Beast of the Frozen Night

he came, the Grand Duke’s castle was engulfed in vibrancy.

After breakfast, as she was walking down the hallway, she overheard the maid’s strange voices over the stairs.
Their chattering voices were exhilarating and they couldn’t hide their joy.

“Are they finally opening the gates? Pinch my cheeks.
I can’t believe it.”

“Well, I never dreamed that in my lifetime, I would ever see the day the Grand Duke’s castle held a party.
Now it seems like a place where people could live.”

The maids would usually keep their mouths shut.
Now, they were engrossed in conversation, not even dreaming that the Grand Duchess was nearby.

From the standpoint of those who served, preparing for a banquet would be difficult, but Anne later realized that not only the maids, but also the servants and knights in the Grand Duke’s castle had brighter faces.
It was strange.
Why were they so happy?

And what they said after that, made her feel a little puzzled.

“But it’s strange.
I don’t think it’s the date yet.
Weren’t there 30 years left? Is it because the new Madam has come?”

“Shh.
Quiet.
Did you forget the order not to speak recklessly about the madam?”

While talking excitedly, they mentioned the Grand Duchess, and then suddenly shuddered and lowered the tone of their voices.
As a result, Anne could no longer overhear their conversation.

As she recalled their questionable conversation, Anne soon gave up on guessing what they were talking about.
Now was not the time for her to pay attention to some maids’ chatter.

A shadow fell on Anne’s face.
For some reason, the Grand Duke yesterday did not satisfy his greed due to the banquet.
His whims weren’t welcome, but it was unexpected.

Afterwards, she left the Grand Duke’s office and hurriedly returned to her room, but Anne was disappointed by Emily’s words as she had already disposed of the letter.
She couldn’t be more sorry for her own rashness.

So, the plan to bury the marriage went completely over the water.
Either give birth and leave neatly as promised, or leave after ruining the marriage in the hope that Libelois will pay it back as soon as possible.
Otherwise .
.
.
run away.
There were three possible options, and she liked none of them.

“Madam, I brewed these fragrant hymon tea leaves today.”

A cautious voice awakened Anne to reality.
Anne looked at Marie, who came to her again.

“Really? Serve me some tea.”

As she pushed the teacup, Marie carefully tilted the steaming teapot toward it.

“By the way, Marie, you come to my room every single day.
Aren’t you uncomfortable with me?”

“Well I .
.
.
I like to spend time with Madam.”

Anne held back her laughter.
It seemed that this one had not yet heard of the conversation between the Grand Duke and Anne yesterday.

“But the Grand Duke comes to my room every night.
When could he sleep with you?”