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Morning dawned upon the castle grounds, casting a soft glow over the guest wing. The air was crisp, and the faint scent of blooming winter flowers drifted through partially open windows. Inside the grand chambers of Duchess Evelyne, the maids busied themselves, carefully setting her belongings in place. Silks were arranged neatly, jewels polished until they glimmered under the pale light. A soft knock echoed at the door before a servant entered, holding a letter sealed with the royal emblem. One of the maids accepted it with a polite nod, brushing past the heavy curtains of the bedroom and into the adjoining parlor, where Duchess Evelyne sat. The Duchess was the picture of morning refinement, seated gracefully on a velvet settee. The delicate clink of porcelain echoed as she lifted her c
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