The Duke of Asterion

Elysia woke me the next morning with a gentle shake of my shoulder, her soft voice pulling me from sleep. "Good morning, my lady."

I stretched lazily beneath the warm covers before slowly sitting up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "Good morning, Elysia."

The little fairy stood beside my bed, wrapped in layers of soft green fabric. A finely knitted shawl of deep forest green draped over her shoulders, its delicate patterns resembling vines curling along its edges. Beneath it, she wore a simple but elegant cotton gown in a lighter shade of green, cinched at her tiny waist with a braided belt of golden thread. The colors suited her, making her look like she had stepped right out of an autumn forest.

A sudden squawk filled the quiet morning. "Good morning!"

I turned toward Indigo’s cage, smiling at the chatty bird. "Hello, Indigo," I murmured, stepping out of bed and padding across the room. The cool wooden floor sent a shiver up my legs as I unlatched his cage, reaching inside to offer him a few pieces of Brazil nut from the platter on my nightstand. His sharp beak clicked eagerly as he crunched away, his dark eyes gleaming with delight.

"Make sure you close that cage properly," Elysia warned, arms crossed. "I'm not chasing that bird down these halls again."

I laughed, giving Indigo one last scratch on the head before gently ushering him back inside. "Alright, alright," I said, securing the latch with a double check.

Satisfied, Elysia turned to the dressing table, where she had already laid out a gown for me. The fabric was rich brown and ivory, the bodice fitted to my waist before flowing into a full skirt. Exquisite embroidery of crimson and burnt orange leaves trailed across the hem and sleeves, as if autumn itself had kissed the fabric.

"I forgot about this one," I murmured, running my fingers over the delicate stitching.

Elysia smiled and helped me slip out of my nightgown, the cool air raising goosebumps on my skin as she pulled the new dress over my head. The soft fabric settled against me as she tugged the long sleeves into place, smoothing them down my arms.

I raised an eyebrow. "Long sleeves?"

She nodded firmly. "It's turning to winter, my lady. I don’t want you catching a chill."

I sighed but nodded in agreement, allowing her to fasten the buttons at my wrist. The extra warmth was a welcome comfort on this crisp morning, and as I turned to the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile. The dress was perfect for the season, a reflection of the changing world outside.

Edda knocked softly on my door before stepping inside, her usual composed expression in place. "Breakfast is ready, my lady," she said, motioning for me to follow.

I walked with her through the quiet corridors, the scent of warm butter and cinnamon growing stronger with each step. Upon reaching the dining hall, Ulric was already waiting. He gave a respectful nod before pulling out my chair with practiced ease.

"Good morning, my lady," he said, pouring a cup of rich, dark coffee into my porcelain cup. The fragrant steam curled upward, filling my senses with its deep, roasted aroma.

I settled into my seat, my eyes drifting to the elegant breakfast spread before me. Thick slices of golden French toast rested on my plate, their crisp, caramelized edges glistening with melted butter. A drizzle of maple syrup pooled beside them, rich and inviting. Beside the toast, sunny-side-up eggs sat perfectly cooked, their bright yolks like twin suns on the plate. Freshly sliced oranges, their vibrant color a sharp contrast to the warm tones of the meal, were arranged neatly, their sweet, citrusy scent mingling with the heavier notes of syrup and coffee.