Chapter 3 The Daughter of Duke

Adel led the way, her posture as impeccable as ever, while Lady Octavi and I followed her towards the garden. I found myself studying my new tutor as we walked. There was an undeniable strength in her bearing, a confidence that was more masculine than what I had seen in the other females of the house. Her stride was long and purposeful, each step strapping and sure, a stark contrast to the delicate, gliding movements I was slowly becoming accustomed to. She carried a sword at her hip, its presence as natural as the tailored, tunic-like attire she wore. It was clear she was a warrior first and a lady second.

We arrived at the entrance to the garden, a grand archway woven with flowering vines. The garden itself was a breathtaking expanse of colour and life, a vibrant tapestry of flowers I couldn't name. In the centre, nestled amongst a riot of blossoms, was a white marble pavilion. A butler, having already received my father's orders, was just placing the final touches on a small table set for tea. The scene was idyllic, a perfect picture of elegant leisure, yet it felt as foreign to me as everything else in this strange new life.

Adel held my chair for me, and once I was seated, she did the same for Lady Octavi. She poured the tea, a fragrant, steaming liquid, into delicate porcelain cups. I took a sip, the warmth a welcome sensation.

"Lady Octavi, how old are you, if you don't mind my asking?" I began, feeling the need to break the formal silence.

"Not at all, my lady. I am twenty-one years old."

"And my father mentioned you attended the Palace Academy. What is it like?"

A thoughtful expression crossed her face. "Hmm... Does my lady have aspirations of attending the Academy in the future?"

"I have no aspirations at all right now," I admitted honestly.

"Well, the Academy is a grand institution," she said, her voice even and measured. "It is where the children of the kingdom's most prominent noble families are educated."

"So, only nobles attend? What kind of nobles?"

A flicker of surprise crossed her features, so quick I almost missed it. "My lady, you are aware that you are a noble as well, are you not?"

The question, though gently raised, felt like a slap. "I am?"

"Yes, my lady. The Aurelius family is one of the most distinguished and respected families in the entire kingdom."

A wave of shame washed over me. "It is a shame that I know nothing of my own family."

"It is not a shame, my lady," she said, her voice softening with a hint of compassion. "It is a side effect of your condition. Your father has tasked me with educating you, with providing you all the knowledge you need. He has explained your situation to me in full."

"If my father trusts you so much, then I will trust you as well."

"You can leave everything to me, my lady."

I took another sip of tea, the delicate flavour a stark contrast to the confusion in my mind. "Can you tell me about my family?"

"Of course," she began, her tone shifting to that of a tutor. "The Aurelius family has a long and storied history. The presence in this kingdom is as foundational as that of the royal family itself. The name 'Aurelius' means 'Golden,' and the kingdom has long referred to your family as 'The Golden Family'. This respect comes not just from your ancient name but from the family's renowned intelligence and strength. The very city we are in is a witness to that. Do you know its name?"

"I'm afraid I don't."

"This is the city of Florence, the heart of the Duchy of Florence. It is the most developed and prosperous city in the entire kingdom, surpassing even the capital. This prosperity is a direct result of the Aurelius family's governance. A family of such distinction holds a high rank in the peerage. Do you have any idea what that might be?"

"The peerage? I don't know what that is."

"The peerage is the system of noble titles granted by the kingdom. It is a hierarchy of power and responsibility. At the lowest rank is the Baron, who oversees a village. Above them is the Viscount, who often serves a higher-ranking noble rather than governing their own land. Then comes the Earl or Count, who rules over a county. The Marquess is tasked with defending the kingdom's borders. The highest rank of nobility is the Duke, who governs a duchy. The Aurelius family holds the rank of Duke. Your father is the Duke of Florence. And unlike other duchies, your family does not have vassals of lower rank to govern the counties and villages within your territory. The Aurelius family oversees everything directly."

The weight of her words settled upon me. I was not just a girl with amnesia; I was the daughter of a Duke, a member of one of the most powerful families in the land. "And what is your rank, Lady Octavi?"

She took a sip of her tea before answering. "My family, the Claudi family, holds the rank of Viscount. We are vassals to the house of Aurelius."

"So, you are my vassal?"

"Yes, my lady. The Claudi family has served the Aurelius family for generations. We are the sword and the right hand of your house. It is a great honour to swear fealty to your family."

"Well, I hope our personal relationship will not be defined by our ranks."

"As my lady wishes," she said with a small, respectful smile.

"Thank you. My father also said you are my lady-in-waiting. What does that mean?"

"A lady-in-waiting is a companion, a trusted advisor, and a protector. It is a position usually found only in the royal court, but your family's unique standing allows for it. In addition to being your companion, I am also your bodyguard."

"A bodyguard? Then you must be skilled with a sword."

"I can handle myself," she said with a modest shrug. "Whether my skill is 'great' is for others to judge."

"Would you show me? You have a sword at your hip."

A hint of a smile touched her lips. "Of course, my lady."

She stood and walked to an open patch of grass before the pavilion, her movements fluid and confident. She drew her sword, the steel glinting in the afternoon sun.

