By afternoon, Janette's family had arrived, their carriage bearing the Cassio crest standing proudly in the courtyard. She composed herself before walking down to greet her family, her gown swishing softly with every step.
The great hall was alive with echoes of voices. Her father, Grand Duke Alexandro Cassio, stood tall by the hearth, his frame still commanding despite the silver streaks in his dark hair. His presence always drew respect without effort. He turned as she entered, his stern features easing into the faintest smile.
"Janette," he greeted warmly, extending his hand. "It has been too long, my child."
She curtsied lightly before stepping into his embrace, something she allowed only with him. "Father. Your visit is an honor, as always."
Beside him, Damian, her elder brother, inclined his head in a protective manner that needed no words. Lucas, her younger brother, barely waited a breath before rushing to her.
"Janette!" Lucas exclaimed, pulling her into a quick hug, his boyish grin lighting the hall. "You look so grand in green. Like a jewel!"
Janette smiled at his earnestness. "Lucas, you should learn to greet more politely."
"Nonsense," Damian said, though a faint smirk softened his strict tone. "Let the boy have his joy. We see too little of it in these halls."
Their reunion, however, did not pass without interruption.
From the grand staircase descended her stepmother, Lady Cassandra, draped in silk the shade of pale lavender, her every movement deliberate and calculated. Behind her followed Vivian, her daughter, with a haughty tilt of the chin, and Trevor, whose smug smile carried more arrogance than his years justified.
Lady Cassandra's gaze swept Janette from head to toe, her lips curving into a smile that was pleasant only at first glance. "My dear Janette," she drawled, "I had almost forgotten how simply you dress. Truly, it is remarkable how you manage to appear so… modest, even as a Duchess."
Janette's fingers twitched, but she offered a calm courtesy. "Dearest mother, you honor me with your visit."
Vivian tittered behind her fan. "Modest? I would have said plain. Though I suppose plainness can be charming, in its own quiet way."
Trevor leaned against the railing, smirking. "Quiet indeed. I often wonder if the court remembers she exists at all."
Lucas bristled, his youthful face flushing red. "You have no right to speak so!" He turned to Janette, puffing his chest. "Don't listen to them. You're the Duchess! Everyone knows you."
"Lucas," Damian said sharply, his protective gaze sweeping over Trevor and Vivian with disdain. "Enough of this petty talk. Janette owes none of you explanations for how she carries herself."
But Lady Cassandra was relentless. "Oh, Damian, always rushing to defend her. How touching." She turned her sharp eyes back to Janette. "But he is right about one thing. The Duchess of Lionhart should shine brighter. Appearances, my dear, matter more than any ledger or household affair you busy yourself with. A woman must dazzle, or risk fading into the shadows of more… radiant company."
The words struck like thorns, and Janette knew exactly what she meant. Being unloved by her husband and having no heir to actually hold her position together as duchess, it was already devastating for her and at any moment, she feared being replaced by her husband to someone who he would actually love.
But I'm sure, Killian would never do something like that. He's a man of great righteousness and his loyalty to the empire is unmatched... I can't doubt him over some petty remarks by my step-mother.
Janette straightened her shoulders. "Radiance is measured differently by different eyes. I would rather be simple and steady, instead of trying to always seek the attention of the on-lookers."
Her stepmother's lips curved in mock amusement. "Ah, steady. Such a noble word for dullness."
Alexandro's deep voice cut through the tension. "Enough, Cassandra. Janette carries herself with dignity, and that is what matters. It is better to be remembered for one's honor than one's vanity."
The grand duke's words silenced the room for a heartbeat, but Vivian quickly broke it with a sigh.
"Still, Father, appearances do matter. What use is dignity if no one sees it?"
Damian's eyes narrowed. "Better unseen dignity than loud foolishness."
Trevor muttered under his breath, "Better still if the Duchess had an heir. Then perhaps the court would speak less of her failings."
The remark sliced through the air. Janette's heart clenched, though her face betrayed nothing.
"Trevor!" Lucas snapped, stepping forward. "Take that back!"
"Or what?" Trevor sneered. "You'll pout at me until I repent?"
Lucas sputtered, fists balling. "I— I'll do more than that—"
"Enough!" Damian's voice thundered, and both boys froze. He stepped between them, his tall frame commanding obedience. "This hall will not be turned into a squabble. Trevor, hold your tongue before I see it silenced myself."
Trevor paled but muttered, "Yes, brother."
Damian was the commanding figure next only to his father at home. His protectiveness for his sister and his care for his younger brother, Lucas, knew no bounds.
Janette lifted a hand gently. "Lucas, Damian… it is fine. Let them speak. Words reveal more about the speaker than the one they wound."
Her father looked at her with quiet pride. "Well said. You remind me of your mother in that moment, Janette. She too knew when to fight and when to rise above." His hand settled firmly on her shoulder.
"Do not let their jabs shake you. You are a Duchess, but you are also a Cassio. Strength is in your blood."
Janette bowed her head slightly, comforted by his steady presence. "Thank you, Father."
Lady Cassandra sniffed delicately. "Strength may be in her blood, but elegance is in her duty. And tell me, Janette, do you plan to attend Countess Elvina's gathering this evening without your husband again? I don't even remember the last time he came to any event with you. I do hope the court does not interpret his absence as… neglect."
Janette's hands tightened around her silk gloves. "The Duke is occupied with matters of state. I will attend in his stead."
"How noble," Vivian said sweetly, her smirk betraying her delight. "To walk alone into a hall where whispers already call you abandoned."
Damian stepped forward, his voice icy. "Vivian. I suggest you mind your tongue before you disgrace yourself further."
But Janette surprised them by speaking herself. Her voice was calm, steady, each word deliberate. "Let them whisper what they wish to. If the court sees me as abandoned, then let them also see how I endure. Whispers fade, but strength endures."
Her father's eyes glowed with approval. "That is the spirit of a true Cassio. Never forget it."
Lucas tugged at her sleeve suddenly, his young face earnest. "Janette, will you promise me something?"
"What is it?" she asked softly.
"That no matter what they say, you won't stop smiling. Because when you smile, the room feels brighter. Even Trevor and Vivian can't take that away. Nobody can."
Janette's lips curved faintly, the warmth of his words easing some of the ache inside her. "I promise, Lucas."
Trevor rolled his eyes, muttering, "How sentimental," but Damian's warning glance silenced him once more.
The air in the hall remained tense, but Janette carried herself with quiet composure. She had long since grown used to her stepmother's barbs and her step-siblings' disdain, but today, her father's words lingered in her heart like a shield.
As the family began to disperse for the afternoon meal, Alexandro walked beside her, speaking low so only she could hear. "Remember, Janette, when the world seeks to diminish you, rise taller. And if the Duke fails to stand by your side, then stand twice as strong. You were born for more than shadows."
Janette nodded, swallowing the ache that had risen again when she thought of Killian's absence that evening. "I will remember, Father."