Chapter 61
At his office, the Duke slept on one of the couches. He was reluctant to go back to his bedroom since the mother of his children would be there to receive him.
Orland did not want his mood to be ruined so fast, so, to maintain the peace, he settled for the soft couch at his office.
Even though there were plenty of rooms in his castle, he did not want to sleep in a bed.
Afraid to wake up and find all that happened to be a dream... was not something he would allow.
Although he went through great turmoil, Orland did not want to forget anything of what transpired from the moment he met Marianne at the Guests Palace’s entrance. Through all the agony, there were moments that outweighed the grief with great delight.
How could he forget her beaming humanity in a dress that questioned her mortal existence? How could he forget the first hug he gave and received from his sun in more than a decade?... How could he let himself forget her childlike and playful attitude?
’Even if I forget... Even if it’s a dream... I will make it a reality.... My child lives and her existence is the most precious this world could have.....’
Falling into a deep sleep, Orland regained the energy used in nursing his daughter. With only a few hours of sleep, he managed to recover his vitality and, when morning came, he was already on his feet, walking to his bedroom to wash up and change the clothes he didn’t get to change for two long days.
When he was about to finish the last details of his outfit to go see his daughter as promised, Thomas came to him, with an unexpected letter.
*******
My sleep felt as if, one moment, I had only closed my eyes to blink, and then, it was plain morning on the other.
Thankfully, my body didn’t feel as heavy and numb after regaining consciousness a few hours ago.