"I will name the stances as I demonstrate them, my lady."

She began, raising the sword with two hands high above her head. "This is the stance of Ochs, or the Ox. It is an offensive stance, focused on attacking the enemy's face and throat." She lunged forward, the blade a blur of motion, followed by a swift, diagonal slash that cut through the air with a whisper.

Next, she lowered the sword, holding it with both hands between her legs, the tip pointing to the ground. "This is the stance of Alber, or the Fool. It is a defensive, provocative stance." She gestured to her own torso. "As you can see, my upper body is exposed, inviting an attack. But to strike rashly would be a fool's mistake." In a sudden, explosive movement, she swung the sword upward, then horizontally. "From this position, it is easier to counter an attack and to move one's lower body."

She sheathed her sword and bowed to me. I clapped, genuinely impressed.

"I hope that was sufficient to demonstrate my skill, my lady. There are other stances, of course. If you are curious, I would be happy to teach you, with your father's permission."

Suddenly, a voice from behind her exclaimed, "THAT WAS AMAZING!"

We both turned to see Aurelio and Ophelia running towards us, their maids struggling to keep up. Aurelio ran straight to Lady Octavi, his eyes wide with excitement.

"YOU! What was that?"

"It was a simple demonstration of sword stances," she replied calmly.

Aurelio began to mimic her movements clumsily. "You went like this... and then like that... and then so fast! It was amazing! TEACH ME! HOW DO YOU DO IT?"

"Aurelio, you are being disrespectful to our guest," Ophelia said, coming up behind him. She lifted the hem of her skirt in a perfect curtsy to Lady Octavi. "My deepest apologies for my brother's behaviour."

Lady Octavi returned the curtsy. "It is quite alright, young lady Ophelia and young master Aurelio. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Octavi Claudi."

"We know who you are," Ophelia said, her tone a little too formal for a girl her age. "But we will introduce ourselves nonetheless. I am Ophelia Aurelius, and this is my stubborn brother."

"My name is Aurelio Aurelius!"

"What is your purpose in having tea with our sister?" Ophelia asked, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Your father has appointed me as Lady Aurelia's tutor and lady-in-waiting. It is my duty to accompany her."

"So you are the one trying to steal our time with Sister Aurelia," Aurelio accused.

"I am not aware of any theft, young master. If you and the young lady wish to join us, you are more than welcome."

With that, the twins joined us in the pavilion. As if by magic, two smaller chairs appeared, and their maids lifted them into their seats.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked them.

"Aurelio was watching from his window," Ophelia explained. "He saw you come to the garden with someone and informed me immediately."

"Yes! We came to rescue you from the person who stole you!" Aurelio added, pointing an accusing finger at Lady Octavi.

"Don't be rude to Lady Octavi," I chided gently. "Father appointed her. And Aurelio, didn't you just ask her to teach you something?"

"OH, YES! TEACH ME HOW YOU DID THAT!" he said, his excitement returning.

"I would be happy to, young master, with your father's permission."

"Really? I'll ask him later!"

"I can teach you as well, Lady Aurelia," Octavi offered.

"I will consider it."

"NO!" Ophelia exclaimed suddenly. "Sister Aurelia is to be a proper lady! With her beauty, she will be the jewel of the kingdom! She must not hold a sword!"

"But Ophelia," I reasoned, "Lady Octavi is a lady, and she is skilled with a sword."

"Really? May I ask you a question, Lady Octavi?"

"Of course."

"To be our sister's tutor, you must have a proper education. What is your background?"

"I am a graduate of the Palace Academy, and I am from the Claudi family."

"Sister Aurelia, the Palace Academy is not a finishing school for ladies," Ophelia said, turning to me. "It is an academy for those who wish to become knights."

"So you're a knight? That's amazing!" Aurelio said, his eyes shining.

"Aurelio, why are you so impressed? She is a knight, yet she is our sister's tutor."

"What's wrong with that, Ophelia?"

"A knight should not be tutoring a lady! It should be another lady!"

"Well, a knight can be a lady, like Lady Octavi," I said. "Father chose her, so there must be nothing wrong with it."

"But her clothes... they are a man's clothes!"

"But she is still beautiful, is she not? A true lady is beautiful in any attire."

"I think she looks cool," Aurelio said.

"See? Even your brother can see her beauty and her coolness."

"Whatever," Ophelia grumbled, folding her arms.

The four of us continued our tea party, the tension slowly dissipating as we enjoyed the cakes and the pleasant afternoon. We talked until the sun began to set, and then it was time for Lady Octavi to depart. Ophelia was still grumbling as she left, but Aurelio stayed by my side as we walked back to the house.

"Aurelio, you seem very interested in swords," I said as we walked.

"Yes, Sister Aurelia! After seeing Lady Octavi..." He began to imitate her moves again. "She was so fast... and so cool!"

"How about we ask Father to give Lady Octavi permission to teach you?"

"Really?"

"Yes, I will ask him."

"Thank you, Sister Aurelia!"