Her father whispered, "Be strong," as he held her hand. Then Rosalyn stepped into the carriage beside her new husband. The door shut, sealing them inside. Silence filled the space.
Rosalyn sat with her hands folded, unsure where to look. The Duke sat across from her, his eyes focused on her with unsettling intensity. "Are you well?" he asked. She nodded.
"A little overwhelmed." "That is expected," he said. "Your life is changing." "Yes."
They rode in silence for several minutes, the carriage wheels rumbling over the road. Rosalyn glanced out the window, watching the town fade into rolling green fields. The Duke's voice broke the quiet. "I will be clear," he said.
"Our marriage will not require of you what society expects from a wife. If you need time before sharing a bed, I will grant it." Rosalyn felt heat rise in her cheeks. "Thank you."
"Do not thank me," he said. "It is simply fair." She hesitated. "Have you ever been in love, Your Grace?"
"No." The answer was immediate, not even considered. "I do not believe love is something I can offer," he said. "Or something you feel?" she asked.
He studied her. "Do you feel it?" "Love?" she repeated softly. "No, I have never felt it."
He nodded once. "Then we begin with honesty." The rest of the journey passed quietly, but the air between them felt different, less sharp, less cold. When the carriage crested a hill, Rosalyn saw Blackthornne Manor for the first time.
A grand stone estate rose before them, tall and commanding, surrounded by forests and winding paths. It was magnificent but lonely, like a king without a kingdom. As they approached, servants lined the entrance carefully, bowing as the Duke stepped out. He offered Rosalyn his hand to help her down.
She took it, surprised again by the warmth of his grip. Inside, the manor was spacious and elegantly decorated, yet strangely dim, as if sunlight struggled to reach certain corners. "This is your home now," the Duke said. "You may change whatever you wish."
She blinked. "Whatever I wish?" "Yes," he said. "Nothing in this house holds more value than your comfort."
It was the kindest thing he had ever said. A woman with silver hair approached them. "Your Grace," she said with a bow. "Welcome home, Lady Blackthornne."
"It is an honor." Rosalyn felt her heart skip. Lady Blackthornne. That was her now.
"This is Mrs. Huxley," the Duke said. "She manages the household." Mrs. Huxley gave Rosalyn a warm smile. "We are very happy to have you here, my lady."
Rosalyn smiled back. "Thank you. I look forward to learning everything." The Duke watched the exchange with unreadable eyes.