Chapter 42
Aurora made her way toward her parents' chambers.
As she walked through the estate, servants and knights instinctively stepped aside.
Several stopped what they were doing altogether.
Others openly stared.
The young lady walking through the corridor seemed to glow beneath the soft evening light.
The champagne-coloured gown flowed gracefully with every step, the delicate golden embroidery catching the light like scattered stardust.
Her loose curls framed her face beautifully, while the diamond headband added just enough sparkle to complement her natural elegance.
For a moment, many of the servants forgot to breathe.
Was this truly the same young lady who had been running through the estate covered in ink, medicine stains, and ledgers only yesterday?
Aurora noticed the staring and sighed, "Why is everyone looking at me like I've grown a second head?"
A nearby maid immediately lowered her gaze.
"No reason, My Lady."
Aurora wasn't convinced.
Reaching her parents' room, Aurora knocked softly before entering.
"Mother? Father?"
Both Eleanor and Owen turned toward the door.
Then froze.
Complete silence filled the room.
Eleanor blinked. Once...Twice...Three times.
Owen looked equally stunned.
Neither spoke.
Aurora shifted awkwardly, "Is something wrong?"
Eleanor suddenly placed a hand over her heart, "Oh my."
Aurora immediately became concerned, "Mother?"
"My darling...", Eleanor's eyes filled with admiration, "You look absolutely gorgeous."
Aurora felt her cheeks warm, "Thank you, Mother."
Eleanor smiled proudly.
"You look every bit the future Duchess you were born to be."
Before Aurora could respond, Owen spoke.
His expression remained serious, "Perhaps you shouldn't go."
The room fell silent.
Aurora blinked.
Eleanor slowly turned toward her husband, "What?"
Owen folded his arms, "I don't want any of those young men anywhere near my daughter."
Aurora starred.
Eleanor starred.
Even Philip, who happened to be passing the open doorway, paused.
Owen continued completely seriously, "She's far too good for them."
Aurora burst out laughing, "Daddy!"
"I'm serious."
"You are absolutely exaggerating."
"I am not."
"Father, there are hundreds of noblemen attending."
"Exactly."
His expression darkened, "That's what worries me."
Eleanor rolled her eyes, "Ignore him."
"I'm protecting my daughter."
"You're being dramatic."
"I'm being a father."
Aurora laughed harder.
For a brief, moment, the room felt wonderfully normal.
Eleanor stood and adjusted a loose curl behind Aurora's ear.
Her eyes softened, "You truly are beautiful."
There was so much love in her voice that Aurora's chest tightened.
A few days ago, she had feared losing both of her parents.
Now they were here. Teasing each other.
Arguing. Laughing. It felt like a gift she had been given twice.
"Enjoy your evening, darling," Eleanor said warmly, "But don't stay out too late."
"I won't."
"And no running around investigating criminals during the banquet."
Aurora looked away.
Eleanor narrowed her eyes, "Aurora."
"I make no promises."
"That was not the correct answer."
The room filled with laughter.
"I've already arranged for Sir Turner to accompany you," Owen announced.
Aurora nodded.
"Thank you, Father."
"Anyone who bothers you will have to answer to him."
"And if they survive Sir Turner," Eleanor added sweetly, "they'll have to answer to me."
Aurora laughed, "I suddenly feel sorry for the entire nobility."
At that moment, Philip entered carrying several reports.
He took one look at Aurora and stopped walking.
The reports nearly slipped from his hands.
For several moments, he simply stared.
A wave of emotions crossed his face.
Surprise.
Pride.
Affection.
He remembered the little girl who used to hide beneath desks, sneak extra pastries from the kitchens, and follow her father around demanding stories.
Now that little girl stood before him as a poised young woman.
For the first time, Philip truly understood how much she had grown.
"My Lady..."
Aurora smiled, "Philip?"
"You look wonderful.", The butler's voice was unusually soft.
Aurora's smile widened, "Thank you."
Her eyes immediately drifted toward the reports in his hands.
"Father."
Owen visibly tensed, "Yes?"
"Are you working?"
"No."
Aurora pointed, "Then what are those?"
Owen looked down, "...Paper."
Aurora crossed her arms.
Philip immediately looked away to hide his smile.
"Father."
"I am merely reading."
"You just woke up."
"I am recovering."
"You were unconscious yesterday."
"I am feeling much better."
Aurora sighed.
The entire room knew arguing with Owen Ambrose was a losing battle.
"Fine.", She pointed at him, "But you must rest."
Owen immediately nodded, "Of course."
Everyone knew he had absolutely no intention of listening.
After saying goodbye to her parents, Aurora left the room.
As she descended the grand staircase, she found Turner waiting near the entrance.
He turned when he heard approaching footsteps.
Then froze.
Completely.
For a moment, he forgot every word in the kingdom's language.
The young woman walking toward him looked breathtaking.
The elegant gown.
The flowing curls.
The confidence in her posture.
The gentle smile on her lips.
She looked like something out of a painting.
Turner suddenly became very aware that his uniform felt far too tight around the collar.
"Good evening, Turner."
Her voice finally broke him from his thoughts.
"Good evening, Lady Aurora.", His voice came out slightly hoarse.
Aurora tilted her head, "Are you alright?"
Turner cleared his throat, "Perfectly fine."
A pause followed. Then he added honestly, "You look beautiful."
A faint blush appeared on Aurora's cheeks, "Thank you, Turner."
For some reason, hearing it from him felt different.
Warmer.
More sincere.
Turner immediately looked away before she noticed how flustered he was becoming.
Fortunately, Emily chose that exact moment to climb into the carriage.
The maid glanced between them.
Then smiled suspiciously.
Neither noticed.
Or perhaps both pretended not to.
As the carriage door closed and the horses began moving toward the palace, neither Aurora nor Turner realized that tonight's banquet would change far more than either of them expected.
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