Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 92: I Hope These Dreams Will Become Reality

Chapter 92: I Hope These Dreams Will Become Reality

Bella moved her hand down again, gliding the wooden brush over the soft wavy locks of Aideen’s long, beautiful hair.

"I don’t know what to do with myself, Your Highness! I am so excited, I’m ready to jump out of my skin!"

The princess smiled. She understood the reason for the maids’ elevated state –– tomorrow was supposed to be their wedding; the anticipated union of Duke Tillian Valentine and Princess Aideen.

Since Tillian made a rushed declaration that their union was to happen in a short span of just two days, the entire castle was in an uproar, and although every single one of its dwellers was definitely happy for their lord, it was painfully obvious that preparing an entire wedding in such a short period of time was a very difficult task to tackle.

"I still cannot believe we managed to prepare everything so quickly! His Grace surely gave us a fright when he announced the wedding date. Everyone is so exhausted but exhilarated at the same time."

"I am truly sorry, Bella." The lady offered her maid a guilty smile and added, "I honestly have no idea why His Grace made such a rushed decision. It must have been really hard on you all."

Bella could not help but smile at her lady’s innocence.

"Your Highness... Perhaps marrying Duke Tillian does not seem like much but for His Grace, it means the world. It is a very big deal to him."

Aideen lowered her head as the hot flustering sensation made its way all the way up to her porcelain cheeks. She had come to terms with her growing feelings towards Tillian ever since that walk outside the castle, and she was alright with the Duke not having the same intense feelings, however, whenever she heard someone saying that he, too, cared for her, the princess could not help but feel her heart melt.

Bella took one of the lady’s silk ribbons in her chubby hands and started waving it into the loose braid as she went on,

"I must confess, My Lady, I am truly happy to see this union finally happening. His Grace was so lonely all this time but no one can deny that he is a great man who has the heart of gold so he definitely deserves someone as wonderful as you as his wife. I am sure you will see this too, Your Highness. Duke Valentine is a very kind and generous soul, he will treat you like a goddess!"

The strong hue of blush pained Aideen’s cheek bright pink once more.

"Goodness, Bella, this is not necessary at all! I am definitely far from being a goddess..."

The maid curled her lips into another warm smile, admiring her lady’s humble nature. Then, she took a good look around the bedroom and added in a contemplating tone,

"I wonder what His Grace will decide about this bedroom... Perhaps we shall move His Majesty King Yuraon here after the wedding. It is in a far better condition than the guest bedroom he is occupying now, better suited for a king."

At first, Aideen did not pay Bella’s words much heed but then, it finally dawned upon her. Widening her eyes in a blend of shock and frustration, she blurted out an important question,

"What do you mean, Bella? Why my room?"

No less surprised at the princess’s question herself, the maid set aside the wooden brush, then scratched the back of her head, mulling over her future response. Shrugging her shoulder rather nonchalantly, she finally answered,

"Well, what is there to hide, My Lady? Once you are married, you will have to share a bedroom! His Grace’s room is very spacious so most of the things from this bedroom can be moved there with no issue. You will definitely feel more comfortable there."

Suddenly, Aideen’s entire body got covered in unpleasantly cold shivers. The mere thought of sharing her room with Tillian made her turn as pale as a sheet.

It was not the simple realization of an inevitable act; no, it happened because she recalled all the things that happened to her once she married Count Crueder.

Her first ever night with Constantine was a horrifying experience of both humiliation and pain and although afterwards, she could stay in her own room, the painful memories of the Count visiting her to "perform their marital duties" was her worst nightmare realized.

’This time it’s different... I will have to stay with Tillian and even share a bed with him...’

Having noticed her lady’s sickly appearance, Bella widened her eyes, her face marred with worry as she asked,

"Your Highness? Are you unwell?"

The princess pulled up her soft blanket and covered her body as she whispered in a trembling voice,

"No... Everything is fine..."

But Bella’s keen eye was difficult to fool. Kneeling down before the princess, she gently covered her trembling hands with hers, offering Aideen a soft, affectionate smile as she said,

"Please, don’t worry, Your Highness. His grace would never do anything to make you feel uncomfortable or hurt you. Never. If you wish to remain in this bedroom even after the wedding, I am sure he will allow this. He will do anything for you! I truly hope you can see it one day."

The maid’s words worked like a charm on Aideen. Truthfully, there was nothing to be worried about.

Upon recollecting everything Duke Valentine had done to her ever since she came to his castle, she could not think of even a single thing that made her feel uncomfortable or out of place. Tillian was always attentive, caring, and generous. And he had already done more than enough.

’That’s tight... I must still be hurt by the painful memories of my first marriage. Tillian is different. He is gentle and considerate. I have to trust him.’

Having noticed that the princess’s face finally relaxed, Bella smiled too, then rose to her feet, pecked the lady on the forehead, and concluded in a kind voice,

"Good night, My Lady. I hope you will dream of your perfect married life with the Duke and I hope these dreams will become reality."