Rose

  In the garden of the manor, vibrant flowers surrounded the area, with butterflies flitting about. The morning sun cast a majestic light over the garden, painting it in gold. As the headmaid of the duke's manor in the capital, I had grown accustomed to mornings spent tending to the needs of the household.

  It's such a beautiful day in Veridonia, isn't it?

  I thought to myself as I headed to the gazebo in the middle of the garden, carrying a tray with the tea set the duchess had requested.

  As I approached, I could see her smiling at me, her icy blue hair slightly tousled by the gentle breeze. She truly was a stunning woman, with eyes as piercing as winter skies and a grace that made even the simplest of gestures seem elegant. Now that I think about it, Duke Lucien certainly had good taste in women.

  "Duchess, here is the green tea you requested," I said, keeping my tone respectful but stern.

  Maintaining a straight face and controlled voice is second nature to me now—after all, habits are hard to break.

  "Thank you, Rose," she said, looking at me as if she wanted me to join her.

  "Pardon, madam, but I still have work to do," I replied with a courteous bow.

  Understanding her intent, I turned to leave, but she gently caught my hand.

  "Please? You're the only one I can really talk to here. The other servants are kind, but I'm still a bit shy. I'm worried that if I keep acting like this, they might think I'm an easy target. And besides, I wanted to thank you for helping me with the paperwork yesterday. What do you say?" She smiled, her blue eyes pleading.

  Oh, Duke, you should know how lucky you are.

  "You flatter me, madam. If that's what you wish, I'll happily oblige," I said, taking a seat across from her where the tea was set.

  Her eyes widened as she noticed the croissant on the tray.

  "Oh, there's also croissants here! What a coincidence," she said with a smile.

  Well, that's because it's the duke's order. He probably knows you well, Duchess.

  "To be frank, madam, it was the Duke's idea," I said bluntly, watching her gasp softly.

  "How did he know?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.

  Knowing the Duke, he has his ways.

  "I don't know, Your Grace," I replied simply. "But I do know Duke Lucien tends to be thorough."

  Her surprised expression shifts into a smile, but I can see a trace of venom lurking beneath it.

  I can only assume it has something to do with yesterday.

  "Ah, I see even that ba—ahem, I must say, I'm grateful he's so considerate. Perhaps I should thank him personally when I return to Wintermere."

  "Yes, Your Grace," I reply, keeping my face impassive.

  She nods, her blue eyes scanning me with an intensity that makes my guard rise.

  "Is there something on my face, Your Grace?" I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral.

  "No," she replies flatly, "but I can't help but wonder—are you a knight, or something of the sort? It's the way you move and the strength you showed yesterday, lifting those papers."

  So she noticed. Well, there's no point in hiding it. She deserves to know the truth, now that she's a part of House Valenhart and a wife to a duke I served faithfully.

  "Your Grace, I wasn't always a maid. Before this, I was a knight. A former vice captain of the Frostblade, Rose Marwood." I pause, meeting her gaze as steadily as I can, though I feel a surge of vulnerability. This is not something I share lightly with anyone other than the Duke and my former comrades.

  "We were an elite unit, sworn to protect Wintermere for Duke Cedric Valenhart and passes to his second son, Duke Lucien Valenhart—though the title was meant for his older brother, Eric Valenhart. I was proud of my position, of the honor it brought."

  Her reaction to the mention of Duke Lucien's father and brother makes her go pale a little, a flicker of shock crossing her features. Does she know something I don't?

  "Would you like to share your story with me?" She said with a smile. "Of course, I would not force it against you."

  I didn't know the duchess was interested in my past identity.

  "If that is what the duchess wishes," I said plainly as I started to speak.

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  I was born the daughter of a Baron in Wintermere, though I never resembled my father, which led to whispers of my illegitimacy and cast doubt on my mother's honor. Eventually, my father abandoned us, leaving us to survive on the streets. I blamed my mother for our downfall, even though she never spoke of the alleged affair that may have caused it. I could not stand betrayal; it makes my skin crawl. So, in the end I decided to leave my mother, struggling to survive as a homeless commoner.

  Throughout my life, I've known what it's like to live like a rat—eating only twice, or once a day, sometimes even resorting to eating snow when there was no water. My life as the daughter of a Baron was a world away from this, a life of comfort and privilege that now feels like a distant memory. But I know I can never go back. That life is gone, as if it never existed.

  One day, while scavenging in the market, I accidentally bumped into a knight.

  "Hm? What's a girl like you doing out here? Where are your parents?" he asked.

  His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to his formidable appearance—a gentle giant, to be precise.

