The Grand Duchess Escape - Chapter 71
- The Grand Ducal Castle of Benvito
The procession moved without rest throughout the night.
When Asella, who had unintentionally fallen asleep, woke up, the morning sun was faintly penetrating into the carriage.
‘I think we’re almost there.’
Before she knew it, the scenery outside the window had changed considerably.
She wondered how far they had traveled.
A huge, gray castle slowly began to appear in the distance.
This was Grand Duke Benvito’s Castle.
The solid and heavy gate stood out from a long distance. The castle walls, built with piled-up square stones, looked sturdy enough to stand against any kind of intrusion.
After passing the gates, the carriage continued along a straight road for a while. The road was wide and surrounded on both sides by huge trees growing in tight packs, almost like a forest.
Then the field of vision widened to reveal a garden of tremendous size.
Asella couldn’t help but let out an exclamation.
“Oh my god…”
Delicately carved statues and sculptures could be seen among the hundreds of different kinds of trees.
In the center of the garden was a long rectangular pond, making the mansion, located at the edge of the pond, seem to be floating on the water.
The ancient-looking mansion was majestic and glamorous even from a distance. The shimmering yellow surrounding the frames of the square windows was definitely made out of gold.
The mansion’s magnificence, which far exceeded her expectations, quickly made Asella feel overwhelmed.
“Mariel, wake up.”
“…”
“We’re almost there. We’re about to get out of the carriage.”
Asella nudged her sister, who was rubbing her eyes from sleep. Mariel sat up without complaining.
It must have been a frustrating and difficult journey for the child. And yet, she didn’t whine or show any signs of distress. Asella couldn’t measure how grateful she was because of that.
“Just a little more patience and you can rest in your room.”
“Yes, Sister.”
The carriage came to a stop.
Asella let them know she was ready to get out of the carriage with a light tap on the door. Soon the carriage door opened.
Mariel got off first with Ryzen’s help, and Asella was about to follow.
Then an unexpected figure appeared.
“…Your Excellency?”
To her surprise, Calix stood there holding out his hand to her.
Asella faltered by the door, unable to hide the bewilderment on her face.
“Asella?”
Her name was the first thing that came out of the mouth of the man whom she hadn’t seen in the past few days. The sound of his low-pitched voice was so strange that it took her breath away.
“Take my hand.”
In contrast to his indifferent face, which didn’t show his true feelings, his hand stretched out toward her without wavering.
After a brief hesitation, Asella placed my hand over his palm.
He slowly led her down the steps, holding her hand.
At last, with both feet on the ground, Asella leaned her head back.
Her eyes opened wide in surprise.
Everywhere from the entrance of the mansion to where she stood, the knights and servants of the Grand Duke’s Castle were standing in line. It was in perfect order as if soldiers were lined up.
An old butler, who had a wise appearance and gray strands scattered along his head, bowed deeply before them in a respectful manner.
“Your Highness, this is…”
“Asella Benvito, my wife.”
At Calix’s words, everyone bowed at once.
“Do your best to help the Grand Duchess to adapt to this place.”
“I’ll do my best.”
The steward answered politely and continued his words.
“I have made preparations as Your Highness ordered.”
Calix, who nodded his head lightly signifying that he understood, turned his gaze.
Asella was speechless, gazing blankly at the scene before her. She noticed his gaze a moment later.
As soon as he turned to face those bright blue eyes, which were shimmering beautifully, Calix felt a small urge.
For a moment, he wanted to tease her.
His lips, which had been tightly pursed in a straight line, curved as if painted, and a smile appeared on his handsome face.
“Where are we going?”
“What?”
He kind of liked the way her eyes rolled back in confusion.
As he approached her, not breaking their eye contact, her clear light blue eyes began to flutter.
Although her eyes trembled with panic, she did not back away nor did she avoid looking him in the eye. As she did that, a strange sense of satisfaction arose inside him upon the sight of her.
Calix put his lips close to Asella’s ear and opened his mouth with a low smile.
“You choose.”
Asella shuddered.
They were too close. His lips were almost touching her body.
His hot breath and vibrations that seemed to caress down to her ear, his terribly low voice, and his deep scent made her feel even dizzier.
“Your bedroom? Or…?”
He whispered in a voice only she could.
“The bridal chamber?”
