Nathaniel went to the tavern feeling completely defeated. Cup after cup of beer disappeared before him until he could barely feel his throat burn anymore. The voices around him became distant, yet Maya's words kept echoing inside his head.
"He's a liar."
He closed his eyes and emptied another cup.
It had never been his intention to hide Eleanor or Aurora from Maya. He simply believed he didn't have to tell her everything about his past until the time was right. Now, that decision has destroyed everything.
By sunset, he staggered back to the guest house.
Jasmine noticed him the moment he entered. His clothes were untidy, his eyes were dull, and the smell of alcohol surrounded him.
She hurried to his side.
"What happened?"
Nathaniel dropped onto the sofa.
"The truth is out." His voice was hoarse. "Maya knows."
Jasmine's heart sank.
"And?"
"She didn't take it lightly." He laughed bitterly. "I think... she'll never marry me."
Jasmine sat beside her brother and gently held his shoulder.
"It's okay."
"No... it's not."
"I warned you from the beginning, Nathaniel." Her voice was soft, not accusing. "I told you secrets like this always find their way out."
Nathaniel lowered his head.
"I know."
Silence filled the room.
Without saying another word, he stood up and walked to his room.
He removed his clothes, stepped into the bathroom, and let cold water run over his body. It washed away the sweat... but not the guilt.
After changing into his nightwear, he lay on the bed staring at the ceiling.
A faint smile crossed his face.
"She'll marry me."
Whether it was hope or desperation... Even he didn't know until sleep slowly claimed him.
*****
The Clifford Estate looked peaceful beneath the morning sun.
Its garden bloomed with white lilies, pink roses, and lavender stretching along the stone pathways. Birds sang from the trees while the fountain sparkled gently in the middle of the garden.
A beautiful woman stood among the flowers.
Eleanor.
She had long chestnut-brown hair that flowed freely behind her, warm hazel eyes filled with life, pearl-white teeth, soft oval features, gently arched eyebrows, and long curly eyelashes. She wasn't the loud kind of beauty.
She was graceful.
The kind of woman whose smile could make an entire place feel like home. Nathaniel walked toward her carrying a bouquet of fresh roses.
"Good morning, Duchess."
"Good morning, Duke."
She accepted the flowers and lifted them to her nose.
"They smell wonderful."
Nathaniel smiled, "Just like you, my love."
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then tiny footsteps suddenly echoed across the garden.
"Mummy! Mummy!"
A little girl came running as fast as her tiny legs could carry her.
Aurora.
She threw herself into Eleanor's arms.
"Yes, my love." Eleanor laughed as she carried her daughter.
"I missed you! Daddy said you weren't feeling well."
"I'm much better now."
"Then you'll play with me today... and you'll give me cookies!"
Eleanor kissed her cheek.
"Not one cookie." Aurora pouted. "Many cookies."
Aurora squealed happily and wrapped her little arms around Eleanor's neck.
Nathaniel watched them quietly.
His family.
His whole world.
The healer arrived shortly afterwards and checked Eleanor.
"You're alright for now. Continue taking the herbs, avoid stress, and you'll be fine."
Eleanor smiled, "Thank you."
As the healer left, she looked at Nathaniel.
"I'm so happy."
"Me too."
Soup was served in the garden, and Nathaniel insisted on feeding Eleanor himself while Aurora kept complaining that she wanted to feed her mother too.
The three laughed together, indeed. It was a peaceful day. A day Nathaniel wished would never end.
Days passed.
Aurora's fourth birthday finally arrived.
The Clifford Estate had never looked more beautiful.
Pink and emerald-green ribbons hung from balconies because they were Aurora's favourite colours. Fresh flowers covered the entrance, colourful balloons floated across the courtyard, long silk curtains danced in the breeze, and musicians played cheerful melodies while servants moved from one table to another serving nobles and guests.
Children laughed around the fountain.
The estate was alive.
Olivia, Jasmine, and Frederick arrived with servants carrying mountains of gifts wrapped in colourful ribbons.