  "I... have no parents," I said flatly.

  "Hm? Why are you lying?" he replied, his green eyes studying me as if reading the pages of a book.

  How did he know?

  "I... I left my mother. Because... No, I can't share this with someone I just met," I muttered, feeling a wave of shame wash over me.

  "Understandable," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "But be careful from now on. You wouldn't want to bump into the wrong people, right?"

  Despite his imposing presence, I sensed this man had a strong sense of justice. His smile carried no malice, just kindness—something I hadn't encountered in a long time.

  A few months later, one evening, after scrounging for food, I stumbled upon a training ground where the knights of Wintermere were practicing.

  The clang of steel against steel echoed through the air as I watched from the shadows, hidden behind a stack of crates. The knights moved with precision and grace, their swords slicing through the air in perfect arcs. I couldn't tear my eyes away. There was something about the way they fought. So controlled, so powerful, that is enough to drew me in.

  One knight in particular caught my attention. His movements were fluid yet forceful, every strike and parry executed with purpose. He was different from the others. The way he commanded the field reminded me of the man I'd bumped into that day in the market. The memory of his green eyes scanning me, reading me like a book, flashed through my mind.

  Could it be him?

  Just as I was lost in thought, the knight stopped mid-practice, turning his head slightly as if sensing my presence. My breath caught in my throat. Before I could slip away, his voice rang out.

  "You there, in the shadows. Step forward," the knight called, his tone firm but not unkind.

  My heart pounded as I hesitated before stepping out of my hiding place. As I approached, the man's eyes widened slightly in recognition. It was him—the knight I had met months ago. The one who had seen through my lie.

  "I remember you," he said, lowering his sword. "The girl from the market. What brings you here?"

  "I... I was just watching," I stammered, suddenly feeling very small in front of him. "I didn't mean to intrude."

  His gaze softened as he looked me over, taking in my ragged appearance and the hunger in my eyes. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"

  I nodded, unsure of what to say. The last few months had been a blur of cold nights and empty stomachs, but somehow, I had survived.

  "Have you ever held a sword before?" he asked, his voice gentle.

  Surprised by the question, I shook my head. "No, sir."

  He studied me for a moment, as if weighing a decision. "You've got a strong spirit. I could see that even back then. Come with me."

  Unexpectedly, this man took me under his wing as if I were his daughter. He taught me how to wield a sword.

  "Here," he said, guiding my hands into the correct position. "It's not just about strength. It's about balance and control."

  The wooden practice sword felt heavy in my hands, but I was determined to learn.

  I practiced diligently, eager to prove myself. As the days turned into weeks, he saw my determination and potential.

  One evening, after a particularly grueling session, he looked at me with something like pride in his eyes.

  "You've got the makings of a knight, Rose," he said. "If you're willing, I'd like to take you as my squire. It won't be easy, but I think you have what it takes."

  The words hit me like a bolt of lightning. Me, a knight's squire? The idea seemed impossible, and yet... something deep inside me stirred at the thought. For the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope.

  "I... I would be honored," I managed to say, my voice trembling with emotion.

  And so, under his guidance, I began my journey from a homeless girl to a knight-in-training. The man who had once been a stranger became my mentor, my protector, and the one who believed in me when I had nothing left to believe in.

  Many days, I swung my sword, training tirelessly. With my mentor, we fought together outside Wintermere's walls, where monsters were commonly spotted.

  I remember well the day I was knighted by the former Duke, Cedric Valenhart, father of Duke Lucien.

  The grand hall felt larger than ever, the weight of its history pressing down on me as I stood before the assembled knights. The sound of armor clinking and the murmur of voices filled the air, but all I could hear was the steady thump of my own heart. I glanced at Sir Dorian Stormvale, my mentor, who stood tall among the knights, his presence a steadying force.

  I took a deep breath, trying to steady the rush of emotions swirling within me. From the moment I had taken up a sword, guided by Sir Dorian's patient hand, I had dreamed of this day. And yet, the reality of it felt overwhelming.

  As I approached the altar, Duke Cedric Valenhart turned to face me, his sharp dark blue eyes appraising me with a mix of approval and something deeper respect, perhaps. He was a man of few words, but his reputation as a fair and just leader was well known throughout Wintermere.

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  To his right, I caught sight of two young boys, Eric and Lucien Valenhart, the Duke's sons. Eric, the older of the two, stood with a confident posture, already showing signs of the leader he would become. Lucien, younger and more reserved, watched with wide eyes, his dark hair falling into his face as he observed the ceremony with an intensity that belied his age.

