Winter came like a shade of white blanket, covering the empire in soft silence. As Serena walked through the hallway, she marveled at how warm and cozy the annex felt, despite the freezing cold outside.
Lucia had been staying at the estate for some time now, yet not once had they met. Serena hadn't forced a meeting either, respecting the girl's feelings and distance.
But today, Dyanne had informed her that Lucia wished to visit her. Serena had immediately instructed the servants to prepare carefully—the best tea, a warm fire, and the guest room.
Now, Serena sat on the newly upholstered sofa in the guest room, waiting. The curtains were freshly changed, the soft velvet in deep wine colors keeping out the chill. On the center table, a vase of fake flowers was arranged meticulously, so lifelike that they seemed to bloom even in the dead of winter.
She adjusted her hair, feeling a small flutter of nervousness she hadn't expected.
I just hope we can have a proper conversation, she thought, clasping her hands lightly on her lap as she waited for Lucia's arrival.
Rika soon returned, bowing slightly as she announced, "Your Grace, Lady Lucia has arrived."
Serena nodded gently. "Please, bring her in."
Rika stepped aside, allowing Lucia to enter the room. The young lady walked in with poised steps, her face a mask of blankness. She gave a perfect curtsy.
Serena, keeping her smile soft and welcoming, gracefully accepted the curtsy. "Have a seat, Lucia."
Lucia obeyed silently, settling on the sofa across from Serena, her hands resting neatly on her lap.
After a moment, a maid entered quietly, carrying a tray laden with a teapot, two delicate cups, and an assortment of small snacks—buttery pastries, dried fruits, and sweet almonds. The comforting scent of warm tea filled the room.
Serena personally poured a cup for Lucia, the tea's soft steam curling in the air between them.
"Here, this will warm you up," she said kindly, pushing the cup gently toward Lucia.
Lucia murmured a polite thank you, her gaze dropping briefly to the tea. The atmosphere was quiet, filled with unspoken tension, yet Serena remained patient, giving Lucia time.
Lucia took a careful sip of the tea, her eyes widening slightly at the gentle, floral aroma.
"What kind of tea is this?" she asked, her voice softer than before.
Serena smiled warmly. "It's elderflower tea. I heard you caught a cold when the season changed, so I asked the servants to prepare something soothing."
Lucia's fingers tightened slightly around the cup. She lowered it after another sip and took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.
"You know, Duchess…" she began, her tone more personal, "I hated you."
Serena sat still, quietly listening.
"I thought you were trying to replace my mother," Lucia continued, her voice trembling slightly, "and take Father away from us. I couldn't accept it… I didn't want to."
She paused, then smiled faintly, almost self-mockingly. "But after traveling, meeting so many different people and seeing the world for what it is... I realized I was wrong."
Lucia's eyes glistened slightly, but she kept her composure.
"You must have been desperate too—to accept Father, and to live in a place where you weren't fully welcomed. And Father… he needed someone, too."
She took a long breath, her expression softening.
"I don't resent you anymore. I hope we can get along from now on."
Lucia smiled shyly, her cheeks tinged pink.
Serena, stunned by the heartfelt confession, felt an overwhelming warmth swell in her chest. Her heart ached a little, thinking about the lonely battles Lucia must have fought.
"Thank you… for understanding," Serena said, her voice a little shaky but sincere.
Then, hesitantly, Lucia asked, her face flushing deeper,
"Can I… call you mo-ther then?"
Serena blinked in surprise, then broke into a gentle, radiant smile.
"Of course, dear," she said, reaching out to pat Lucia's hand lightly. "Why not?"