Devin's POV

I know it's most foolish to feel this way.

I try to tell myself that it's better not too, but my heart never listen.

Every time Lady Isabella smiles, it's like my heart skips a beat. There's a part of me that just wants to hold her in my arms and never let go.

Lady Isabella is a beauty, but she's more than just that.

She can also hold a terrible amount of sadness inside of her. I catch it in her eyes sometimes.

Her green eyes, no matter how much they sparkle, can't fully hide the sorrow beneath.

Why would someone so beautiful be so miserable?

It doesn't feel right, yet I doubt a servant like me could ever understand.

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Devin moved through the grand halls of Devereaux Hall with the practiced ease of a seasoned servant. He knew this place like the back of his hand, he has grown up here after all.

The early morning light streamed in through the tall, arched windows, casting long shadows on the polished floors. His tasks varied throughout the day, each one meticulously planned to keep the household running smoothly.

Right now his next task was to polish the silverware, a tedious but essential task. As he worked in the expansive pantry, he meticulously buffed each piece until it gleamed under the light, reflecting his focused expression. The repetitive nature of the task allowed his mind to wander.

Master Lucas, I wonder how his first meal went? He looked so out of his depth today. I'd be lying if I said I'm not curious how things will play out from here, but...I really hope she will be okay. Him being here now can't be a small change to the Devereaux family.

Devin's thoughts wondered off to Lady Isabella, a common habit of his.

He sighed, setting down the last of the polished silverware.

"Back to work." He muttered to himself, straightening his simple tunic and heading down the corridor to his next duty.

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Devin was on his way to the library, where he had been instructed to tidy up the shelves. It was a quiet, peaceful room, filled with the musty scent of old books and the soft rustling of pages. As he rounded the corner near the main staircase, he nearly collided with Lady Isabella.

"Ah, Lady Isabella!" He said, quickly stepping back and bowing slightly. "I didn't see you there."

That would had been the second time I ran into a Devereaux family member today, thank goodness I was more careful this time.

She looked up at him, a faint smile touching her lips, though her eyes betrayed a deep sadness. In her hand, she clutched two letters, their edges slightly crumpled from being held too tightly.

"Good morning, Devin." She replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of distraction.

Devin's eyes flicked to the letters in her hand and then back to her face. "Is everything alright, my lady?" He asked, trying to keep his tone light.

Isabella forced a smile, shaking her head slightly. "Yes, yes, of course. Just some... family matters."

'Family matter' Usually meant something far more complex and troubling than she let on, but Devin knew better than to press on the topic. Instead, he shifted the conversation to safer ground.

"I noticed Master Elliot taking Master Lucas into Bellacrest today." He said. "With Clarisse and Walter as their guides. It's a beautiful day for a visit to town."

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Isabella's expression softened. "Why yes, Elliot made a big deal out of it after breakfast. He really wanted to show Lucas around town today and left him no choice but to accept to go with him." She started explaining the events that took place. "I do hope he doesn't push himself too hard, however. He's not that good at controlling his excitement."

Devin nodded, sensing an opportunity to lighten her mood further. "Do you remember that one time you took me to Bellacrest with you?" He asked, a smile playing on his lips. "You were determined to find the perfect flowers for the garden, and we ended up with more than we could carry."

Isabella's eyes sparkled with the memory. "How could I forget? You insisted on carrying all those flowers yourself, even though I told you we should come back for the rest. You were so stubborn even back then."

We were only 7 and 8 years old back then. Now that we're older, I doubt we'll ever get to experience such a day again. We won't be allowed too.

That day is a precious memory to Devin, one which he would never forget.

"Stubborn, perhaps." Devin admitted with a chuckle. "But I couldn't let you carry anything heavy, now could I?"

For a brief moment, the sadness lifted from Isabella's face, replaced by a genuine smile. Devin's heart swelled at the sight, but it quickly faded as her gaze dropped back to the two letters in her hand.

He hesitated, unsure if he should probe the matter further. It wasn't his place after all, he's only a servant, and he should know his place. But in the end his concern for her outweighed his fear of overstepping his bounds.

"Is there something troubling you, Lady Isabella?" He asked gently. "You don't seem yourself today."

Just what sorrow keeps your smile at bay, Lady Isabella?

Isabella sighed softly, her fingers tightening around the two letters. "Well, you see...One of these letters is from my cousin. It seems he already knows about Lucas."

"Oh? Word sure reached him fast." Devin replied, genuinely surprised.

"Yes, it did. I imagine my father told him around the same time he told us. He's not taking the news very well."

"I....I see. I'm sorry, I really shouldn't have asked." Devin apologized.

Never been a fan of that guy!

"I can see things getting very hectic for our family in the near future, I can't say I'm looking forward to it." Isabella spoke, sounding sad.

Devin wished he could do something to ease her worries, to lift the burden from her shoulders, even if only a little, but he knew he couldn't.

As he stood there, searching for the right words, an idea formed in his mind, one that he hoped might bring her a moment of peace.

"Perhaps...." He began cautiously. "You could go to the piano room, Lady Isabella? Playing always seems to lift your spirits from what I remember."

Isabella's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a small smile touching her lips. "That's a wonderful idea, Devin. Yes, I'll go play for a bit. And you? Won't you come with me?"

Devin's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. To spend time with her, to see her smile again, was a temptation he found hard to resist. But duty called, and he knew he had responsibilities to attend to. "Sorry, Lady Isabella, but I have work to do around the house." He said, trying to sound responsible, though his heart ached to stay.

It has been a while since I've heard her play, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it, but I can't.

I shouldn't.

I shouldn't be seen with her too much. Nothing good can come out of that...

Isabella, sensing his hesitation, gave him a gentle look. "Your work can wait for a few minutes. Come with me, Devin. Let's both escape the worries for a little while."

Unable to refuse her, Devin nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension.

"If you say so, Lady Isabella!"

He followed her down the hall and into the piano room, a sanctuary of calm within the grand mansion.

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The piano room, or the 'Harmonic Chamber' as it's sometimes referred to in the Devereaux Hall, was an exquisite space, with large windows that let in streams of sunlight, casting a golden glow over the room.

The centerpiece was a grand piano, its polished surface reflecting the light like a mirror. Isabella moved towards it gracefully, her fingers trailing over the keys as if greeting an old friend.

She was taught to play the piano ever since she was a little girl, she loved this room. She has many fond memories in this place. Even the times back with her strict piano teacher feel sweet now.

Devin stood back, watching as she settled onto the bench. Her sadness seemed to melt away as she began to play, the music flowing from her fingers in a cascade of notes that filled the room with a haunting, beautiful melody.

So beautiful...

As he listened, Devin's thoughts turned inward. He admired her from afar, his feelings a tangled in a web of admiration and longing. His heart reached out to her with every note she played, but he knew those feelings could never truly touch her.

She was the daughter of a Duke, a beacon of nobility and grace, while he was just a servant. A nobody.

He watched her slender fingers glide over the keys, each touch releasing a fragment of her soul, and he wished he could be the one to lift her burdens, to see her smile without the shadow of pain.

Just what is it that clouds your heart, Lady Isabella?

The music filled the room, wrapping around Devin like a bittersweet embrace.

Devin felt both happy and sad somehow, but he knew one thing, and it's that he'll never forget this day for as long as he lives.