"Where's my granddaughter?" Olivia asked excitedly.
"The maids are dressing her," Eleanor replied with a smile.
"Good." Frederick pointed behind him. "We brought enough gifts to spoil her for a whole year."
Eleanor gasped, "Oh my goodness. Aurora is going to love this."
"Of course she will," Jasmine laughed. "Her aunt and uncle are here to spoil her."
The three sat together chatting while Eleanor went upstairs to bring Aurora.
Halfway to the room...
A sharp pain stabbed her stomach. She stopped immediately and pressed her hand against it.
The pain disappeared.
Eleanor then forced a smile.
"It's nothing."
She continued walking.
A few steps later-
The pain returned. Stronger. Her breathing became uneven. She quickly entered her bedroom instead of Aurora's room and rushed into the bathroom.
She stared at herself through the mirror. Her face had already become pale.
Another sharp pain. She immediately grabbed the sink tightly.
"No..."
Fear flashed across her face.
With trembling hands, she hurried to the bedside table, picked up the herbs prescribed by the healer, and drank them almost immediately.
She sat quietly. One deep breath, then another.
Slowly...
The pain eased.
She adjusted her dress, wiped the sweat from her forehead, smiled at herself through the mirror, and whispered,
"Not today."
Then she walked out.
Aurora was waiting inside her room, the moment Eleanor saw her... Her eyes filled with tears. Aurora looked like a tiny fairy.
She wore a beautiful purple floral gown decorated with delicate silver flowers. Her soft brown hair was neatly packed into a little bun with tiny pearl pins, while silver shoes sparkled on her feet. Her bright smile revealed tiny pearl-white teeth exactly like Eleanor's.
"Oh my..." Eleanor whispered, tears of joy escaping her eyes. "You look beautiful."
Aurora spun around happily.
"Really, Mummy?"
"The most beautiful birthday princess."
Aurora giggled.
"Come on." Eleanor held her daughter's tiny hand. "Everyone is waiting for you."
Mother and daughter slowly descended the grand staircase together.
The entire hall erupted.
"Happy Birthday, Aurora!"
Aurora's eyes sparkled with excitement. The maids rolled in a large birthday cake decorated with butterflies and purple flowers.
Aurora closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out all four candles.
Cheers echoed through the estate.
She fed the first slice to Nathaniel, then Eleanor. Then Jasmine, Olivia, and Frederick.
Music filled the hall as nobles danced, laughed, and celebrated.
It was perfect, or at least... It looked perfect.
Then- another sharp pain.
Eleanor froze. This one was worse, much worse. She quietly placed a hand against her stomach, forcing herself to smile so no one would notice.
The music continued.
Nathaniel extended his hand.
"My Duchess."
She accepted it.
The couple stepped onto the dance floor, and the music slowed into something soft and romantic.
Nathaniel smiled lovingly as they danced, but Eleanor's breathing slowly became heavier. Each step became harder. Sweat gathered across her forehead.
"My love..."
Nathaniel noticed immediately. "Are you alright?"
She forced a smile, "I'm... fine."
He wasn't convinced. He then slowed their dance.
The pain struck again, as if a knife was twisting inside her. Eleanor's grip loosened as she pulled her hand away from Nathaniel's shoulder.
Her breathing became sharp.
"Nathaniel..." She suddenly coughed.
A drop of blood landed on her hand. Another, then more.
The music stopped.
Silence.
The smile disappeared from Nathaniel's face.
"Eleanor?"
She tried to answer. Instead- blood spilled from her mouth.
Gasps filled the hall.
"ELEANOR!"
Nathaniel caught her as her body lost all strength. Her eyes slowly rolled back , and the birthday decorations blurred before her vision.
Aurora stood frozen, "Mummy...?" Her tiny voice trembled.
Eleanor collapsed into Nathaniel's arms as Nathaniel screamed her name, and the celebration was swallowed by darkness.