Chapter 57
It had been a few days since Aurora returned home.
Despite her recent injuries, she had thrown herself into her newest project with the same determination that often left everyone around her exhausted.
With the help of several servants, the spare building on the estate had been completely cleaned out.
The dusty storage building was slowly transforming into a school.
Rows of tables and chairs had been arranged neatly. A large chalkboard stood proudly at the front of the room.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, making the room feel warm and welcoming.
For the first time, Aurora could truly picture children sitting there, learning to read and write.
Today, however, she had decided that the walls needed fresh paint.
Much to everyone's horror. Aurora stood on top of a ladder, paintbrush in hand, stretching toward a stubborn corner near the ceiling.
Several servants stood below her looking as though they were preparing for a funeral.
"My lady, perhaps one of us should do that."
"I can reach it," Aurora replied confidently.
"My lady—"
"I said I can reach it."
Aurora rose onto her tiptoes.
The ladder wobbled.
Every servant collectively stopped breathing.
"My lady!"
"I've got it!"
The ladder wobbled again.
Aurora leaned just a little further. A little further.
And then—
The ladder slipped.
"AHHH!" , The scream echoed through the room.
Several servants shrieked. Someone dropped a paint bucket.
Aurora squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for impact. But the floor never came. Instead, strong arms caught her securely.
Aurora slowly opened one eye. Then the other. Blue eyes stared back at her.
Turner.
For a moment neither of them spoke.
Aurora found herself staring.
His blond hair was slightly messy from training.
His jaw was tense.
And there was genuine concern in his eyes.
"You really do have a habit of getting into trouble," Turner said with a sigh.
Aurora smiled, "And you keep appearing like a knight in shining armour."
Several servants immediately exchanged knowing looks.
Turner's ears turned slightly red.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
Aurora blinked.
The concern in his voice made her heart warm unexpectedly.
"No. Just my pride."
A servant in the back muttered, "I think that died long ago."
The room erupted into laughter.
Aurora gasped dramatically, "I heard that!"
The servant immediately pretended to be busy sweeping.
Turner shook his head, fighting back a smile. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes," Aurora replied softly. "Thank you."
Only then did she realize he was still holding her.
Both of them froze.
"Oh."
"Oh."
Aurora immediately felt her cheeks warm. "Can you put me down now?"
Turner looked equally embarrassed. "Right. Sorry."
He carefully set her back on her feet as though she were made of glass.
Unbeknownst to them, Duke Owen had arrived moments earlier and witnessed the entire scene.
Including the staring. Including the blushing.
Including the fact that Turner had looked ready to kill the ladder.
The duke silently folded his arms. Interesting.
None of the servants said a word.
Mostly because Emily had already given everyone a warning look that promised death if they opened their mouths.
Owen cleared his throat loudly, "It's coming along nicely."
Aurora nearly jumped, "Father!"
Turner immediately straightened, "My Lord."
Owen nodded calmly. Though internally he was already imagining future wedding speeches.
"You're supposed to be recovering," he said.
Aurora pointed at the freshly painted wall, "I am recovering."
Owen starred. Then stared harder.
Then pointed at the ladder, "You were balancing on top of that."
"Details."
"Life-threatening details."
Aurora smiled innocently.
Owen sighed deeply. One day this child would be the end of him.
"I came to check on the progress," he said. "And your mother is looking for you."
Aurora looked surprised, "Why didn't she simply send a maid?"
Owen chuckled. "Actually, to be honest, I'm here to warn you."
Aurora immediately looked suspicious, "Why?"
Owen's expression became sympathetic, "Your mother has started planning your coming-of-age banquet."
Aurora froze. The paintbrush slipped from her hand.
One servant caught it. Another servant made the sign of the cross.
Emily quietly whispered, "May the heavens protect us all."
Turner coughed to hide his laugh.
Aurora looked horrified, "No."
"Oh yes."
"No."
"Very much yes."
Aurora looked ready to flee the Duchy. Perhaps the kingdom. Possibly the continent.
Owen laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Come on."
Aurora groaned dramatically, "I'd rather face another assassin."
Turner nearly choked.
The servants burst into laughter.
Even Owen struggled to maintain a straight face, "Do not let your mother hear you say that."
"Too late."
Everyone turned.
Eleanor stood in the doorway. Smiling sweetly. Which somehow made it more terrifying.
Aurora immediately hid behind her father, "Daddy."
Owen abandoned his daughter without hesitation and stepped away, "You are on your own."
"Traitor."
Eleanor laughed softly. The sound filled the room with warmth. For a moment, everyone simply watched the family together.
After everything they had endured—the attack, the betrayals, the fear—it felt good to hear laughter again.
Aurora sighed dramatically." Father, let me bathe first, then I will meet you and Mother."
"That sounds reasonable."
"See?" Aurora said proudly. "Mother agrees."
"I said nothing."
Aurora's confidence immediately vanished.
The servants laughed again.
"Go," Eleanor said fondly. "And don't try climbing anything else today."
"No promises."
"Aurora."
"Fine. No climbing."
Owen and Eleanor exchanged amused looks.
Their daughter might have grown into a capable young woman, but moments like this reminded them she was still their precious child.
As they walked back toward the manor, Aurora chatted happily beside her father.
Emily followed a short distance behind.
Beside her walked Turner.
Emily glanced sideways and caught him looking toward Aurora.
Again... And again.
A knowing smile slowly spread across her face.
Interesting....Very interesting indeed.
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