(10) NEW JOURNEY

It was a bright and sunny morning, totally different from the environment in Lily's home.

Finally, the day of departure had come, but none of them were ready to get separated.

Lily had packed all her stuff. Truthfully, she only packed one bag, and that too, only the things she deemed important.

Her parents tried to pack a lot of things, almost to the point where Lily thought that soon she was going to carry the whole house.

For the past few days, Cherry had helped Lily with everything. She was happy to see her aunt so cheerful. But since the morning she kept crying and telling Lily to take care of herself properly.

Lily was worried about her aunt. "Aunt please stop crying. I will write letters to you and will visit during the vacation. Please think of your health."

Lily was sad seeing her aunt like that but a small portion of her was happy to see that there is someone who worries about her.

"Don't worry about your aunt and go, Lily, or you might get late." Harry hugged his wife while consoling her.

"Ok then, bye!" Lily was ready.

When she was leaving she saw them waving at her and smiled in the answer. As she walked further, a thought occurred to her.

She had forgotten the most important thing. She ran back and found them still standing there.

".... Mother-father, I love you. Please take care of each other." She hugged both of them, remembering their scent and the warmth they had provided her with.

It was the first time Lily had called Cherry and Harry that but both of them felt comfortable.

"You too, dear."

Lily saw a man standing next to a black coach after walking two yards. The reason she noticed him was because he stood out peculiarly. His aura was almost screaming that he did not belong to that area.

Lily decided to walk away but she noticed that he was walking... toward her.

"Lady, please." He bowed a bit and showed her the carriage.

"....."

"I'm Blaine Harth. The duke has appointed me as your escort for the ride. The carriage is ready. Please mount it."

Lily had received a letter telling her that her escort would be one of the shadows of the duke.

She was an important piece. 

They had not told Lily the reason for the marriage or anything related to it but she was sure that she would not be a 'wife' but more like a servant.

After all, he had hired her not proposed.

Lily shuddered the moment she thought that.

'Proposed- yikes! What rubbish. Have I been too relaxed?'

The carriage had started moving. It was black inside since it had no windows.

It felt like they were transporting goods, not a person.

Lily felt ridiculous yet thankful.

Maybe it was because it was all black or that she was all alone but now she was able to focus on her thoughts.

It had been hectic for the past few days. Running here and there.

It was Lily's first time to go somewhere far from her home and for a long time.

She decided to spend the last few days with her family happily without letting the bad thoughts interrupt her good time.

It was like a little vacation before a big task.