The sound of the Douglas carriages' wheels echoed across the damp cobblestone, each impact making Emily's heart beat harder. She stood by the window of the main hall, trying to keep her expression calm as the black flags bearing the two wolves fluttered before the Count Carter's mansion.
A shiver ran down her spine.
That elegant and majestic symbol was also a reminder: many houses had fallen after challenging the Douglas duchy. Their lineage did not merely command respect and honor; it represented a constant danger.
She took a deep breath and carefully smoothed the trembling lace of her dress.
She had to appear calm.
A Carter never showed fear, even when her heart was pounding like a war drum.
—Emily, please... —her mother whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder—. Remember what is at stake.
Emily nodded without taking her eyes away from the window.
—I know, Mother. Don't worry... I won't make any mistakes.
The sound of the front door opening cut through the silence.
Sophia The Mondring, Duchess of the Douglas Duchy, crossed the threshold with firm steps. Her presence was imposing, and the smile on her face was barely restrained, colder than it was warm.
Behind her walked Lusian, her son, dressed simply but elegantly, carrying himself with the composure expected of someone bearing the weight of his lineage.
Emily noticed how the servants immediately lowered their gazes.
The mere presence of the Douglas family filled the room with an invisible pressure, a gulf separating them from every other household—one that no one dared cross.
The greetings were measured, polite, almost ceremonial.
Soft words.
Tense smiles.
Carefully calculated glances.
Nothing was spontaneous.
Everything was a carefully rehearsed performance of diplomacy and survival.
Emily forced herself to breathe steadily, although every instinct in her body remained alert.
Every gesture, every movement of the Douglas family seemed to tell her the same thing:
There was no room for mistakes.
And she had to fulfill her role.
Her eyes moved toward Sophia, searching for the cold and merciless expression everyone expected from a Douglas duchess.
Every movement was precise.
Every gesture perfectly controlled.
But for a brief moment, when Sophia's gaze fell upon Lusian, that coldness disappeared.
Only the expression of a mother remained.
Then she spoke in a soft and elegant voice, almost maternal, though every word seemed chosen with absolute precision.
—My son has been eagerly awaiting this meeting. It is an honor for us to strengthen our ties with a family of such excellent reputation.
Emily responded with a slight bow, controlling the trembling of her hands and keeping her voice firm yet restrained.
—The honor is ours, Duchess. My family is grateful for the opportunity to welcome you into our home.
While the adults exchanged formalities, Emily felt Lusian's gaze upon her.
It was not the cold arrogance she expected from a Douglas heir.
There was something different.
A mixture of uncertainty and distance, as if he also wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.
"Curious..."
Emily watched him quietly.
"He doesn't seem to enjoy this any more than I do."
A short while later, Sophia, with the natural authority of someone who never needed to raise her voice, suggested that the two young nobles take a walk through the gardens.
Emily understood the hidden meaning.
They wanted them to speak alone.
To begin building a bond that would soon become a political alliance rather than a destiny chosen by either of them.
She took a breath and guided Lusian toward the gardens beneath a gray sky threatening rain.
The scent of lilacs drifted around them, delicate and almost veil-like, mixing fragrance with the quiet tension between them.
Every step seemed to bring her closer not only to him...
but to a future she still did not know how to face.
Emily walked beside Lusian along the stone path leading into the garden.
The sound of their footsteps was the only thing filling the silence.
Too much silence.
She had seen him many times before.
At noble gatherings.
At ceremonies.
From a distance, always surrounded by important figures, carrying himself like someone who knew exactly where he belonged.
But she had never been this close.
And now that she walked beside him...
She had no idea what to say.
"Should I speak first?"
It would be the proper thing to do.
The hostess should be polite.
But every sentence she imagined sounded wrong.
"I hope your journey was pleasant."
Too formal.
"Do you like gardens?"
Too childish.
"Are you satisfied with this engagement?"
Far too direct.
Emily kept her gaze forward, pretending to remain composed.
Then she noticed something strange.
Lusian had not said a single word either.
She had expected arrogance.
A question about her family.
Some comment about the importance of their union.
Something that would remind her of the difference between their positions.
But he simply walked.
Quietly.
As if he also had no idea what to do.
Emily glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
For a moment, their gazes met.
Both looked away almost at the same time.
A little awkward.
A little embarrassed.
Like two people who had prepared themselves for a conversation with an imagined enemy, only to find an actual person standing in front of them.
—The weather has been rather cold these past few days —Emily finally said.
The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to scold herself.
"Was that really the best thing I could say?"
But Lusian did not seem to mock her.
He looked up at the gray sky.
—Yes... it looks like it will rain soon.
Another simple answer.
Another pause.
Yet, for some reason, Emily felt slightly less tense.