After Duke Philip had left, the weather changed and the sky transformed. Dark clouds gathered, hiding the sun and casting shadows over the capital. Soon, a light rain began to fall, adding a delicate touch of moisture to the surroundings. The previously dry roads now glistened under the faint sunlight, reflecting the cloudy sky above.
Marchioness Sophia was seated by the large window, stirring her rose tea on a small table. Normally, different types of macarons would be purchased from the best pastry shop in the kingdom and placed before her, but lately, she had no appetite for them.
With a small sip, the Marchioness released a sigh, bemoaning the whole situation where Felix was house-arrested and did not receive the punishment. Above all of that, he refused to give her a full explanation of what had happened.
Managing the family's estate and Clifford's property was challenging for her, as her husband, Duke Klaus, was frequently away at the frontiers leading the wars.
She took another sip of her warm tea, staring at the raindrops clinging to the glass, gathering and streaming down like tears.
"Your ladyship! You have guests," a maid approached her, disturbing her peaceful moment.
"I'm expecting no guests to visit... Who are they?" the Marchioness inquired, feeling suspicious.
"It is Lord Henrik, your ladyship, with a young lady whom I have never seen," the maid replied.
Henrik had always maintained a good relationship with the Marchioness, serving as the king's, her brother's, first and trusted advisor, as well as Felix's closest friend.
Sitting on the soft sofa in the drawing room, waiting for the Marchioness, Annie felt as though she was sitting on thorns. Despite holding the decree that would release Felix, she felt nervous about his mother's reaction, as it put his position in a tight situation.
The door creaked open slowly, announcing the entrance of the Marchioness. Henrik gracefully rose from his seat, offering a deep bow with his hand placed over his chest in a respectful gesture. Meanwhile, Annie hesitated for a few seconds before executing the practiced curtsy she had learned, feeling a sense of awe as she was captivated by the striking resemblance between Marchioness Sophia and King Alexander.
Sophia's attention was on Henrik as they exchanged inquiries about each other's well-being and recent activities.
⟪ Henrik appeared incredibly impressive as he confidently addressed her, almost as if he were destined to fulfil such a role. This sight left me deeply contemplative, prompting me to question my own place in this world and whether I truly belonged in such a high society. ⟫
Turning his back, Henrik introduced Annie, who was standing behind him. "Marchioness, let me present you to Annie.".
Annie clenched her emerald-green dress tightly as she bowed. She expected a warm response, but instead, she was met with the Marchioness's stern expression.
Henrik repeated her name, emphasising the family name: " Annie of Egmond. Your brother's adopted daughter."
The Marchioness remained speechless. Her stare penetrated Annie, frowning at her eyebrows and scrutinising her appearance. Annie tried to maintain her composure, but she couldn't help feeling a tinge of irritation.
The silence between them was growing increasingly tense, and Annie felt increasingly anxious as the seconds passed.
"Your Ladyship!" Annie managed to speak, her voice barely shaking. Feeling the words refuse to come out of her mouth, she extended the royal decree. "This is from His Majesty."
While Sophia grabbed it while reading the content, Annie kept gazing at her facial expressions, comparing them with Felix's. "Felix looks nothing like his mom." She thought to herself. "No doubt he is a copy of his father." Felix's turquoise eyes and ginger hair contrasted with his mom's golden brown hair and hazel green eyes; their appearances were strikingly evident even in their personalities."
Henrik broke the silence, explaining the situation: " Marchioness! Annie fulfilled her duty by convincing the king to change his mind. "
As Annie prepared to tell the marchioness, she couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. As she gathered her breath, she began to speak, "Your ladyship, there's something I need to inform you of regarding this situation."
The Marchioness Sophia crossed her arms over her chest and swung the decree with her right hand, exuding a commanding presence. "Which situation are you referring to, young lady? Is it about how you became Egmond or how Felix ended up under house arrest?" She waited for Annie's response, gesturing with authority.
Feeling under pressure, she decided to start by explaining the investigation. "You see, Your Ladyship, an investigation was conducted to uncover the reasons behind my adoption, considering I am of commoner origins. Hence, his Majesty ceased accusing him of overstepping his duties and misusing his position."
