Second Chances

Meeting him.

Lord Kendrick is the eleventh chapter.

It was those cold and apathetic eyes that I had seen before I was beheaded that I remembered. What was he doing following me around now? It's possible that this was because I haven't made any attempt to improve my relationship with him.

In my mind's eye, I could see Kendrick standing there watching me. "I would never allow you to be a cold and uncaring person," I said. "I would never allow you to be a cold and indifferent person." "I intend to spend the rest of my life working to make our bond stronger than your birth mother."

His eyes left my uneasy mind as if he had finally come to terms with my response. When darkness welcomed my closed eyes, I exhaled a sigh of relaxation and brushed my palm across the silk bedsheet I was resting on, feeling relieved. I thanked God for allowing me to survive another day and went to sleep.

After waking up to the warmth of the sun's beams on my face and the sweet scent of my favourite red camellia, the day began to take on a new meaning. Lily must have placed them in this location specifically for me.

As I opened my eyes, a smile sprang on my face and I extended my body. The first thing that caught my attention were the surprised expressions on the faces of Nia and Lily. They were looking at me as if I had committed a heinous crime.

Because they were scared, they drew their heads down and hid their hands behind them. Their facial expressions had become a source of fun for me at this point.

Opening the curtain of my bed, I shifted as Nia ran in and took my sleeper in her hands so that I could put them on more easily in the morning. Because of my position as Duchess, I sometimes feel handicapped. I used to take pleasure in these privileges, their s*****y, but now it felt like the tyranny of nobles over commoners.

I grinned as I shook my head, attempting to put those sad thoughts at bay. I took a deep breath as I walked towards the window that looked out over the garden, welcoming the new day with wide open arms.

'Today I will fulfil my promise to you, Kendrick,' I said as I walked towards my daily routine, my face flushed with purpose. When I got out of the water, Nia helped me put on my clothing while Jasmine prepared my clothes; they all appeared to be a little less terrified of me today.

"These earrings and pendant look fantastic on you," I replied as I looked at the jewels I had given them to wear.. The two of them bowed and exchanged bashful smiles, their ears turning red. 

Lily's face still had a hint of fear on it, but I ignored it and continued speaking to them. I was confident that it would pass with time. I had a long life to persuade her of my point of view, a very long life.

I sat on the stool in front of my vanity table, staring at the younger version of myself, while the girls worked feverishly on me, treating me as if I were a work of art. It didn't matter how many times I glanced at myself in the mirror since yesterday; it never failed to wow me.

As if sensing my constant attention to myself in the mirror, Jasmine inquired, hesitantly, "your highness, are the ornaments not to your taste?" 

It was then that I realised I was wearing an Amethyst set, which many nobles did not like to wear because its value was low in comparison to other gemstones; I furrowed my brows in amusement.

“Your Highness, please accept my apologies.” I raised my hands in the air to halt her.

"It looks great with my purple dress, nice job Jasmine," I said, complimenting her.

Jasmine smiled like a blossoming flower,'so simple to please!' 

I would like to have my breakfast with Lord Kendrick, Lily," I said.

 "Every aspect of the preparation should be flawless." I could see the disbelief in her eyes, but she continued to bow her head and exited my chamber as she had done before.

"Jasmine, I'd like you to go and arrange a gift for Lord Kendrick, something he'd enjoy," I told her as she placed the final ring on my finger. 

She, too, bowed and exited the chamber, leaving only me and Nia, my youngest member of staff.

I looked at the girl with trepidation, unsure of how to phrase my enquiry. She was just eighteen years old, which put her much closer in age to Kendrick than I was.

"Nia, what are the things that a child associates with happiness?" When I finally asked her the question, she looked surprised, which was to be expected.

"If you keep continuing to broaden your eyes, it will turn permanently like that, and then no one will want to marry you." Her expression returned to Normal and serene when I threatened her in a severe tone, but she remained silent, which just fueled my growing frustration at her silence.

"So," I said in a firm voice this time, bringing her back to her senses, "what do you think?"

Each and every child enjoys being praised, Your Highness. They also enjoy going outside to play and consuming delectable foods. They also enjoy receiving hugs and kisses." she replied in a reluctant but confident tone,

"All right, you'll make a list of things children enjoy in two days, and everything should be written down on it," i replied nodding in satisfaction

As usual, I placed my order, but this time there was a satisfied smile on my face, which gave her confidence, and a smile appeared on her face as well.

"Yes, your highness," she said with a nod and bowed her head.

Jasmine returned a few minutes later with a tiny package, and Lily arrived not long after that, both bearing gifts.

"Your highness, breakfast will be served in the young lord's chamber, and the lord has been made aware of your presence," they both replied.

I inquired, holding the small package in my hand, "did he say anything?"

"He stated that he would be waiting for your presence, your highness," Lily responded, bowing her head.

My face was flushed with a smile, indicating that there was still time to make amends. Despite the fact that I couldn't compare it to the past because I had never asked him to join me for breakfast, I couldn't help but wonder, 'would he have given affirmation at that time as well?' No matter how hard I tried to flee, those past memories would not let me go, like waves of the sea would never let the shore dry.

I got a nasty taste in my mouth as soon as I conceived that notion.

My first visit to Kendrick's chamber was a memorable one. His garden is full of different kinds of flowers; I could see a kaleidoscope of colours there. "If my relationship improved, no!" When my relationship with him improves, I will come here often.