Alyssia was sitting in her room checking over some papers. The sunlight highlighted her long black silky hair and green emerald almond eyes.
There was a knock on the door "Come in" she permitted. It was her personal maid Zoe "My lady the Marquis has requested your presence." Zoe informed her.
"Father! , do you have any idea why he is summoning me" Alyssia questioned, shifting her attention from the papers. "No my lady" the maid replied. She stood up from her chair.
She went to her fathers room. She sighed standing in front of the door and knocked. "Come in" the marquis permitted. She went in and greeted him.
"We are having a guest the duke has returned from the war and he and his army will take rest in our estate and the leave. Prepare well for them they are coming in two days" He demanded without replying to a greeting and without even looking at her.
"Yes father" She agreed and then left for her room. She called the head maid Grace, The Butler Alfred, her assistant Mr.Arthur and her personal maid Zoe in her room to plan and prepare for it.
She then explained to them the news she got. "My lady isn't this too much. He knew this beforehand, yet he informed us 2 days before" stated Mr. Arthur.
"Shuuu! You can't address him like that we haven't reached the last stage of our plan" Grace silenced him. "I am eagerly waiting for that day," added Alfred. "Shall we begin with the preparations to receive a guest?" sighed Alyssia.
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Two days later.
"My Lady the Duke has entered the mansion" exclaimed Zoe.
The maids who were fixing her dress, makeup and hair stopped on hearing that. She walked towards the Great hall "Is everything prepared" She questioned Mr.Arthur.
"Yes My lady, we had enough supplies to treat the wounded and provide the soldiers a shelter for few days" Mr. Arthur replied. The duke and marquis were having tea in the Great hall.
As she entered "I've been waiting for you my daughter" The marquis exclaimed.
Alyssia smiled uncomfortably.
"You came at the right time. I was having a great time with the duke, "he added.
She ignored him with a smile and turned towards the duke "Greetings Your Grace the lord of South" She greeted him. "It's been a while, lady Alyssia" He replied.
"Sure has my lord" she exclaimed. "Oh! You must've been tired of the long journey Zoe will lead you to your room, please make yourself comfortable here" she added.
"Then I shall take my leave," Magnus said with a smile. Zoe guided him to his room.
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3 Days Later
Alyssia was wandering in the Garden While suddenly Grace came running towards her " My lady he has summoned you" She gasped breathing heavily.
"Bona! What happened" She questioned in surprise. "I just know that a royal order from his Majesty the Emperor has arrived," Grace(Bona: A woman who took care of children in noble households) added.
Alyssia reached her father's office and magnus was leaving in anger his complexion wasn't good either. He didn't even care to look at anyone.
She sighed and knocked on the door. "Get in," her father said. She entered the room. The head of White order of knights was present there.
"May I have a word of privacy with my daughter" The marquis demanded. The knight left the room.
"His majesty wants you to marry Duke magnus and Duke agreed to it" he stated while smiling viciously.