Chapter 23
While Daphne was lost in her dreams, the door to her room quietly opened, and a small head peeked inside.
Jacquette rolled her round eyes around the room, scanning carefully. It was still early, before sunrise. No one would have expected a child to be awake and moving at this hour.
“She’s still not awake…?”
Hearing no response, Jacquette assumed Daphne was still sleeping. Without hesitation, she shut the door behind her and climbed onto the bed.
The bed was quite high for Jacquette, but not impossible to get on. After a bit of struggling, she finally managed to climb up and stared at Daphne, who was lying in the middle of the bed.
Her father—the Duke—had told her that Daphne would wake up after one more night.
“…Lies.”
She didn’t look like she would wake up at all.
Jacquette carefully observed Daphne’s face. She reached out and touched her cheek, then ran her fingers through Daphne’s soft, white hair.
The silky strands slipped smoothly through her small fingers.
Jacquette moved even closer and placed her tiny hand under Daphne’s nose.
“There’s no breath…”
She stayed like that for a while, hoping to feel something. But when she didn’t, her face turned pale, and she quickly pressed her ear against Daphne’s chest.
She was listening for a heartbeat.
Jacquette knew exactly what death was.
She might not know the word itself, but she understood what it meant when someone stopped moving forever.
At first, she heard a faint heartbeat… but then it faded.
Jacquette hurriedly grabbed Daphne’s hand.
It was cold.
Sometimes her hands were cool, but they were usually warm.
“It’s cold… What if Mom feels too cold…?”
Jacquette knew well that Daphne didn’t love her. But still, she loved her mother.
A warm bed, delicious food—everything she had came from Daphne.
And Jacquette was aware of that.
She didn’t mind if her mother didn’t love her, as long as she took care of her and treated her kindly.
Even just a little bit of attention was enough.
“I’ll keep you warm.”
Jacquette snuggled closer, tightly holding Daphne’s hand. After pulling the blanket over them both, she slipped inside.
She imagined Daphne waking up, smiling, and thanking her.
With those thoughts, Jacquette fell asleep again.
“I love you, Mom… So please stay for a long, long time…”
“Haaah…!”
Daphne’s eyes snapped open. She gasped as if she had fallen from somewhere, breathing heavily.
Sunlight filled the room.
Seeing the bright light outside, she realized she had woken up later than usual.
Still dazed, she turned over—only to be startled by a small face right in front of her.
“Jacquette…?”
“Mmm…”
For some reason, Jacquette was sleeping beside her, holding her hand tightly.
Hearing her name, the child mumbled softly and stirred.
As Jacquette moved, Daphne hesitated before awkwardly patting her back. The child’s warmth was comforting, making her feel drowsy again.
Daphne absentmindedly played with Jacquette’s tiny hand, and the warmth, the soft blanket, and the peaceful atmosphere almost pulled her back to sleep.
But then—there was a knock at the door.
“My lady.”
Daphne quickly sat up at the sound of the voice.
She hadn’t expected anyone to come inside.
“Th-The Duke…?”
“You were going to call me by my name.”
“Oh… Theo. What are you doing here…?”
“I came to wake up my sleepy wife and daughter, playing the role of a caring husband.”
Hearing Theo’s teasing words, Daphne cleared her throat and quickly fixed her hair.
“A little warning would’ve been nice…”
She hadn’t expected anyone to see her like this—right after waking up. Flustered, she kept touching her hair and face.
Theo watched her for a moment before chuckling.
“You don’t need to fix anything. You’re already beautiful.”
“I already know that.”
Daphne was well aware of her beauty.
To be honest, there weren’t many women in the entire empire who could match her looks.
Of course, Theo was an exception—he was even more stunning than she was.
“I came because Jacquette disappeared again. Whenever you’re unwell, she sneaks into your room to sleep beside you.”
Daphne nodded in understanding.
It made sense.
Who would dare enter the Duchess’s bedroom to check?
That must be why Theo always came to find Jacquette himself.
As Daphne nodded, Theo walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.
His presence reminded her of something from her dream.
[You have to love him.]
If love was something that could happen just because someone told you to, then she would have fallen in love with many people already.
Why did she have to love him?
She still didn’t understand.
“Jacquette, time to wake up.”
Theo gently stroked the child’s soft, round head. His voice was unexpectedly warm and familiar.
At his touch, Jacquette wiggled and slowly sat up.
“Mmm…”
Even though she was still sleepy, she didn’t complain.
Her tiny hands rubbed at her eyes, but Theo gently stopped her.
“I told you not to rub your eyes too much.”
“Okay…”
“And turn around for a second.”
“Huh…?”
Still drowsy, Jacquette turned her head—only to suddenly widen her eyes.
“Mom!”
Her sleepiness disappeared instantly.
Jacquette looked like she was about to jump at Daphne but instead just scooted closer, not quite touching her.
“You’re not sick anymore?”
Her small hands fidgeted nervously.
Daphne understood exactly how she felt.
Even adults would worry if someone was sick for three days.
How much more so for a child?
Recalling Theo’s earlier touch, Daphne hesitated before slowly reaching out and smoothing down Jacquette’s messy hair.
“Yes, I’m all better now.”
“Jacquette was the most worried about you,” Theo added. “I’d like to say I was second, but I think the maid you brought here was ahead of me.”
“Hmm, I’ll believe you.”
Daphne smiled lightly before pulling the servant’s bell.
Seeing her do that, Theo stood up from the bed.
“I’ll have breakfast prepared. Take your time getting ready and meet me in the dining room.”
“Alright.”
“Today will be a busy day for you.”
“I’ve rested enough. It’s fine now.”
“…Busy? Does that mean I won’t see you today…?”
A small, disappointed voice interrupted their conversation.
Jacquette tried to sound normal, but her drooping eyes and pout clearly showed how she felt.
For the first time, Theo and Daphne shared the same thought.
They both struggled to hold back their smiles.
Theo spoke first.
“Jacquette, you’ll be busy too.”
“Huh…?”
“Now that we’re in Anaxi Castle, you need to start learning about this place.”
“Then… can I do it with Mom?”
“It might be a bit difficult. Will you be okay?”
Jacquette hesitated for a moment. Then, clenching her tiny fists, she answered bravely.
“Yes!”
“Good. Then, shall we go? Your mother needs to get ready.”
“Okay!”
Jacquette reached out her arms toward Theo.
As if it was completely natural, Theo picked her up.
Daphne was stunned.
Jacquette asked to be carried.
And Theo just did it so easily?
“Mom? What’s wrong?”
“Something the matter, my lady?”
They both looked at her with curious eyes.
For some reason, Daphne felt… left out.
“When did you two get so close…?”
Jacquette didn’t understand the question, but Theo smirked.
“Are you jealous?”
“…You must be good with children?”
“I wouldn’t say I’m bad at it.”
His words were humble, but his tone carried a hint of pride.
Daphne pursed her lips.
Jacquette still didn’t understand and just tilted her head.
Right then, there was another knock at the door.
“I’ll take Jacquette with me. See you later.”
As Theo and Jacquette left, Daphne sat there, staring blankly at the door.
Even after it closed.