  For a brief moment, my eyes met Lucien's. There was curiosity in his gaze, as if he were trying to understand what was happening. I wondered if he would remember this day, and what he might become in the years to come.

  "Rose Marwood, squire to the Vice-Captain of Frostblade, Sir Dorian Stormvale," Duke Cedric's voice broke through my thoughts, commanding attention. "You have proven your worth in both skill and character. It is with great honor that I bestow upon you the title of Knight of Wintermere."

  I knelt before him, the cold stone floor grounding me in the moment. Duke Cedric lifted the ceremonial sword, the blade catching the light as he held it above me.

  "With this sword," he intoned, his voice echoing through the hall, "I dub thee Dame Rose Marwood, Knight of Wintermere. Rise and take your place among the honored."

  The sword touched my shoulders, first one, then the other. The weight of the blade was nothing compared to the significance of the gesture. When I rose, it was with a sense of pride and responsibility that I had never felt before.

  I nodded, unable to find the words to express my gratitude. It was because of Sir Dorian that I had made it this far. He had seen something in me when I was just a girl, and now, here I was—a knight.

  The hall erupted in applause, the sound ringing in my ears. The other knights stepped forward to congratulate me, their voices blending into a chorus of approval. But it was the look on Sir Dorian's face that stayed with me, the silent acknowledgment of everything we had been through together.

  As the ceremony drew to a close, I caught one last glimpse of the Valenhart brothers. Eric was already being drawn into a conversation with a knight, but Lucien lingered, his gaze still fixed on me. I offered him a small smile, and after a moment, he returned it—a shy but genuine gesture.

  I was recognized as a formidable warrior, a woman of remarkable strength, who triumphed in numerous battles and rose to the rank of vice-captain.

  The once-bright future I had imagined, however, would soon take a dark turn...

  Years Later.

  The battle had raged for hours, and the once pristine snow was now stained red. I could barely feel the cold anymore, my body numb from the constant clash of steel and the unending wave of enemies. We were sent to defend against a dark magic incursion, but nothing could have prepared us for this.

  We were outnumbered, but we fought with everything we had. My men—no, my comrades—fought bravely, but the dark magic was relentless. Every time we pushed them back, more came, like a tide that refused to ebb.

  I turned to give orders, but then I saw it—the moment that would haunt me forever.

  Sir Dorian Stormvale, my mentor, my guide through this treacherous path of knighthood, was surrounded. The monsters had him cornered, their jagged teeth binding him in place. I tried to reach him, but the distance between us felt like an eternity. My heart pounded in my chest, and every step felt like a lifetime.

  "Captain Dorian!" I screamed, my voice raw with desperation.

  He turned to me, his green eyes steady amidst the surrounding chaos. "Vice-Captain Rose, protect them, go protect the Duke and his family," he commanded, his voice unwavering even in the face of death. "You must lead the others and ensure their safety!"

  "But what are you talking about? They should be safe, there are other knights escorting them!" I protested.

  Before I could do anything, the monsters tore him apart. Time seemed to freeze as I watched the light fade from his green eyes. My mentor, the man who believed in me when no one else did, was gone.

  Rage and despair consumed me, driving every strike as I cut down the enemies around me. He was right. I needed to check on the Duke and his family—even though I had suspected from the start that they were the dark force's true target.

  I ran as fast as I could, reaching the horse. The others followed as we left the battlefield, leaving those who stayed behind to defend.

  But when I arrived, it was too late. The Duke, The Duchess, and their first son, Eric, were dead. Many knights had also perished, their bodies hanging grotesquely from tree branches that had pierced through their backs and out of their chests, the fatal wound striking through their hearts. I cut down the tree with my sword and raw strength and finally tumbled it to the ground.

  How in the world is this tree alive? I've never seen this monster before.

  "Where is...?"

  I couldn't finish the thought. Panic and fear gnawed at me as I began searching frantically for the Duke's second son, Lucien—the only one who might have survived.

  "I'll find Lucien. Go see if there are any survivors here," I gave my comrade orders.

  They nodded silently as they walked away.

  "Lucien! Where are you?" I called out, desperation tightening my throat. "It's Rose! Please, answer me!"

  The air grew thicker as I ventured deeper into the woods, the darkness around me almost tangible. A chilling mist swirled through the trees, obscuring my vision. I reached out with my senses, desperately trying to find Lucien.

  Then I saw him, collapsed on the ground, shrouded in the oppressive mist. "Lucien!" I called, rushing toward him.

  The mist seemed to recoil, almost alive, as I approached. I knelt beside him, my breath catching in my throat as I sensed the dark magic clinging to him like a suffocating veil. He was unconscious, his face pale, but his chest still rose and fell faintly. Relief washed over me, quickly replaced by dread.

