chapter six

The grand duke of Adelstein looked at her and said, “Follow me to the carriage.” She hesitantly followed him, her heart pounding with fear. This was the first time she had met the Grand duke in person, and his presence was overwhelming. In her past life, she would have been trembling and in tears by now.

They reached the carriage, and the grand duke waited for her to climb inside. But being so small, she couldn’t reach the floor. Embarrassment washed over her face. Should she ask for help? Before she could decide, to her surprise, the grand duke lifted her up.

“So small,” he chuckled, while the knights laughed at the sight. Her face turned red. It wasn’t her fault she was so short. She quickly scurried inside and sat on the opposite side of the carriage.

“Well, child. Speak,” the grand duke said, his eyes filled with curiosity. She took a deep breath before answering, fully aware that this was her chance to prove herself. She couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.

“I can heal your son,” she said confidently, looking directly at him. Only a few people knew about the curse that passed down upon their family, and luckily, she had learned about it in her past life. The Adelsteins blood was poisonous, and during the red moon, the eldest son, suffered unimaginable pain. She could use this secret to her advantage.

“Do you think knowing our secret poses a threat to us? I could kill you right now, child,” he hissed, creating a gloomy atmosphere. She could sense that he had the power to end her life in an instant. But she couldn’t let that happen until she achieved her desire.

"I'm in no danger from you, grand duke, because you need me," she whispered, her voice carrying a quiet but firm determination. "I can prove it to you."

The grand duke mused for a moment, then grabbed a small knife, drawing it across his hand and causing blood to trickle out. Instinctively, she placed her hands on his, and they began to glow. Thankfully, her powers hadn't diminished despite being reborn. Was it the advantage of being a fairy? They were still weak, but she could practice with a magic stone.

"A fairy?" the grand duke said, gazing at his hands. "What do you want?" he asked, his eyes fixed on her.

Elen was shocked that the duke of Adelstein knew about the fairies. "Yes, I am a fairy, and I can be beneficial to you. You just need to protect me until I reach my 20. You don’t need to pay attention to me. I will live as if I were dead, peacefully. I just need someone who can shield me from the Duke of Windsor," she said, gritting her teeth. She could see a smug smile creep across the Grand Duke’s face.

"Alright, child. I shall protect you," the grand duke said, his gaze penetrating. She couldn’t read his thoughts now, and she was relieved that he had accepted her proposal. She didn’t have to worry anymore. Had she achieved her goal? "But before that, you should buy some decent clothes."

Upon hearing his words, she glanced down at her clothes. It was worn and patched in some places. Meeting the grand duke while dressed like this would be inappropriate. She coughed, trying to ease the awkwardness. The Grand Duke commanded his knights to purchase dresses for her and took her to the nearest parlor.

“Greetings to the Grand Duke of Adelstein,” a woman said, welcoming them at the entrance. Her eyes fell upon her.

“Go, child, change your clothes,” the grand duke instructed, taking a seat on a couch while waiting for her. The woman hurriedly helped her change her clothes, fixing her hair and attending to every detail.

“This dress suits you, milady,” the woman said politely, while tending to her hair. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her silver hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall. Her eyes resembled the ocean, and her face was flawless, unlike her previous appearance, which had been marred by scars.

As the grand duke selected a beautiful piece of jewelry and placed it around Elen's neck, she felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. The exquisite blue ornament glistened in the daylight, contrasting against her attire. The woman at the store complimented her, but Elen could sense her attention lingering on the grand duke, his piercing gaze fixed on her face as he studied her carefully.

After the grand duke gave instructions for the purchase and made arrangements for the items to be sent to his house, he took her hand and led her away from the store. Elen couldn't help but feel a shiver of apprehension as she followed him obediently. The grand duke's commanding presence was unsettling, yet she was relieved to have gained his protection.

"Let's go home," the duke of Adelstein commanded once they were outside, but as he turned to leave, Elen grasped the hem of his coat, halting his movement.

"Can we go to the nearest library?" Elen spoke softly, her voice betraying her hesitation.

The grand duke regarded her with a quizzical expression. "Why?" he inquired, his gaze fixed upon her.

"I want to read books about fairies," Elen replied, her eyes pleading for understanding.

"All the books about fairies are forbidden," the duke of Adelstein informed her flatly, his tone matter-of-fact.

The news struck Elen like a heavy blow. How could she learn about the life of a fairy if the knowledge was forbidden? Her desperation to understand her true nature intensified as she struggled to come to terms with the harsh reality.

"There are some books at home," the grand duke continued, breaking through her dismay. Elen's mind was clouded with conflicting emotions, and before she knew it, they were back in the grand carriage, the grand duke placing her by his side.

She stared out the window, watching the bustling market and questioning the reality of her current situation. Was this not a dream? Had she truly changed her fate this time? So many questions raced through her mind. She needed to finalize her plans after this. She had to be of value to the Adelstein family so they wouldn’t cast her aside. She had to utilize her knowledge from her past life, offering them beneficial strategies.

"I will help you avenge your loved ones, grand duke." she whispered to herself with determination.

She glanced at the Grand Duke from the corner of her eye, engrossed in reading some documents. The duke had a strong jawline, and perfectly arched eyebrows added to the intensity of his gaze. His piercing red eyes. They were like molten lava, intense and passionate, simmering with hidden depths. His hair, like a flowing waterfall of darkness, contrasts sharply against his pale skin. Every move and gesture he makes exudes power and confidence.

"The rumors are true," elen said, " you are ready handsome." she said in a low voice, she continues to observe the Grand duke until fatigue clings to her fragile form like a relentless adversary, her body yielding to the demands forced upon it. Unbeknownst to her, exhaustion had finally seized control, luring her into the depths of slumber. A wave of darkness consumed her consciousness, plunging her into the unknown.

The Grand Duke's piercing gaze fell upon the sleeping figure before him, his features softening with an unfamiliar tenderness. In a gesture both gentle and protective, he carefully guided her head to rest upon his own lap. As the child slept on his lap, gently stroking her hair, the duke’s thoughts wandered to the battles they had both fought silently in their own ways. He had always been impressed by her resilience and determination, but seeing her now, vulnerable and peaceful in sleep, made him see her in a different light.