chapter twenty one

The grand duke watched Elen as she held the necklace delicately in her hand, her fingers brushing against the silver chain. He could tell she was treasuring it, as if it meant a lot to her. Elen seemed uneasy, and the grand duke could sense there was more to it. He wanted to ask, but he didn't want to pressure her.

"Don't worry, no one can hurt you," the grand duke reassured her. "Your brothers will come, too."

Elen looked relieved. "Yes, grand duke," she said softly. After switching the subject, she left the grand duke's office feeling much better. In her bedroom, she finally felt at ease.

"Hey, Lady!" Rami called out to Elen, who was seated on her bed, her gaze fixed on her hand as if lost deep in thought.

"Huh?" Elen responded, a look of confusion on her face.

"You've been staring at your hand for a while now since you got in here," Rora remarked, busy sorting through her wardrobe.

"Really?" Elen said absentmindedly. "Rami, the duke and I are visiting the temple tomorrow. What d