"Annie of Egmond," she said, her tone betraying none of the emotions swirling beneath the surface. "I appreciate your efforts in securing Felix's release. It is a relief to know that my son will no longer be confined."
"I would greatly appreciate it if you could go to Felix and personally deliver the wonderful news to him. The maids will guide you to him." She then handed the decree to Annie.
With a slight nod, Annie accepted the decree and proceeded to walk alongside the maids, leaving Henrik in the company of Lady Sophia. The maids guided Annie through the winding paths of the woodland that was part of Clifford's estate, and she couldn't help but be filled with a peaceful feeling. The overwhelming green surroundings and the gentle sound of raindrops caressing the leaves created a sense of calm within her.
Eventually, they arrived at the spot where Felix was taking a nap on a thick tree branch, his peaceful sleep undisturbed by the world around him. Annie approached him quietly, not wanting to startle him from his rest.
⟪ As I saw him, he still seemed half asleep. His gaze was still blurred, and a peaceful expression settled on his face as he felt my presence. The sight warmed my heart and made me smile.⟫
Felix stirred from his sleep. Leaning on the truck, he looked down to see Annie standing below him. "Annie?" he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. "What are you doing here?"
Annie smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've come to rescue you," she declared with a playful grin. "But I need you to stay still."
After a moment of realisation, he yelled in surprise, "Shouldn't you be lying on your bed, taking some rest? What are you doing here and under the rain?!"
As he raised his voice, Annie giggled, "You're the one sitting on a tree trunk, and it's raining!"
He rolled his eyes as he found no appropriate reply to give. Annie took a few steps back, assessing the tree and calculating her next move. "I mean, I'm going to climb up there and join you," she explained, her voice determined. "But first, I need to ensure I can reach you."
With crossed arms, he tilted his head and watched her determined expression. Annie stepped forward and placed her hands on the rough bark of the tree, preparing to pull herself up. However, as she attempted to climb, her long dress got caught on a protruding branch, causing her to stumble backwards.
Felix couldn't help but chuckle at her failed attempt, his laughter echoing through the woodland. "Careful there, Annie," he called down to her, amusement evident in his voice. "You might want to rethink your technique."
She shot him a mocking glare until he moved down flexibly, offering his hand to help her up to his level. With a playful glint in her eyes, she accepted his gesture.
Taking a deep breath, Annie placed her foot on Felix's cupped hands, using them as a makeshift step as she began to ascend the tree. With each step, Felix's hands supported her weight and guided her movements.
Finally, after a few moments of careful motion, her breath came in short gasps as she settled beside him on the sturdy branch. With a cheerful smile, she turned to him, gratitude shining in her eyes as she thanked him for his assistance.
enjoying the view of the woodland below. With a shared laugh, they sat side by side, content in each other's company.
"Before I forget," Annie said as she handed him the decree, which she had kept hidden inside her sleeve to prevent it from getting wet.
Felix studied it with winded eyes, yet his expression hardened as he met Annie's gaze. "Annie, please tell me!"
Annie stopped swinging her legs as the mood shifted serious.
"I know my uncle very well. He is not the type of man who goes back on his word, except when faced with bargaining. So, please tell me, What is it that you have given up to the King?". Instead of joy and excitement, she saw concern and even a hint of anger in his eyes.
She lowered her head, biting her lower lips, and found a convincing answer for her bold action. "You know how I have been searching for a way to go back to my father?" she began, turning her gaze downward.
"Annie, I feel unworthy to say it, but," he began, his voice tender with remorse, "I owe you an apology. I should have told you the truth about your father's fate long ago. I should have been honest with you from the start, instead of allowing you to believe he was still alive."
"I'm so sorry, Annie," Felix continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I never meant to deceive you or hurt you in any way. I was just trying to protect you, to shield you from the pain of knowing the truth. But I see now that I only caused you more pain by keeping it from you."
"I know; I know that you tried hard to help me, and took me to the festival to ensure I'm having fun in the middle of the mess I'm in " she said, looking up, trying to block the tears from rolling down.
"You don't have to accept my apology. I felt the urge to say it; otherwise, I can't." He couldn't complete the sentence as he felt at a loss for words.
"It does matter now. In fact, I don't want to talk about it."
"Because I feel like I will burst into tears like a baby," she admitted to herself.