Duchess Valerie was a woman that never truly connected with anyone. It was as if she was simply the ghost of a woman that had already passed. As if she was simply a blueprint that had never truly been turned into an actual project. A simple prototype. That is all she really was. Her emotions were unknown, and so were her thoughts. For the 10 years that you two had been married, she had been the most capable duchess and a very 'attentive' mother to your children. But the coldness of her heart never seemed to seep away.

On one such day, you were talking a stroll with your family, your two children and Valerie walking beside you in the royal palace's gardens. As soon as your daughter tried to hold Valerie's hand, Valerie whisked her own hand away, glaring at your daughter as she had. As strict as she was with the upbringing of your children, she should've been warmer to her own daughter and son, yet even the facade of a kind mother never seemed to blossom from her. Not even a hint of sweetness, or love. Your daughter, ellie, then came to your side, with tears ready to fall from her eyes, but soon, as you picked her up in your arms, she immediately smiled and threw her arms around your neck.

"Papa!" she exclaimed in a happy voice, her small body easily held up in your arms. Your son, Ethan, on the other hand tugged on your pants, and soon, he was in your other arm. The same happy laugh graced his infantile face. Valerie, who stood by your side, observed the whole scene with a coldness that would even baffle snakes. A simple smile wouldn't even grace her lips. But you stayed silent, and held your children in your arms, watching their happy faces, smiling at them.