Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 95: Mothers, Part I

Chapter 95: Mothers, Part I

After the ceremony concluded, the bustling crowd dispersed from the greenhouse, their laughter and chatter trailing behind them as they made their way to the main dining hall. There, amidst the opulent decor arranged by thoughtful maids, awaited a feast fit for royalty—platters mounted with an array of delicious dishes and glasses brimming with wine that seemed to flow endlessly.

Every dweller of the castle received a warm invitation to partake in the festivities, where the air was filled with camaraderie and the bonds of kinship. Here, distinctions of servitude dissolved, for this night, they were not master or servant; they were simply family and friends, united in celebration.

Aideen stood poised at the heart of the greenhouse, patiently awaiting the moment when its vibrant energy subsided into a hushed serenity once more. While the lively ceremony had been a joyous occasion, there lingered within her a solemn duty that could not be deferred—a task that beckoned her attention, demanding solitude and reflection.

With slow and deliberate steps, the princess walked through the quiet ambiance of the greenhouse, as though hesitant to disrupt its serene stillness. Ahead lay a rectangular bed with an exquisite dark red peony at its heart. Gently, she settled onto the stone border encircling the bed, leaning forward until her arms rested upon the vibrant surface of fresh grass, her chin finding solace upon crossed wrists.

"Mother..."

Aideen’s voice, soft and laden with emotion, broke the silence as she closed her eyes, attempting to untangle the jumble of thoughts and feelings swirling within her. Despite her efforts, clarity eluded her, and with a long sigh, she continued,

"Did you enjoy the wedding? It felt magical... The sheer number of guests, the presence of the young foreign king, even the unexpected attendance of dogs! It surpassed any dream I’ve ever had of such a splendid event... And yet, amidst the revelry, you were there, Mother. Finally, by my side during such an important occasion."

The woman’s eyes fluttered open, drawn to the sight of a tall, flourishing flower whose petals mirrored the hue of her own cascading locks. Her gaze lingered on the delicate snowflakes that rested on the velvety petals, refusing to yield to the changing temperatures, and a gentle smile graced her lips.

"In this moment, Mother, I find contentment. Throughout my life, genuine kindness has been a rare gift, yet here, within this enchanting sanctuary, it surrounds me abundantly. Despite the trials we’ve endured, I once believed sorrow coursed through our very veins... But I was mistaken. A heart touched by beauty can never be dulled by pain. It is you who has bestowed upon me such a heart, Mother—a heart that continues to beat with the audacity to love, despite the betrayals it has weathered.

I vow to shield this heart from further anguish. I am confident that those who surround me will safeguard it fiercely. His Grace will never be the source of my pain. Of this, I am certain."

Finally, Aideen’s once-steady voice faltered, overtaken by the swell of emotions that surged within her. A tangled knot of feelings lodged itself in her throat, compelling her to pause, her attempts to regain composure punctuated by a series of deep breaths.

"I am still gripped by fear... Though I know I shouldn’t be, the feeling remains. For so long, proximity to a man has been synonymous with anguish for me. Can I truly dispel that pain so easily now?"

Though she acknowledged the imperative of trust, the princess struggled with its complexity.

"I understand the necessity of placing my trust in him... Yet, the path to such certainty is fraught with complications!"

Covering her face with both hands, she continued, her voice muffled by her palms,

"I long for your presence, Mother. Yearn for the solace of confiding in someone, seeking guidance. I am besieged by fear, shame, and bewilderment. In the midst of this raging storm of emotions... I crave the comfort of reassurance, the conviction that all shall indeed be well. Perhaps, if those words came from you, I would find solace in their entirety."

Aideen could no longer suppress the flood of emotions that surged within her, feeling the warmth of tears welling at the corners of her eyes.

"Oh, goodness... I shouldn’t be shedding tears like a child. I’ll be alright. One day, I’ll truly believe that."

Gently dabbing away her tears with the soft lace of her white gloves, Aideen drew in another deep breath, determined to regain her composure. With an effortful smile, she endeavored to mask the turmoil within.

In the midst of her silent struggle, the greenhouse door swung open, admitting Tillian into the quiet space.

"My Lady? I’ve come to escort you from this place. There’s an important matter that requires our attention."

With a silent farewell whispered to her late mother, Aideen rose from her seat, meeting Tillian’s gaze with a nod of affirmation.

"Yes, Your Grace. I am prepared to leave now."

The Duke tenderly took the lady’s hand in his own, guiding her towards the exit.

As they proceeded side by side, a palpable sense of unease settled between them, as if the relationship between them remained unchanged despite the monumental shift in their union. The weight of silence only served to amplify their mutual discomfort.

Aideen’s visible uneasiness was mirrored in Duke Valentine’s restless demeanor, each feeding off the other’s disquiet.

’This is it... We’re heading to our bedroom now... Goodness, I’m a bundle of nerves. I wonder if His Grace feels the same...’

Steeling herself for what lay ahead, the princess found solace in the knowledge that there was nothing to fear. Yet, just as the lingering tension began to dissipate, she was startled to realize their destination was not his bedroom after all.

"Um... Your Grace? Are we not going to the bedroom?"

Her question brought a sense of relief to the Duke, his features softening into a sly grin as he gently caressed her hand with his thumb, offering silent reassurance before responding.

"No, My Lady, not quite yet."

Perplexed, Aideen arched a curious brow.

"Oh? Then where are we headed?"

At that moment, Tillian halted in his tracks, positioning himself directly in front of the princess. From the inner pocket of his coat, he produced a small metal key, his voice quiet yet resolute,

"I believe it’s time for you to meet my mother as well, My Lady."

"Pardon?"