  "This can't be..." I whispered, placing my hand on his forehead. A cold, dark energy pulsed beneath his fingertips, confirming my worst fears. "He has acquired an Umbra (Dark). but he already has Glacio (Ice)."

  I shook my head, forcing back my rising panic. There was no time to dwell on it now. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and summoned my elemental power. The air around us began to stir, responding to my call.

  "Zephyr (Wind), lend me your strength," I murmured, feeling the familiar rush of wind magic coursing through my veins. The air swirled faster, gathering into a powerful vortex around us. I focused on the mist, commanding the wind to sweep it away, to disperse the dark magic that threatened to consume him.

  The mist resisted, coiling tighter around Lucien, but I pushed harder, pouring every ounce of my strength into the wind. The vortex roared to life, howling through the trees as it tore at the dark fog, ripping it apart piece by piece.

  Finally, the last tendrils of mist dissolved into the air, leaving the forest eerily still. I released the breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my shoulders sagging with exhaustion.

  Lucien lay motionless, but the darkness had lifted. I could no longer sense the oppressive weight of the dark magic on him. For now, he was safe.

  But as I gazed down at his pale face, a new worry gnawed at me. The Umbra was a dangerous, uncontrollable elemental power, one that could corrupt even the strongest of souls. And now, it was a part of him.

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  I could see the shock and empathy etched on the Duchess's face as she absorbed the weight of my story.

  "Then how did you become a head maid instead of continuing your duty as a knight?" she asked gently, her eyes filled with curiosity.

  I hesitated, gathering my thoughts. "I just realized that somehow... I couldn't keep fighting after what happened. After Lucien was saved, and the dark forces were pushed back, I found myself unable to pick up a sword without feeling the weight of all those I couldn't protect. The loss of my mentor, the Duke's family... it all haunted me."

  I took a deep breath, glancing down at my hands. "My heart wasn't in the battle anymore. I was afraid that if I stayed on as a knight, my hesitation might cost more lives. I needed to find a way to serve the household that didn't involve the battlefield. Becoming the head maid allowed me to continue protecting those I care about, just in a different way. I could watch over Lucien, serve the Duke's household, and keep the memory of what happened alive, but without the sword in my hand."

  I looked back at the Duchess, my voice steady. "It was my way of staying close to the family, of doing what I could to ensure their safety, while also finding a way to heal from everything that had happened. Sometimes, protecting others doesn't mean standing on the front lines. Sometimes, it means being there in other ways, offering support where it's needed most."

  The Duchess seemed to consider this, her eyes thoughtful. After a moment, she asked, "Is there any family of the Duke's that survived? Besides him, I mean."

  Her question gave me pause. I could see she was genuinely curious, perhaps wanting to understand more about the man she was now bound to. I decided to be honest.

  "Yes," I replied. "The Duke's older brother, Eric Valenhart, had a daughter. Her name is Lady Clara, Clara Valenhart. She was born in the capital during the same time that the tragedy unfolded in Wintermere. Unfortunately, her mother passed away from an unknown illness not long after her birth."

  The Duchess's expression softened with sympathy. "That must have been difficult for Lucien."

  "It was," I confirmed, my tone somber. "Eric died shortly after that, leaving Lady Clara without parents. Years later, Duke Lucien fought and won custody of her, as he finds out that her mother's side of the family was more interested in using her inheritance for their gain than caring for her. They saw her as the daughter of the heir to the Wintermere dukedom, a valuable pawn, nothing more."

  The Duchess's brow furrowed. "So, Lucien has been raising her?"

  I nodded. "Yes, their relationship is more like that of a father and child than that of an uncle and niece. He's done everything in his power to protect her and give her a loving home. She means the world to him. Speaking of her, I also heard that she started her journey to Wintermere a few days ago."

  "I... I see"

  A quiet understanding passed between us. The Duchess now had a glimpse into the weight Lucien carried, not just the responsibilities of his title, but the love and care he had for his young niece.

  The Duchess looked at me with a mix of emotions on her face. Respect, perhaps even admiration. "Then why are you here in the capital instead of Wintermere, where you could protect him and his niece more closely?" she asked.

  The question hung in the air, and I felt a familiar ache in my chest. "That was up to the Duke," I began, my voice quiet but steady.

  "After he ascended as Duke, he insisted that I serve here in the capital instead of remaining in Wintermere. He said that Wintermere would be well-protected by the knights and that my skills were needed more in the capital. But I believe there was more to it than just that."

