They returned to the manor after a long day of shopping.
The moment they stepped out of the carriage, Duchess Elaine turned to the butler. "Prepare refreshments for our guest. And a room, in case Count Sinclair and his son plan to stay the night."
"Yes, Your Grace," the butler bowed deeply.
Reese took that as her cue to disappear.
She turned, sluggishly making her way toward the grand staircase.
"Reese Lewis!" the duchess snapped.
Reese froze mid-step, shoulders drooping in dread.
"You're going to leave without even greeting our guest properly? I swear, what am I going to do with you?"
Rielle giggled from behind. "Mother, let her go. I think she's reached her limit for the day."
Reese didn't argue—she never did. She merely turned her head lazily and offered Count Sinclair a small wave. "Hi. Okay. Bye."
Theodore blinked. "Ah… Hello."
She trudged up the stairs like her legs were made of stone.
"She's… unique," he murmured politely.
Elaine gave him a tired smile. "That's a kind way to put it."
Just then, Duke Fidel Lewis entered the room, surprised to see a familiar face. "Count Sinclair! I heard you were here. What brings you to my home?"
"I'm here on Abel's insistence, Your Grace. He wanted to visit again."
The two men began discussing trade routes and the situation in the west, something only they seemed to care about.
Meanwhile, Elaine watched her daughter halfway up the stairs… now clinging to the banister like it was a life support. With a sigh, she called, "Anne, help her to her room before she collapses right there."
Anne nodded and rushed to Reese's side. "Come on, my lady. Almost there. Just three more steps."
"That's three too many," Reese mumbled, already leaning into Anne's support.
When she finally reached her bed, she flopped face-first into the mattress and was out cold within seconds.
---
Since that day in the garden, Abel had made it his mission to visit the Duke's manor whenever he could.
"Father, let's go to the sleepy fairy's house again!" he'd say every few days.
Theodore, being the doting father that he was, couldn't refuse. And so, their visits became a regular occurrence.
Reese didn't exactly welcome the attention, but she also didn't chase the boy away. She let him sit beside her while she napped under the tree. Sometimes he'd talk. Sometimes he'd nap too.
The staff and even the Lewis family found it oddly endearing.
"She doesn't talk to anyone, but she lets him feed her cookies?" Suzette once said, watching the unlikely pair from the balcony.
"She lets him nap beside her," Naya added with a grin. "It's a miracle."
---
Months passed.
And soon, Rielle's wedding day arrived.
The manor was buzzing with life. Guests from all over the kingdom gathered to witness the union of Rielle Lewis and Claude Soleil.
There were elegant flowers, music floating in the air, and golden lanterns lighting the evening.
Reese? She was seated at the far end of the banquet, already half-asleep.
When the newlyweds came to greet her, Rielle crouched down in front of her sister and gave her a warm smile.
"I'm married now," she whispered. "We're moving to the Soleil estate tomorrow."
Reese nodded slowly. "Congrats. Don't forget to sleep."
Rielle laughed softly. "You better visit me. Or I'll visit you and drag you out of bed."
Reese tilted her head. "I'll think about it."
But they both knew she wouldn't. Still, Rielle leaned forward and gave her sister a hug.
Their eyes met. No words. But everything was understood.
---
Rielle left.
And the manor grew quiet.
Reese liked the quiet. But… maybe it was too quiet.
She lay in bed staring at the ceiling one afternoon and sighed.
"Is it sad that I miss her?" she asked Anne.
Anne smiled gently. "It's not sad. It means you love her."
"Hm..."
---
Abel's visits stopped too. Theodore and his son had returned to their estate after Claude's wedding.
And so, Reese found herself truly alone.
Until—
"We've been thinking," Duke Fidel said over breakfast one day, sipping his tea.
Reese blinked slowly. "Scary."
"Your sister is pregnant," Duchess Elaine cut in. "She'll need support. Someone to help her manage the household and offer moral strength."
Reese stared.
The duke continued, "We want you to go live with her for the time being."
"I can offer moral support from here."
"You barely leave your bed," her mother pointed out. "You're going."
Reese yawned. "Why not just take me with you to the territory?"
The duchess laughed nervously. "Sweetheart… What will you even do there? Lay on your bed all day, all night? Atleast help your sister, it's her first pregnancy and she needs you there."
She sighed. "Fine. I'll go. But if I die of exhaustion on the way, it's your fault."
And with that, they began preparations.
The journey was long. The carriage ride too bumpy. The road too loud. The sun too bright.
By the time they arrived at the Soleil estate, Reese looked like she hadn't slept in a month.
Which, ironically, was the most awake she'd been in days.