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Lanterns That Bring Hope

Author: Rainey Alta
last update publish date: 2026-09-16 20:46:40

The day of the festival arrived sooner than Roselyn had expected.

Since the break of dawn, the estate’s square had been packed with locals who had traveled in droves from the outermost villages. Each carried a paper lantern and a basket filled with dried rebloom petals to scatter along the main road.

Roselyn stood on the veranda, watching the sea of people slowly fill every corner of the square. The snow that had fallen since last night still clung lightly to the rooftops, providing a white bac
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  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    The Silenced Servant

    Kaelus held Roselyn’s hand tightly throughout the procession, not letting go for a single moment even as he returned the greetings of local nobles who took turns approaching them.Yet, just as the village elder was about to recite the closing prayer, Kaelus suddenly stepped forward and released his grip on his wife’s hand.The entire square went instantly silent as their Grand Duke knelt on the stage—right in front of his wife, beneath the gaze of hundreds of eyes."Kael, what are you—""Wait for a moment." Kaelus looked up, his fingers reaching for Roselyn’s hand, which remained frozen in shock. "I want to say something. In front of all the people of the North as my witnesses."Murmurs of emotio

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    Lanterns That Bring Hope

    The day of the festival arrived sooner than Roselyn had expected.Since the break of dawn, the estate’s square had been packed with locals who had traveled in droves from the outermost villages. Each carried a paper lantern and a basket filled with dried rebloom petals to scatter along the main road.Roselyn stood on the veranda, watching the sea of people slowly fill every corner of the square. The snow that had fallen since last night still clung lightly to the rooftops, providing a white backdrop for the colorful lanterns that were being lit one by one."It’s so crowded," she murmured softly."Told you so, didn't I?" Kaelus stood beside her. A thick, dark blue cloak rested neatly on his shoulders, making the Valthorne crest on his chest gleam even brighter. "Just wait until tonight. This entire valley will be filled with light.""The whole grand duchy looks bright, Kael.""Indeed. Because stars are rarely visible in the cloudy Northern sky, these lanterns look like a sea of golden

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    As Sweet as Honey

    "Get on, Rose. It will be evening soon if we keep arguing here."Roselyn narrowed her eyes, but eventually accepted her husband's outstretched hand. With a firm yet careful pull from Kaelus, Roselyn was lifted up and landed right in front of him.Before she could even adjust her seating position, Kaelus's broad arms were already wrapped tightly around her waist, locking her securely in place as the horse began to step forward slowly."I can ride a horse on my own, Kael. I am not a woman who doesn't know how to hold the reins," Roselyn snapped, adjusting her cloak blanket."Not while you are this heavily pregnant," Kaelus cut in, flatly yet firmly, his fingers holding the reins on either side of Roselyn's body. "I am not taking even the slightest risk."

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    Laughing at the Past

    Mornings in the Northern territory arrived with a breath-freezing frost. At the Grand Duke’s estate courtyard, hustle and bustle had been creeping in since dawn.The hurried footsteps of servants echoed across the hardened earth as they arranged dozens of neatly carved ice lanterns to welcome the approaching festival.Roselyn sat gracefully at the corner of the wooden veranda. A thick, fur-lined cloak wrapped around her body, protecting her from the constant gusts of cold wind.Her slender fingers moved diligently, occasionally signing supply manifests presented by the estate clerk. Her keen eyes carefully examined the details of every provision, ignoring the cold that slowly nipped at her fingertips.The door behind her creaked softly as it was pushed open. Kaelus emerged, clad in warm attire typical of the northern lands—a heavy, sharply tailored coat that accentuated his broad shoulders. Over one of his arms, a thick wool scarf in dark gray lay folded."Come with me," Kaelus said s

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    Petals (2)

    Roselyn glanced at her husband, wrapping her fingers around the cup of warm water while gazing at the snowflakes that were beginning to fall slowly outside the window, feeling grateful for the protection and warmth the man always provided.The afternoon was spent going through the neglected reports. Kaelus examined the supply charts and the Northern defense maps, while Roselyn signed the harvest permits for the rebloom petals needed for the upcoming Snow Festival.As evening approached, Kaelus led Roselyn to the balcony overlooking the estate's courtyard. Down below, workers were busy arranging ice lanterns along the walkways, lighting a warm, golden glow across the snow."Is the preparation always this lively every year?" Roselyn asked, enjoying the evening breeze that was gradually blocked by Kaelus stepping up be

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    Petals (1)

    The journey felt as if it had stripped away all warmth. Weeks spent crossing a raging sea were followed by an endless climb through fog-shrouded mountains.At last, it culminated in a vast expanse of white. Snow covered every corner of the Northern territory, glinting softly under the dim, cold morning sun.Roselyn peeked her head out from the velvet-lined window of the carriage. The moment the gap opened, her breath instantly condensed into a thin mist that quickly dissolved in the freezing air.Rows of pine trees cloaked in white mantles stood neatly along the driveway, bringing a long-awaited silence."We're finally here," Roselyn murmured softly, her voice nearly swallowed by the creak of the carriage wheels against the packed snow.Beside her, Kaelus reached for Roselyn’s gloved hand. He squeezed it tightly, bringing a sense of calm before the carriage door was opened by an esquire.Once the footstep was lowered, Kaelus stepped down first and turned back to assist his wife. His s

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    The Forsaken Sanctity

    "Prove your love, Lady. Try serving me tonight."The voice was soft, yet it carried no melody—only the toll of a death knell.Roselyn remained motionless on the cold marble, letting her knees go numb. Her dignity as the sole daughter of Count Sirius had long been cast aside. All that remained was a

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    Warm Snow

    A stifling silence enveloped the balcony, broken only by the sound of Roselyn’s ragged, fractured breaths. Before her, Kaelus stood motionless, like an ice sculpture untouched by time.Roselyn lowered her head, trying to steady her racing heart. "Forgive me for forcing you to witness such a shamefu

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    Just For A Moment

    Three days of confinement were enough for the bruises on Roselyn’s body to fade from a deep purple to a dull yellow. Thanks to the Elysium from her uncle, the wound on her forehead had dwindled to a thin red line.Vogard personally ensured that the mark was buried under layers of powder before drag

  • No Longer Your Puppet, Duke    A Piece of Memory

    No one greeted Roselyn as she left the room. There was only a silence that felt like an insult, making her misery complete.A few servants were called to drag her away, but Roselyn brushed their hands off.Step by step, holding onto the wall, she walked down the corridor with every joint in her bod

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