The Duke's Daughter

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 - 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝

Darkness.

That’s all I see—darkness.

It reminds me of my time in the west wing, where my ambitions began to form, where I realized I needed to escape. It was also where I longed for my father’s love—for my family’s love. From my window, I watched them in the garden, laughing, living like a happy family, and I wanted that.

I wanted a family who would love and cherish me, who would make me feel safe. But I could never have that.

Fate never gave me such privileges. I had to earn everything through my own effort.

Yet when she came, she received everything without lifting a finger.

It was unfair. I worked for everything, while she was handed it all so easily.

It was so unfair.

“Child, I’m sorry for all you’ve endured…” A mystic voice echoed around me. I looked around, but saw nothing—until a glowing orb of light appeared and drifted ahead. I followed it, and it led me to a place that felt like paradise.

Everything shimmered—rare, beautiful, abundant.

“Child, come to me.”

A gentle breeze carried me toward a grand temple-like mansion. Inside, silky drapes flowed in the wind.

“Child, come!”

I followed the voice, unsure of the path, until the wind guided me again. Soon, I stood before two massive leopards—one black, one white—with gemstones embedded in their foreheads. They gestured for me to enter the room they guarded.

The doors closed behind me. “Child, how wonderful that we’ve finally met. Come, sit.” I obeyed. “Who are you? Why do you call me child?” I asked. She smiled. “Let me show you the truth of your birth.” With a wave of her hand, a cloud of smoke formed—and a memory unfolded.

“Momma, why is your belly so big?” A young boy sat on his mother’s lap. “Alexander,” she said gently, “there’s a baby inside. Your baby sister.” His face lit up. “When can I play with her?” She laughed softly. “Not for a while.” He pouted, but she turned serious. “Listen to me carefully. If something happens to me… you must protect your siblings. Love them all, no matter what.”

“Okay, Momma!”

.

.

.

.

“Your Grace… Her Grace is dead…”

“No! Where is my Belle!?”

The man rushed into the room. The cries of a newborn filled the air. He looked at the baby with cold, piercing eyes.

“It’s a healthy baby girl…”

“Get her out of my sight,” he said harshly. “Before I burn her without mercy.” The maid hesitated. “What shall we name her?” He paused. “Cassandra Claire Allison Von Montefrancesco. Put her in the west wing.” The maid held the baby gently, smiling sadly. “Such a beautiful child… I hope you don’t suffer in this cruel family.”

And so, the baby slept—unaware of the life awaiting her.

“My life is an irony,” I said bitterly. “Someone wished me happiness, yet I lived in misery.” The maid who once cared for me was the only one who made me feel worthy of love. But she died—killed by bandits while buying my birthday cake.

That day, I hated my existence even more.

“Child, I’m sorry,” my mother said, her voice filled with sorrow. “If I had lived, you wouldn’t have suffered. But please… don’t hate your father and brothers. They were manipulated.” I clenched my fists. “How can I not hate them? They ignored my existence until I proved useful! And even then, they treated me coldly!” My voice trembled with years of pain. “I endured everything. I swallowed my pride and accepted it all.” I remembered the first time I saw my father and eldest brother—their cold eyes, their intimidating presence. I thought they were admirable.

I was wrong.

I followed them, seeking their attention—only to be met with disgust. “I understand your pain,” my mother said softly. “But I don’t want you to carry hatred.”

“Mother… Father disowned me for someone who isn’t even our blood. And my brothers… they killed me for her.” The betrayal still ached. Seeing her tearful expression, I softened. “I don’t want to hate them,” I whispered. “Maybe… someday, I can forgive them. Just… give me time.” She smiled gently and nodded. “Child, it’s time for you to return.” I felt both fear and determination.

“Will you come with me?” I asked. She held my hands. “I will always be with you.” She placed a locket around my neck. “With this, you can see and speak to me. Use your mana. Keep it safe.” I thanked her, embraced her one last time, and stepped through the portal.

★A year and a half earlier★

I woke with a pounding headache.

Looking around, I realized—I was back. Back to the past.

A girl rushed into the room. “Miss! I’m sorry I took so long!” She looked terrified. “It’s fine,” I said calmly.

“Would you like help dressing, my lady?”

“No. Bring me the simplest dress you can find.” She returned with a light blue one. “It’s perfect,” I said. As she helped me dress, her face brightened. “My lady, you look beautiful—like a fairy!” I smiled faintly. “The Duke will be happy to see you—” I froze.

“My lady… did I say something wrong?”

I turned to her. “What’s your name?”

“Rosabella… Rosabella Rodson.” She trembled. I lifted her chin gently. “You did nothing wrong. But never mention my family again. Do you understand?” She nodded quickly.

The rest of the day was peaceful. I learned to cook, spoke with the servants, even befriended the butler.

For once, things felt calm. For once, it felt like life might be gentle. But I should have known—Peace never lasts.