There was no kiss when the ceremony ended. The Duke bowed instead, formal and distant. The priest declared them bound. The book recorded her new name, and just like that, Clarara Ren disappeared. In her place stood the Duchess of Aldderon Veil.
—
The carriage ride passed in silence. Fog followed them through the city and out into the countryside. Clarara stared at her gloved hands, her heart pounding with questions she dared not ask. Beside her, the Duke sat rigid, his signet ring catching lantern light. The space between them felt too close and impossibly far all at once.
At last he spoke. “You need not fear me.”
His voice was softer than she expected. Clarara did not answer. Fear was all she knew.
Aldderon Hall rose from the dark like something ancient and watchful. Towers, stone, windows glowing faintly. The carriage stopped, gravel crunching beneath the wheels with final certainty. Servants lined the entrance, eyes curious but faces controlled. Portraits of long-dead duchesses watched her pass, their painted eyes calm and resigned.
Inside, the manor was vast and cold despite the fires. Marble, shadow, silence. A clock chimed somewhere deep within, each note making Clarara feel smaller.
“You may rest tonight,” the Duke said evenly. “No demands will be made of you.” He gestured to the housekeeper and withdrew, his footsteps fading into the depths of the house.
Her bridal chamber was beautiful and terrifying. A large bed, golden walls, a mirror that showed her pale face staring back like a stranger. She removed the pins from her hair one by one, each falling like a quiet tear. Hours passed. Candles burned low. The house whispered around her.
Then came a soft knock.👉 Read the Full Story
Her heart raced. This was it. The moment she had feared since the bells began to ring.
“Enter,” she said, her voice steadier than her hands.w
The Duke stepped inside, calm and distant. He did not approach the bed. Instead, he placed a small velvet box on the table.
“Your first wedding gift,” he said quietly.
He bowed once and left, closing the door behind him.
Clarara stood frozen, staring at the box. Relief and confusion twisted together inside her. Her fingers trembled as she reached for it, unaware that everything she believed about her fate was about to change.
