As Zilayefa walked away from Duke Larry, she felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. She was determined to see this arranged marriage through, not because she had fallen deeply in love with the Duke, but because she hoped it would bring her family closer. Her mother and younger brothers were all she had left, and the thought of being reunited with them was all that mattered.
Zilayefa's mind wandered as she entered her chambers, her thoughts consumed by the prospect of seeing her loved ones again. She had been separated from them for so long, and the Duke's proposal had seemed like a lifeline. If marrying him meant bringing her family to her, then so be it. She was willing to make that sacrifice.
As she sat on her bed, Zilayefa's gaze drifted around the room, her eyes landing on various objects that held memories of her past. She thought about Prince Stevenson, the man she had once loved, but her feelings for him had begun to fade. The reality of her situation had set in, and she knew that marrying the Duke would be a pragmatic decision.
The door creaked open, and Nengi, her maid, entered with a tray of refreshments. "My lady, I brought you some tea and biscuits," Nengi said, her voice soft and gentle. Zilayefa smiled weakly, grateful for the distraction.
As Elara poured her a cup of tea, Zilayefa noticed the curious glances the maid was casting her way. "Nengi, do you think the Duke will keep his word?" Zilayefa asked, her voice laced with a hint of uncertainty. Nengi's eyes darted nervously around the room before she leaned in close. "I'm sure he will, my lady. The Duke seems like a man of his word."
Zilayefa nodded thoughtfully, her mind whirling with possibilities. She took a sip of her tea, her thoughts drifting to her family. She imagined the look on her mother's face when she saw her, the smile on her brother's face when he was reunited with her. The thought brought tears to her eyes, and she quickly brushed them away.
As she sat there, Zilayefa's thoughts turned to the benefits of marrying the Duke. Her brothers would be able to attend school, become great men in society, and her late father's name would be known by all. It was a chance for her family to rise above their current station, and she was determined to seize it.
The hours passed, and Zilayefa's anxiety grew. She paced around her room, her mind racing with thoughts of the future. What would her life be like as the Duchess? Would she be able to adapt to the new surroundings? The questions swirled in her mind, but one thing was certain she would do whatever it took to make this marriage work.
At night Zilayefa's thoughts turned to the Duke. She wondered what he was thinking, whether he was having second thoughts about their arrangement. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. She would marry the Duke, and she would make sure her family was taken care of.
The door opened, and a guard entered. "My lady, the Duke requests your presence at dinner," he said, his voice formal. Zilayefa nodded, smoothing out her dress. She would play the part of the dutiful wife, at least for now.
As she followed the guard to the dining hall, Zilayefa's heart pounded in her chest. She was one step closer to reuniting with her family, and she would do whatever it took to make that happen. The game of power and emotions had begun, and she was ready to play her part.
The dinner was a formal affair, with the Duke and his guests seated around the table. Zilayefa was surprised to see guests in the palace, cause the Duke was a very private man, but she still toplayed the part of the gracious hostess, smiling and laughing with the guests. But beneath the surface, she was seething with anticipation. When would the Duke bring her family to her? When would she finally be reunited with them?
The evening drew to a close, and Zilayefa retired to her chambers, her mind racing with thoughts of the future. She would marry the Duke, and she would make sure her family was taken care of. It was a decision she had made, and she would see it through to the end.
As she lay in bed, Zilayefa's thoughts drifted to her family. She hoped they would be proud of her, hoped they would understand why she had made this decision. She closed her eyes, a sense of determination washing over her. She would do whatever it took to make this marriage work, to bring her family closer.
As the days went by Zilayefa's anticipation grew. She would see her family soon, and she would do whatever it took to make sure they were happy.