Chapter 51 THE GATHERING COMES

Chapter 51 THE GATHERING COMES
Ace pov

The days following the council meeting passed quickly, though they were far from quiet.
Word of our marriage had already begun to spread beyond the borders of the duchy. Letters arrived daily—some filled with congratulations, others with polite curiosity, and a few with the kind of careful wording that nobles used when they were unsure how to feel about a situation.
I read them all.
Selene did too.
But what concerned me most was the gathering that the council had planned.
It had been presented as a routine social event—an opportunity for neighboring nobles to visit the estate, discuss trade, and strengthen alliances.
In truth, everyone knew what it really was.
A test.
Selene would be standing before some of the most influential people in the region for the first time as Duchess.
And many of them would be watching closely.
That morning I found Selene in the library.
She sat by the tall window with a book resting open in her lap, though she didn’t seem to be reading it. Instead, she stared thoughtfully at the garden outside.
“You look like someone solving a complicated puzzle,” I said as I entered the room.
She glanced up and smiled faintly.
“I suppose I am.”
I walked toward her.
“What kind of puzzle?”
“How to survive a room full of nobles who already have opinions about me.”
I chuckled.
“You’re thinking about the gathering again.”
“How could I not?”
She closed the book and set it aside.
“I’ve never attended anything like it before.”
“It’s not as terrifying as it sounds.”
“You say that because you’ve spent your entire life attending events like this.”
I leaned against the edge of the desk beside her chair.
“That’s fair.”
Selene studied me carefully.
“Tell me something honestly.”
“I always do.”
“Are they going to question me?”
“Some of them will.”
“Openly?”
“Probably not.”
She sighed.
“So they’ll smile politely while judging every word I say.”
“That’s the polite version of noble society.”
Selene shook her head slightly.
“I think I preferred the forest cabin.”
I laughed softly.
“So did I.”
She looked back toward the window.
“Do you ever wish things were simpler?”
“Sometimes.”
“But?”
“But if life were simple, we wouldn’t have fought so hard to be here.”
Selene considered that for a moment.
“You’re right.”
I straightened.
“Besides, you won’t be alone in that room.”
“I know.”
“You’ll have me, Emma, my mother… and at least a few council members who already support you.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“And John Thomas?”
I sighed quietly.
“Yes… him too.”
“Comforting.”
I couldn’t help smiling at the dry tone of her voice.
Before I could respond, the library door opened.
Emma stepped inside with her usual energetic stride.
“There you are!” she said.
Selene blinked.
“Where else would I be?”
Emma held up a folded piece of fabric.
“Preparing for the gathering, obviously.”
Selene looked confused.
“Preparing how?”
Emma unfolded the fabric with a dramatic flourish.
It was a gown.
Not just any gown.
It was deep emerald green, with delicate silver embroidery along the sleeves and neckline. The fabric shimmered slightly in the light, elegant without being overwhelming.
Selene’s eyes widened.
“Oh.”
Emma grinned.
“Mother and I had it prepared.”
Selene stood slowly and ran her fingers over the fabric.
“It’s beautiful.”
“I thought so too,” Emma said proudly.
Selene glanced at me.
“What do you think?”
I tilted my head thoughtfully.
“I think every noble in that room will forget how to speak when they see you.”
Selene laughed softly.
“That’s not exactly reassuring.”
Emma crossed her arms.
“Trust me, Selene. Half of those people are already curious about you. This dress will make sure they remember you.”
Selene looked down at the gown again.
“I hope for the right reasons.”
Emma shrugged.
“In noble society, attention is attention.”
She suddenly looked at me.
“Speaking of which, brother dear, the council is looking for you again.”
I groaned.
“Already?”
Emma nodded.
“Apparently trade negotiations never rest.”
Selene smiled slightly.
“Go.”
I hesitated.
“You’re sure?”
“I’ll survive one afternoon without you.”
Emma smirked.
“I’ll make sure she does.”
I shook my head.
“I’m suddenly less confident.”
Emma pretended to look offended.
“I am an excellent guardian.”
Selene laughed.
“Go deal with your council, Ace.”
Reluctantly, I headed toward the door.
But before leaving, I paused and looked back at Selene.
She still held the gown carefully in her hands, her expression thoughtful.
“You’ll be amazing,” I said.
She gave me a small smile.
“I hope you’re right.”
Later that evening, Selene stood before the mirror in her chamber while Emma adjusted the gown’s fit.
“It feels strange,” Selene admitted.
“What does?”
“Knowing that in a few days everyone will be watching me.”
Emma stepped back and studied the dress critically.
“They’re not just watching you.”
“They’re judging me.”
“That too.”
Selene sighed.
Emma softened her tone.
“But you know something?”
“What?”
“They’re also hoping to understand you.”
Selene looked surprised.
“Why?”
“Because the woman who captured the Duke’s heart must be interesting.”
Selene looked at her reflection again.
“I’m not sure I feel very interesting right now.”
Emma laughed.
“Trust me… you will.”
Across the estate, in the council chamber, I sat at the long table listening to another discussion about trade routes.
But my mind kept drifting back to Selene.
To the gathering.
And to the growing feeling that the coming event would change more than just the opinions of a few nobles.
Something about it felt like the beginning of a much larger game.
And in noble politics, every game had winners…
And enemies.