I awoke from Belle calling me to find Pendragon on my chest and Aaron standing by Belle, I slowly sat up and asked, “What do I need to do today?” Belle and Aaron smiled, “Nothing that you don't want to, Lord Edwin has given you a week to rest and learn of your new home.” I nodded and forced myself out of bed. “Then I would like to go to master William of South Vine to so that I can decorate my chambers.” For the first time in years my chambers were mine and I was going to make it so, Both Belle and Aaron bowed and Aaron left as Belle prepared me for the day, “Lord Edwin would like it if every breakfast and dinner you two ate together my lady.” I nodded and smiled a little happy that I would not be eating alone. “Of course.”
At breakfast I realized that not only did Edwin wish to eat with me but to explain what was expected of me as Grand Duchess, I was to run the castle and keep track of the budget for the year which made me a bit nervous as I had always been told that I couldn't do any of that right so Delilah often stood over me while I did it but I nodded and told him that I understand. “What are your duties?” He smiled and told me that he handles the military and the lords and it was both of us to keep the nobles in line. “But I have to admit that for the most part we only have to worry about that when war or peace is starting.” I nodded, “So we will have to work hard, is it alright for me to take a week off?” Edwin took my hand and kissed it, “Of course Eleanor I wish for you to get use to the city and the ways of Drakewind as I know that we are very different from Winterheart and I saw how much you wanted to explore.” I blushed a little as no one had ever kissed my hand or in truth kissed me before him.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The streets were just as colorful as the day before and as I waved groups of people waved back and cheered, even thanking me for ending the war. As I went into master Williams shop one of the apprentices came out and his face went pale as he turned and ran into the back calling for his master who hurried out and quickly bowed, “What may we do for you Grand Duchess?” “One of your apprentices truly caught my eye so I decided to come to your shop and order furnishings for my chamber.” Master William stood tall and gave a toothy grin, “We will do all we can my lady!” The rest of the day was wonderful with visiting wonderful shop after shop and for once being served food instead of reaching for it at the market, having children give me flowers and thank me for ending the war.
By the time I returned for dinner I had so much to tell Edwin and was happy when he asked for nightly visits. The rest of the week went the same but with the nobles waiting every other day to ask me about what I planned to do and wouldn't it be better if their daughter was there to help me with my duties, Belle saved me so many times by saying that she was the only help I needed for I have always been a princess and know my job and I wondered what I would have done without her. On the last night I stayed up a bit too late setting up my chambers and went to bed worried what tomorrow would hold.
