A Glimpse of Withered White Roses

The morning air carried a crisp chill, yet within the garden, the scent of white roses lingered—soft, unyielding, like a quiet embrace of the past. Claire moved through the rows of pristine blooms, their petals untouched by time. It was her mother's favorite place—their white rose garden. And yet, she had not set foot here in years.

Dressed immaculately, as always, she was every bit the noblewoman she had been molded to be. Poised, elegant, untouchable. But as her fingertips brushed against the silken petals, a sharp sting pressed through her chest.

Why now?

Her father's words from the night before clung to her mind, his expectations woven into every syllable. Today, she would meet her fiancé. The one she hadn't seen in years.

The last time they stood together was here, in this very garden—on the day of her mother's funeral.

Once, he had been her playmate. A familiar presence in her childhood. But now, when she tried to recall his face, only a vague impression remained—the elegance of royalty, even as a child. No features, no voice, just the shadow of someone who had once existed in her life.

She lowered herself onto a small, ornate table near the garden's edge, hands resting in her lap.

Why can't I remember?

But deep down, she knew.

It wasn't that the memories were lost—they had been buried. By her own hand. Because she had chosen to forget.

To survive the days without her mother, she had locked everything away. The warmth of her childhood, the laughter in these very halls, the pain of losing what could never return. She had sealed it all deep within herself. Now, when she reached for the past, all she found was emptiness.

A voice broke through the silence.

"So you are here?"

Claire lifted her gaze. Elise stood at the garden's entrance, her expression soft yet knowing.

"My lady, it's uncommon to find you here. You haven't come in a long time... Is everything alright?"

Claire smirked slightly, masking whatever emotions threatened to surface. "You always know where to find me, Elise."

She exhaled, glancing at the vast garden once more. "It's nothing. I just felt like coming here."

Elise's observant gaze lingered, but she did not press further.

Claire's voice softened. "Do you ever wonder what's on the other side?"

Elise tilted her head. "The other side?"

Claire leaned back, gazing at the sky. "Beyond these walls. Beyond this world of expectations, rules, and duty. What if something entirely different exists out there?"

Elise was quiet for a moment. Unlike Claire, she had no parents—only distant relatives who barely played a role in her life. She had grown up within these halls, just as Claire had, breathing under the weight of House Valen. The only times she ever left were rare visits to see her grandparents.

"I think about a lot of things," Elise finally said. "But what matters is what you think, Claire."

There was something deeper in those words. Claire turned to her, but before she could ask, Elise changed the subject.

With a wistful smile, Elise looked around the garden. "Do you remember? Lady Valen loved this place with all her heart."

She let out a small chuckle. "We cried after getting lost here. We were too small for this world back then."

Claire nodded, though no memory surfaced. Only her mother's face—the warmth of her smile, the way she used to hum softly when tending to these roses. That was all she had left.

Elise sighed, breaking the moment. "Everything is ready for our departure. Do you need anything before we leave?"

Claire stood, brushing off her gown. "No. I'll go see Father before we leave."

Accidental Eavesdropping in the East Wing

As Claire walked through the estate, she passed the East Wing on her way to her father's study. Just as she was about to turn the corner, hushed voices carried through the partially open door.

She paused.

"…the security has been tightened, but it might not be enough."

A man's voice—one of the noble advisors.

Another voice, lower and laced with frustration, responded. "You think I don't know that?"

Her father.

Claire's breath stilled.

"The tensions are growing. House Valen may still command respect, but there are whispers. Some believe the balance of power is shifting."

"Let them whisper," Lord Valen snapped. "They would be fools to act against us now."

A third voice, cautious but firm, interjected. "And yet, there have been… concerns regarding the upcoming union."

Silence.

Claire clenched her fists.

"Do they doubt our family's strength?" her father finally asked. His words carried an edge of danger, a warning wrapped in calm.

"Some do. A few factions question whether Lady Claire is suited for this role."

Her grip tightened at the words.

"And my answer to them is simple," Lord Valen said coldly. "They will see soon enough."

Claire stepped back, quiet as a shadow, before slipping away.

Facing Her Father

When she reached her father's study, she knocked lightly before stepping in.

Lord Valen looked up from his desk. His gaze was sharp, calculating, but as always, unreadable.

"Everything is ready for the event," she stated calmly. "We are about to leave."

He studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good. Be sure to extend my regards to your uncle."

Then, after a pause, he added, "And remember the date after the event."

Another reminder of her impending engagement. Another chain settling around her.

Claire smiled, playing her part flawlessly. "Of course, Father."

With a final bow, she turned and walked away, the weight of his words lingering behind her.

Departure

The carriage stood waiting at the front entrance, servants ensuring everything was in place. Elise was already seated inside, waiting.

As Claire stepped in, she cast one last glance at the estate. The towering walls. The vast gardens. The world she had always known.

Then, without another word, the carriage doors shut, sealing her fate—at least for now. The road stretched ahead, leading into the unknown.