The Screeching Duchess

*Circe*

A lithe finger lifted her chin up and then traced small lines across her entire face.

"Why do you look so down, little one," the woman said, giggling, "It's a great day today."

Circe swatted the finger away and then put the fallen strand of hair on her face back into place behind her ears.

"What's so good about today?" she muttered.

Another high-pitched giggle emerged from Tasia. "What else isn't good about today? You're finally home after all these years!"

"And?"

"And the Duke's back too!"

They walked slowly across the marble-lined walls of the Garrielli manor, a beautiful garden stretched out to their right, with a single stone waterfall in the centre. A beautiful stone fountain sat at the centre of the garden, with a singular ornament at the very top.

Birds sang and all sorts of critters ran through the lush green undergrowth and flowerbeds.

It was quiet and serene and for many, it would be heaven.