Chapter 6
***
The words tightened her chest. She felt like she was crushed by a heavy rock. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn’t escape from being crushed.
It meant that any struggle was useless. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get out.
The cruel sentence was so true to her reality that it scared her even more.
A violent father who didn't care about his family. A sick mother, and a sister who couldn't speak and was of little help.
It was Audrey who was in charge of the family. She took care of her sick mother and did the household chores for her sister, who was always helpless.
Audrey was the father, caregiver, and maid. She loved her mother and sister with all her heart.
But she also longed to leave them, to leave this tiresome home. Visions of flying far away and soaring high in the sky filled her dull life.
Responsible for nothing, worried about nothing. Even with no joy, she wished she could just be released from the suffocating pain. Even though she knew it was a pipe dream, her longing for freedom was overwhelming.
She longed to be happy together, but the desire to pretend she didn't know her family swayed her.
For her, freedom was a vain dream. It was a delusion, a greed, until a few days ago.......
Today, she was a free woman. She was so very sorry for her mother and sister, but if only now.... If only now, it was possible.
A candle lit the window. As Audrey watched the small flickering light, she lowered her head and looked at the note.
[You own nothing]
She read it again. She read it out loud, mulling it over and over again.
It was true, she had nothing. The truth was so clear that it was painful, but once she acknowledged it, it was actually a relief. It was like her head had cleared from the misty fog.
With her mother and sister gone, the decision was easy.
"You'll find out more when you get to the castle, and I'm sure the Duke will listen to anything you want.”
Arnold's words, delivered with a cool smile, shook her greatly.
Finding Linda and Lena was the most important thing to Audrey. The Grand Duke should be able to find them easily enough, since their whereabouts were unclear.
Now that they weren't there, she would have to risk her life to find them. It was the beginning of another long road.
It was a contradictory situation, but perhaps this choice would change her life forever. Predictions were pointless, as the road was untraveled and nothing could be assumed.
What could she be afraid of when she had nothing?
Audrey closed her notebook. She opened the window and looked out at the sky. The night sky was dotted with stars.
The chilly air brushed her nose. The sharp rustle of the wind was like the man's hair, she thought.
His blue eyes made her heart freeze just thinking about them.
Audrey's deliberation was short-lived. After she made up her mind, she made a pledge in her heart.
Let's go. Let's not leave any regrets behind. Let's face everything, and what awaits us at the end is unknown at this point. Any anticipation is rash and useless.
Even if death is what awaits me at the end, I choose to move forward.
Audrey closed the window and went to bed, pulled the covers over her, and closed her eyes.
It was time to let go of Audrey Eckbon.
***
Audrey's eyes were red as she turned to Sophia. The eyes of the woman with the warm, wrinkled face were also filled with tears.
"Audrey. If you don't want to go, come with me now." (Sophia)
‘Now?’
Aiden frowned at Sophia’s words. Aiden was Listan's secretary and butler.
Audrey had left town a few days after telling Mr. Finley of her decision. It didn't take her long to prepare, since she had nothing with her.
She was very upset not to see Ryan on the day of her departure, but she didn't let it bother her. He was Audrey's dearest friend, and she knew he cared for her like a brother, just as she cared for him.
She couldn't tell him why she was leaving so abruptly. The Finleys didn't seem to want him to know.
"Bye. Audrey, I'll see you this afternoon.”
"Bye. Good luck with your studies, and keep up with your friends.”
"Don't sound like my mom. I'm good enough without you nagging me. Eat well and sleep well, it's good for your health.”
She put her sincerity and precious heart into these simple words. In return, she got a smile and a few words, but she could feel her friend's kindness.
She couldn't tell him why she was leaving, so she couldn't leave him a short letter. She was very disappointed, but it was inevitable.
After she got off the train at the station, she rode to the mansion in a carriage sent by the Grand Duke.
It was the first time she had ever left the village of Selvre. It was also the first time she had ever traveled by train. She was afraid of the journey, but also excited. It was a strange thing.
As Audrey bravely prepared to leave, Sophia did most of the worrying.
