Chapter 8
Three months later, the scar on my face had completely healed. When I presented the completed painting to Reynard, his gaze lingered on my face for a moment. There seemed to be many emotions in his eyes.
“Are you
from Verdantia?” he asked.
“No,” I replied.
He didn’t ask further, only smiled.
“I see. The Duke’s second son leaves soon for the capital exams, and the third daughter is of marriageable age. Would you remain here?”
The Duke’s household was stable, and Reynard was generous with his support.
I lowered my head and replied, “Of course, I would be honored.”
Half a month later, Reynard returned the earring I had once sold. He had come to visit me more and more often, but many times, he would sit in silence, watching me as I worked.
Sometimes, when I glanced up to meet his gaze, he would hurriedly avert his eyes.
I couldn’t help but smile.
For some reason, I found myself teasing him.
I sketched his likeness on the paper and said, “Your Grace, what do you think?”
He stepped closer, recognized himself in the drawing, and his ears turned red.
Another half year passed.
Reynard came of age.
Gifts and rewards poured into Verdantiafrom the capital, as though a river had broken its banks.
Along with the gifts came a letter urging him to marry. After receiving the letter, Reynard came to confess his feelings to me, his face flushed red.
I spent an entire month contemplating it before I agreed.
The Duke of Verdantia adopted me as his ward, and the Dowager Duchess granted me the title of Viscountess.
In a grand ceremony, Reynard and I were married.
Reynard summoned many renowned physicians for me, but it wasn’t until three years after our marriage that I regained my memories.
When he learned I had recovered my memories, he put aside much of his work to be by my side.
My head throbbed with pain, and I didn’t wish to speak.
His eyes were red with concern, and he lowered himself before me.
“Elinor, do you resent me? Cedric failed to protect you and caused you to fall. How could I allow you to return to him? Cedric has remarried, and he won’t even remain loyal to you.”
His hands trembled.
“I’ve waited for you for many years. I’m better than he is.”
I caressed the earring I had taken off.
When my memories returned, I immediately thought of this earring. Before I married, the Queen had gifted me jewels–exquisite and dazzling–but I only wore them on special occasions. The one pair of pearl earrings that suited ine best, I almost never took off.
It was Reynard who had secretly given me those earrings. He had recognized me through them, but he had never said a word.
He lowered his eyes. “When I gave you those earrings, I was still young. I had no other intentions; I only hoped you would always happy. But after I met you again, I couldn’t bear to let you go.”
I fell silent for a moment, holding his hand, my voice hoarse.
“I don’t resent you. I just have a headache. But I will return to Crownspire, not for Cedric, but for my parents and children.”
Reynard’s eyes finally brightened.
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“As you wish. The King’s birthday is in three days. I’ll take you to Crownspire.”
