The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting golden patterns on the stone floor of Adrian’s estate. Yet, none of its warmth seemed to ease Liam’s racing heart. Today, he would meet Lady Elara Greystone, the daughter of the Archduke who had proposed the union. Though he’d always been confident in himself, the weight of this meeting was unlike anything he’d experienced.
“What if she doesn’t like me?” he murmured to himself, adjusting his tunic for the hundredth time. He’d even combed his hair twice, much to Amara’s amusement, as she giggled at his fidgeting from her seat on Mara’s lap.
Mara, ever the teasing mother, smirked. “Relax, Liam. You’re an adorable boy. I’m sure she’ll find you charming.”
Lilia, sitting nearby, added with a mischievous grin, “But don’t forget, this is the daughter of an Archduke. She’s probably used to perfect manners and grace. You might have to rein in that wide-eyed wonder of yours.”
“Mama!” Liam whined, his face turning red.
Mara chuckled. “Oh, leave him be, Lilia. You’ll terrify him before he even steps outside.”
Before Liam could protest further, Adrian entered the room, his imposing presence silencing the banter. “It’s time,” he said simply. “Liam, come with me.”
Liam followed his grandfather to the estate’s gardens, where Lady Elara and her family awaited. The gardens were breathtaking, filled with blooming flowers and shaded by ancient trees, but none of it could compare to the sight that met Liam’s eyes when he arrived.
Lady Elara was ethereal. Her silver hair cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight, and her violet eyes sparkled like amethysts under the sun. Her gown, a soft lavender hue, flowed around her like a whisper of wind, adding to her otherworldly presence. She stood gracefully beside her father, a warm smile on her lips as her gaze met Liam’s.
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Liam’s breath caught. He’d never seen anyone so beautiful. For a moment, he forgot to move or speak, rooted to the spot as if the very ground held him in place.
“Lady Elara,” Adrian’s voice broke through the spell, “allow me to introduce my grandson, Liam.”
Liam snapped out of his stupor and bowed deeply. “It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Elara.”
Elara’s smile widened, and she curtsied gracefully. “The honor is mine, Liam. I’ve heard much about you.”
They were soon left to talk, their families stepping aside to give them space. Liam found himself seated beside Elara on a stone bench under a blooming cherry tree.
“So,” Elara began, her voice melodic and soothing, “tell me about yourself. I hear you’ve been training with the esteemed Adrian Wrenwood. That must have been fascinating.”
Liam nodded, his nervousness slowly fading under her gentle gaze. “It was challenging but rewarding. My grandfather is a strict teacher, but he’s taught me so much. What about you? What do you enjoy doing?”
Elara’s eyes lit up. “I love reading about magical theory and practicing my spells. But I also enjoy painting. It’s a wonderful way to capture the beauty of the world around us.”
Liam’s curiosity grew with every word she spoke. They discussed magic, their favorite books, and their dreams for the future. Liam was captivated not only by her beauty but also by her intelligence and kindness. She spoke with a warmth that made him feel at ease, as if they’d known each other for years instead of minutes.
Before he knew it, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the garden. Elara rose gracefully, her family signaling that it was time to leave.
“Will we meet again?” Liam blurted out, his voice tinged with urgency.
Elara turned to him, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I’d like that, Liam. Until next time.”
As she walked away, Liam stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. He’d never felt anything like this before.
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Back at the estate, Liam sought out his grandmothers, Evelina and Catriona. The two women were in the sitting room, enjoying tea and exchanging stories.
“Grandmother,” Liam began, his cheeks still flushed from the day’s events, “I think… I think I like her.”
Evelina’s eyes sparkled with amusement, while Catriona burst into a delighted laugh. “Oh, my dear boy,” Catriona teased, “you’ve fallen head over heels, haven’t you?”
Evelina patted his hand gently. “She’s a fine young lady, Liam. But let’s wait to see what the Greystone family says. If they approve, we’ll begin discussing a betrothal.”