wasn't looking for beauty anymore. He only wanted someone who could love Aurora.
He welcomed Mia into the Clifford Estate.
"This is my little angel, Aurora," Nathaniel said proudly.
Mia smiled warmly and bent to Aurora's height.
"Hello, sweetheart. How are you?"
"I'm fine," Aurora answered quietly.
Mia tried asking more questions, but Aurora only stared at her with blank eyes before turning around and running away.
An awkward silence followed.
"I'm sorry," Mia said.
Nathaniel smiled gently.
"It's alright. She's still shy around new people."
Days passed, and Mia kept trying to bond with Aurora, but every attempt failed. Whenever Nathaniel entered the room, Aurora suddenly became quiet and uncomfortable. Nathaniel thought she simply wasn't used to Mia.
Until one morning.
Olivia's voice echoed through the mansion.
"Who did this?"
Every servant froze while Aurora stood there with fresh scratch marks on her tiny arms.
Olivia's face changed instantly.
"Answer me!"
"I... I don't know, Your Grace," one maid replied nervously.
Olivia immediately carried Aurora into her arms.
"My baby... who hurt you?"
Aurora stayed silent until Olivia took her away to Finn Clifford Estate, Nathaniel's late father's estate, where the little girl finally felt safe.
There, Aurora confessed.
"It was Mia."
Olivia's eyes filled with rage.
Without wasting another second, she stormed to Etherwind Mansion.
The servants hurried out as Olivia entered without permission.
"Where is Mia?" she demanded.
Mia appeared moments later.
"Your Grace..."
"What did you do to Aurora?"
Mia's face lost colour.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie to me."
Olivia stepped closer.
"The maids saw everything. Aurora has scratches all over her body."
Mia took a step backwards.
"They're lying."
Olivia's patience disappeared.
She cornered Mia against the wall.
"Listen carefully." Her voice became dangerously calm. "You're lucky I'm grieving my daughter-in-law. If this happened another day..." She pointed at Mia's neck. "Your head would've been hanging at Clifford Estate before sunset."
The servants watched in complete silence.
Olivia turned around and walked out without looking back.
Nathaniel was informed later that evening.
Disappointment washed over him.
Another woman.
Another failure.
Months passed.
Nathaniel met several ladies, but every single one disappointed him. They adored his title, his wealth, and his estate... but ignored Aurora completely.
He stopped trying.
In Aerathia's palace, King Edwick Draven entered the throne room, and every noble bowed before him.
After discussing matters concerning the kingdom, everyone left except Nathaniel.
"Stay behind."
Nathaniel obeyed.
"There has been unrest in Valtheris," King Edwick said. "They've requested assistance. I believe you're the best person to go."
Nathaniel hesitated.
"Leave Aerathia for a while," the King continued. "It may be good for you."
After a long silence...
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Nathaniel bowed and left. Later that day, he sat inside his office, staring at the royal order.
"Maybe... this is for the best."
Olivia entered without knocking. "The moment I heard the news, I came immediately." She sat beside him.
"So, you'll take care of Aurora while I'm away."
Olivia nodded, "Of course."
Then, a mischievous smile appeared.
"I also heard Valtheris has beautiful ladies."
Nathaniel sighed loudly, "Oh, Mother... not this again."
"What?" Olivia asked innocently. "I'm only helping my son."
"I'm going there for work."
"And work can introduce you to a wife."
Nathaniel rubbed his forehead.
"I've already found a suitable lady. Her father is looking for a husband for her."
Nathaniel looked at his mother with defeat, "You've investigated already?"
Olivia smiled proudly, "I don't waste opportunities."
Nathaniel knew arguing was pointless.
"Fine."
Days later, they prepared for the journey. After one week on the road, they finally arrived in Valtheris.
Tall stone buildings lined the streets, royal guards stood at every entrance, and banners bearing the Valtheris crest danced in the wind. The city looked peaceful yet powerful.
They were escorted to the guest house.
Before arriving, Olivia had secretly investigated the Ashbourne family. She discovered rumours that Maya had once been involved with a Lord. She didn't care about the gossip; she only wanted to know if this marriage had a chance.
Nathaniel, however, was nervous.
He had heard countless stories about Maya Ashbourne.
"If I want this marriage to work..." he said quietly.
Olivia looked at him.
"Maybe I shouldn't tell her immediately that I was married... or that I have Aurora."
Olivia's expression became serious.
"You can wait for the right moment." Then she looked him straight in the eyes, "But don't hide it for long."
Nathaniel nodded, "I won't make the same mistake twice."
The following morning, Nathaniel and Olivia arrived at the Ashbourne Mansion.
The mansion stood proudly, surrounded by neatly trimmed gardens and white stone pillars. Guards opened the gates as servants welcomed the guests inside.
Damon and Evelyn Ashbourne were already waiting for them.
"Welcome to Ashbourne Mansion," Damon said with a warm smile as they exchanged greetings.
"It's an honour to finally meet you," Olivia replied politely.
The adults sat together in the reception room and spoke for a while about Aerathia, Valtheris, and the purpose of Nathaniel's visit. Tea and refreshments were served as the conversation continued peacefully.
After a long discussion, the room fell into a comfortable silence. Damon had just reached for his teacup when suddenly-
Crash!
A flower vase shattered against the marble floor.
Everyone immediately turned toward the entrance.
The maids quickly rushed to clean the broken pieces, apologizing repeatedly, but no one paid attention to them anymore.
A young woman stood at the doorway.
She had soft brown hair that rested neatly over her shoulders, warm brown eyes, and an average, gentle beauty that wasn't loud yet impossible to ignore. She stood quietly, her hands folded in front of her as she looked around the room.
Nathaniel's eyes remained fixed on her.
For a brief moment...
Everything became silent.
Amaya Ashbourne.
NOTICE
Maya's full name is Amaya Ashbourne. I usually shorten her name to Maya, which is what she is commonly called throughout the story.