Chapter 39: Welcome to the grand duke mansion (1):

"We've arrived at the grand duke mansion Your Highness," Uncle Robert commented. It was quite a short journey, ten minutes at the most. I nodded in reply and asked, "Um... is there anything you would like me to prepare for?". He shook his head and muttered "I've already prepared everything. The maids there will not be saying anything. You'll be assigned two personal attendants during your stay here. The servants know who you truly are so just be aware. I've sent some servants home hence there is a staff shortage. You might've to do everything yourself," explained the grand duke. The carriage door opened, and I looked up to see the grand duke manor. It was quite grand yet modern at the same time. It looked quite rich compared to the other houses surrounding it.

The carriage stopped as we entered the gate. The manner had a whole fence surrounding it, quite like a modern castle. The driver stepped out to confirm who was in the carriage. The knight stepped back to look into the carriage and quickly bowed when he saw Uncle Robert. He let us into the manor as I looked around. The book described this place as a modern-day castle. I noticed that the fountain in the middle was well-kept. It was glistening white. The fountain was not like any of the fountains in my world. Most of those fountains had pennies in them. People threw the pennies in to make a wish. As for whether or not the wish comes true is another story. The bushes on the side of the manor door and along the side fences looked quite neat. The whole place looked quite well-kept even though Uncle Robert had left for over 2 months. This showed that this place was well looked after even when their master was gone. I was more curious in looking at the garden because it was spring now and, in the book, it's described that the cherry blossom tree was the prettiest. It's been some time since I've seen a cherry blossom tree. We used to have a cherry blossom tree in my old house. I remember my dad teasing me that I would never get taller than the blossom tree. Suddenly, my hearts feel heavy as I'm thinking back on all those good memories I had before my parents died. Those memories will forever be kept deep within my heart.

The carriage stopped at the manor's doorstep. And immediately I noticed the butler standing together with some maids and a young lady in the middle. What the heck is going on? Must there be such a big welcome? The grand duke opened the door and as soon as he walked out all the maids and other servants bowed their heads chanting "Welcome back my lord,". His face looked troubled, I heard him sign and he gestured towards the butler. The butler headed over next to him, and I overheard Uncle Robert telling him to not do such a thing in the future. The butler nodded and quickly the servants. There were only 6 people left from the party including the butler. The grand duke gestured for me to get down as he held out his hand. I placed one hand on top of his and grabbed one hand grabbing the hem of my cloak and gently walked down the steps.

I noticed that Damian had followed right behind me. And was looking quite curiously around. Well so was I. I don't remember that Damian ever had a welcome reception like this in the book. But I know for sure that Lexi and Damian did not get along in their first interaction. Because the original Camilla and Lexi were partners in crime. When reading this book, I mostly related to Lexi because she was just a young girl with a miserable life. She was constantly trying to win her father's attention, so I didn't blame her when she started bullying Damian. She was just jealous that her father had given his attention to a random stranger but ignored his biological daughter. Can't blame her, I would do even worse in that situation.

Damian POV:

As we got nearer to the manor the feeling in my stomach grew stronger and stronger.

I was already dreading it.

Her 'pranks' that she used to play were anything but fun.

At first, it was just silly stuff like showing me a spider to try and scare me.

But then it grew.

She would put needles in my bed hoping I would die.

She would just give me very suspicious water or drinks hoping I would drink them.

God Lord

At least this time I don't have to worry about Camilla also pranking me.

Or do I have to?

Would the same thing happen again?