Like a mother sending her child off alone, she couldn't shake her anxiety, so she joined her on the road.
They stayed the night at Bliss Manor, and today was the day Sophia would return to the village of Selvre.
Before climbing into the carriage, Sophia squeezed Audrey's hand. Her eyes drooped, full of worry and regret.
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
The sight of the child who was always calm made Sophia’s heart ache even more today. In all the years she had known Audrey, she’d always been saddened by the fact that she had to grow up faster and more responsible than the children her age.
Sophia felt guilty, like she was doing something wrong to her. For the first time, Sophia resented herself for being so determined to follow her husband's wishes no matter what.
"Really."
Audrey smiled brightly.
"Yes, yes. I know. I shouldn't do this to you."
Audrey's eyes were already moist. Tears threatened to slide down her cheeks if she touched them.
She had lost her family and was suddenly in a strange place. Even if it was Audrey’s choice, Sophia couldn’t help but feel an unknown amount of anxiety.
What an ugly thing to do in front of a child who was doing so well.
From the moment she convinced Audrey, her husband and her were evil. Even if the decision was made for the sake of the country and its people, she couldn’t help but feel guilty and sorry for the sacrifice.
She was deeply troubled by the regret that she was committing a great sin in the name of a cause against the child still so young and vulnerable.
Chastising herself and wiping away tears, Sophia went to Aiden. She stood tall before the young man and held her head high. He was too tall for her.
"Wait."
She motioned for the towering man to lower his head if she had something to say. Aiden bent at the waist.
"She’s a strong kid, so you won't be disappointed, but that doesn't mean she won't be hurt, and there should be no tears... no tears. I speak on behalf of the child's mother, so be sure to tell His Highness."
"...."
Aiden smiled, reading Sophia's concern.
"Don't worry. You know what His Highness is like."
That's why I'm saying this, you rascal, I don't know how my dear Audrey will stand in his cold presence. (Sophia)
When Audrey announced her decision, she was overjoyed, but the joy was fleeting, and now she was filled with a nagging worry.
"You must. Please tell His Highness. You must, must, must tell him to always remember my words."
Sophia clenched her fists. She looked like she might punch the Grand Duke if she had to. Aiden smirked, thinking that her chubby hands looked pretty firm when they were rolled up tightly.
"Don't worry, I'll be sure to pass it on, ma'am."
Audrey was a precious person. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the fortunes of Reuben rested on her, Sophia thought.
But the manor's owner was nowhere to be seen. Listan Cliffrid was a respectable man, but she didn't like this.
Listan Cliffrid was far from kind, gentle, or affectionate, but she had heard that he was a man of great dignity, and that he was always polite and courteous.
She suspected that her husband, Arnold, knew the Grand Duke well, since they were always together whenever they planned something.
Sophia's chin was raised, as if she thought she had a better eye for people. She heard the sound of hooves at regular intervals not far away.
The four-wheeled carriage that had just passed the manor's entrance was approaching them. Aiden stooped to greet the carriage as it pulled up in front of the mansion.
The door of the blue carriage, ornate with golden trim, opened and Listan Cliffrid stepped out.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Aiden bowed as Listan’s long legs touched the ground. The man nodded briefly and looked around.
"I apologize for the delay in greeting you, I was away all day yesterday."
His blue eyes fell first on a small woman. Her thick black curls cascaded in waves, and she was sure to be noticed anywhere.
"You're finally here."
Sophia greeted, but her gaze never left Audrey.
Audrey’s bright yellow dress made her look younger than she was. Thanks to Mrs. Zendle’s careful attention to detail, the woman was radiant, unlike the first time Listan had seen her.
Her early spring-like features now had a vigor that belied her age.
The capital was milder than the more distant city of Cherbourg. The thick, white brush wrapped around her shoulders gave the illusion that spring was near. It was like seeing tiny daisies.
A symbol of new beginnings.
The symbolism of the flower and the woman's situation were fitting.
Audrey, her eyes slightly widened, bent her knees toward him. The corner of Listan's lips twitched upward as he watched her greet him with a light tug on her skirt.
This was a woman who could be quite the showstopper if dressed right.
***
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