  I paused, choosing my words carefully. "Lucien has always been perceptive. He knew that being in Wintermere, where the memories of that terrible past were strongest, would weigh heavily on me. He thought it might hinder my ability to move forward and serve effectively. He wanted me to find some peace, to distance myself from the past so I could be of better service. Not just to him, but to the household as a whole."

  I met the Duchess's gaze, trying to convey the depth of Lucien's consideration. "In the capital, I'm still close enough to fulfill my duties and stay informed about Wintermere, but far enough that I can keep my focus on the present rather than be haunted by the past. Lucien believed it was the best way for me to protect him, by ensuring that I could be at my strongest, both in body and in spirit."

  For the first time, I let this out to someone, a woman who would stand by the Duke's side forever.

  "I wish nothing but happiness for the Duke," I said softly, my usually stern voice softened by the feelings in my heart. "And I hope he finds it with you, Duchess."

  Her face flushed a deep red, and she quickly covered her cheeks with both hands, clearly flustered.

  "I... I hope so, Rose," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. She was hesitating. Well, it is an arranged marriage, so I understood how she felt.

  A gentle silence settled between us, broken only by the distant sounds of the bustling capital.

  The Duchess lowered her hands slowly, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, Rose. Your words mean a lot to me."

  I inclined my head respectfully. "It's my duty to serve and protect, and that includes supporting the wife of the Duke I've served. If there's anything you need, now or in the future, I'm always here."

  The Duchess's eyes shimmered with gratitude, and she nodded. "I'll remember that."

  With our conversation at a close, I turned to leave, giving her a final glance. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, a weight lifted off my shoulders. I still had work to do managing the maids, but for some reason, today I felt a bit more at peace.

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  Lucien

  I sat at my desk in the quiet of my office, the weight of Wintermere's affairs spread out before me in the form of endless paperwork. The steady rhythm of my quill scratching against parchment was the only sound.

  Speaking of paperwork, I couldn't help but wonder how my wife was managing in the capital. The mountain of documents there must be overwhelming by now. Should I feel guilty or perhaps worried?

  No, I reminded myself.

  I should be able to relax knowing Rose is there to assist. In addition, she needs to understand that, as a duchess, she will assist me with my affairs.

  Yes, that's right.

  A soft knock on my office door broke the silence, and without looking up, I called, "Come in."

  The door creaked open, and Quentin, my trusted assistant, stepped into the room. He moved with easy confidence, his sharp brown eyes behind a pair of glasses that he adjusted with a quick motion. Chestnut hair tickled his eyebrows as he took in the scene, then approached my desk. Quentin had been with me for several years, his loyalty and efficiency earning him a place as my right hand in all matters of the estate.

  "Good afternoon, Quentin," I said, still focused on the document before me. "I trust everything is in order?"

  "Mostly, Your Grace," he replied, his voice steady. "However, there's something I need to inform you of an unexpected arrival."

  I finally looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Unexpected?"

  Quentin nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Your niece, Lady Clara, has arrived at the manor."

  I blinked, caught off guard by the news. "Clara? She's here already? I wasn't informed she was coming."

  "Apparently, she wanted to surprise you, Your Grace," Quentin said, his tone light but with a touch of amusement. "It seems she couldn't wait to see you."

  A flicker of warmth softened my expression. I hadn't seen Clara since our last meeting in the capital, and the thought of her visiting brought a rare smile to my lips.

  "That sounds like her," I said, rising from my chair. "I suppose I'd better go greet her, then."

  Quentin inclined his head. "I'll see to it that her things are brought in and that her room is prepared."

  "Thank you, Quentin." I moved past him, appreciating his ever-present attentiveness.

  I made my way through the hallway, my mind now focused on the sudden arrival of my young niece. As I stepped outside, the warm afternoon sun greeted me, casting a golden light over the estate. There, at the snowy front gate, a carriage had just come to a halt. The door swung open, and a small, delicate foot emerged, followed by the graceful figure of a little girl.

  She paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Wintermere with wide, curious eyes. Then, spotting me, her face lit up with a bright, infectious smile.

  "Uncle Lucien!" she called out, her voice ringing with youthful excitement. She reached for my leg, hugging it tightly.

  "You've grown since I last saw you, Clara."

  "And you're still as serious as ever!" she teased, her laughter filling the air.

  I gave her a gentle laugh and picked her up to hold her in my arms. "It's good to see you, Clara. Welcome to Wintermere."

  As we pulled apart, I couldn't help but feel a sense of renewed energy. The paperwork in my office could wait. For now, I would focus on the joy of this unexpected visit.