The War Bride のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 31 - チャプター 39

The scent of warm bread and sweet compote hung in the air as I sat at the edge of the dining table, my gaze drawn to the window.The snow was finally.Slush gathered at the base of the trees and trickled in tiny rivulets down the stone paths. The manor grounds looked waterlogged, worn but free. Like the house itself was exhaling after holding its breath too long.So much had happened this season.Too much.I was still staring when a quiet throat clearing made me jump.Lucien stood behind me, a hand half raised in apology. "I didn't mean to startle you."I placed a hand over my chest, laughing nervously. "You just....caught me deep in thoughts."He smiled faintly, before taking a step forward. "Understandable. It's been a long winter.""And longer days," I replied, eyes flicking over him. His tunic was perfectly pressed, dark hair tied back loosely, a ribbon at his wrist that didn't match the rest of his clothing. A ribbon that looked familiar.He stepped to the nearest chair and pulle

My heart lifted before I could stop it.The Valdemont crest.After weeks of silence..... finally.I didn't want for permission or pleasantries. My skirts swept behind me as I turned and hurried up the stone path, taking the side stairs two at a time. Darrell had said the letter was sent to my chambers.I reached the door, flinging it open.Empty.The room greeted me with its usual stillness. No scrolls on the desk, no sealed parchment on the table, nothing slipped under the door or resting on the velvet bench near the window.I blinked, stepping in slowly, confused. Perhaps the maid hadn't brought it yet. Darrell said he sent it, not that he had delivered it himself.I turned sharply at the sound of soft footsteps behind me.My maid, Lara, entered with a small curtsy and smile. "My lady, shall I bring your evening shawl—""Lara," I cut in, "has anyone given you a letter for me? From Lord Darrell or anyone else?"Her brows furrowed. "A letter? No, my lady. I've just come from the linen

I placed the teacup down with careful deliberation, the porcelain making a soft click on the tray. I rose from the chair, smoothing the folds of my skirts as I stood.Darrell looked up, his eyes briefly catching mine."I'll return to my tasks then," I said, my voice steady despite the strange ache forming in my chest.But as I turned to leave, his voice came again. "We're not done with the ledgers.""We?" I turned to look at him. Who was 'we'? He'd been working on the ledgers alone. He nodded, then put his head back down on the ledgers. "My lord," I called. "I've been seated there, just sipping tea, while you work alone on the ledgers you called me here for.""And?" What was wrong with this man? His nonchalance, him acting like whatever he was doing wasn't strange. Him making me the strange one."Thank you," I said, sighing. "I enjoyed the breakfast. And watching you work the ledgers was quite inspiring and I've learnt a lot.""Have you?" He asked, still not looking up."Yes, My l

My steps fell softly over the gravel path, my cloak brushing against the flowering hedges. It was peaceful here, deceptively so. I breathed in deeply letting the warmth of the sun settle over my skin. Just as I rounded the lilac arch, a blur of movement startled me. A wild hare darted across the path, no more than a whisper of fur and muscle. I gasped, frozen for a moment, stunned by it's speed. I didn't know they were so near the residence. The groundsmen should be worried of burrows being dug in his garden. As I was staring at where it dissapeared to, and arrow whistled past my ear, grazing the air with deadly precision before burying itself in the bark of the willow tree just ahead. I screamed, the sound torn from my throat as I stumbled backward and fell hard onto the path, gravel biting into my hands. My heart thundered in my ears and the world started spinning for a second. "Lady Clara!" Boots pounded the ground. The duke appeared in my vision as I blinked up. Bow in hand

The morning was bright, almost too bright, as if the world had chosen to forget the uneasiness of days before. Spring had fully taken hold, the air soft, the sky a washed blue, and the garden lined with plants no longer dull and filled with life.I stood by the tulip beds, my fingers brushing on the petals the shade of blush and gold. The air felt light and the beauty spring brought soothed me.A bubbling coo of a baby came behind me.I plucked a tulip and turned around.Coral stood there, her hair catching the morning light, her gown paling against the fresh greenery. In her arms, she carried Julian, wrapped in snug white linen. A maid followed close behind, carrying a basket and a blanket draped over her arm.My first instinct was to turn away before she saw me. I wasn't ready, not with Juliane gnawing on my mind, not with confusion curling tighter in my chest everytime she came to my mind.But her gaze was already resting on me.So I smiled. A small, practiced, polite..... anything