"BLONDE LIKE HONEY"

Aurora's Strategy and the Mystery Ahead

Preparations for Aurora Ritz's visit to Friedrich's family castle were in full swing. The Ritz mansion, already known for its meticulous routines, had turned into a hive of activity. Seamstresses adjusted gowns, jewelry collections were cataloged, and staff ensured every detail of the journey was accounted for.

Yet, Aurora herself seemed less swept up in the excitement than one might expect. To her, this trip was not merely a joyous occasion to solidify ties with the powerful Ritzhausen dynasty. It was a time for vigilance.

The words Friedrich had spoken during his proposal still lingered in her mind. He was sincere—of that she was certain. However, Aurora knew love alone wasn't enough to guarantee stability or security in a union that carried the weight of political power and legacy.

Above all, she was determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past.

The Decision to Commission a Dossier

In the privacy of her thoughts, Aurora relived the haunting memory of a past engagement that had nearly ruined her. A relationship that had begun in promise and splendor ended with betrayal and humiliation, teaching her a lesson she would never forget.

She knew that by accepting Friedrich's hand, she was stepping into a web of alliances, secrets, and potential danger.

One cold night, unable to sleep, Aurora stood by the window of her grand library, watching snowflakes fall softly onto the mansion's gardens. She resolved to uncover the truth before stepping into Friedrich's world.

She summoned Mathias, her trusted assistant, and Elisabeth, the housekeeper who had been more of a confidante than an employee over the years.

"Find out everything you can about Friedrich and his family," Aurora instructed, her tone steady but laced with determination. "I want every detail—connections, secrets, even rumors. Leave no stone unturned."

Mathias, who had conducted discreet investigations for Aurora before, gave a silent nod.

"How much time do we have, my lady?" he asked.

"You have until 12 hours before my departure," Aurora said firmly. "I want the report in my hands before we leave Ritz."

Elisabeth hesitated, her brow furrowing.

"Milady," she began cautiously, "are you certain this is necessary? Prince Friedrich seems like an honorable man…"

Aurora's gaze sharpened.

"Friedrich is wonderful. But I am not marrying only him, Elisabeth. I am joining a family whose legacy spans centuries. Families like that often guard their secrets fiercely. I need to know where I stand."

The housekeeper sighed, recognizing Aurora's unshakable resolve.

"As you wish, madam."

Mathias, already planning his approach, nodded once more.

"It will be done."

The Days of Preparation

As Mathias worked behind the scenes, Aurora busied herself with the visible preparations for the trip. The mansion's sewing room became a hive of activity, filled with bolts of fabric, sketches, and chatter.

"This gown must radiate elegance," Aurora instructed, holding up a swath of deep crimson silk. "But no ostentation. Subtlety is key."

The seamstress nodded, taking careful measurements as Aurora adjusted her posture.

Meanwhile, the grand hall of the Ritz was turned into a temporary staging area for the luggage. Aurora personally oversaw the packing of her trunks, ensuring no detail was overlooked. She instructed the staff with precision, her calm yet commanding demeanor setting the tone for everyone around her.

"Pack the emerald set," she told a maid, examining a glittering necklace. "It's understated enough for the first dinner but still impressive."

She glanced out the window, where frost glistened on the bare branches of the trees.

Conversations with Elisabeth

Between fittings and logistical planning, Aurora would retreat to the parlor with Elisabeth, seeking the older woman's counsel.

"Do you think Mathias will deliver the dossier on time?" Aurora asked during one such moment, running her fingers along the edge of a porcelain teacup.

"Mathias has never failed you, madam," Elisabeth replied, pouring a stream of dark tea into Aurora's cup. "But if I may ask, what do you hope to find?"

Aurora took a contemplative sip before answering.

"I hope to find nothing," she said honestly. "I hope Friedrich is exactly who he seems to be. But hope alone isn't enough to protect me from the truth, Elisabeth."

The housekeeper nodded, though her expression softened with concern.

"Don't let this search for answers overshadow what you feel for him," she said gently.

Aurora gave a faint smile.

"Don't worry. My heart is certain. But my mind needs clarity. And for that, I must be prepared."

The Eve of Departure

The evening before the journey arrived with a flurry of last-minute activity. The trunks were packed, the carriages inspected, and the staff awaited final orders. Aurora walked through the halls of the Ritz, her sharp eye noting the smallest details.

At the same time, Mathias was making his way back to the estate. In his hands was a leather-bound dossier, carefully prepared and full of the answers Aurora had demanded.

As the clock neared midnight, Elisabeth entered the library where Aurora sat, a book open but unread in her lap.

"Mathias is here, madam," the housekeeper announced softly.

Aurora felt a small flutter in her chest—not of fear, but of anticipation.

"Send him in," she said, closing the book and placing it on a side table.

Mathias entered moments later, his boots leaving faint traces of melted snow on the carpet. He held the dossier tightly, as though its contents were as fragile as the secrets it contained.

"Here it is, my lady," he said, placing the document on the desk in front of her. "Everything I could uncover about Prince Friedrich and his family."

Aurora gazed at the dossier, its weight metaphorical as well as literal.

"Thank you, Mathias," she said. "You've done well. Rest now—you'll need your strength for tomorrow."

Mathias inclined his head and left the room.

Elisabeth lingered, watching as Aurora traced her fingers over the leather cover.

"Will you read it now?" the housekeeper asked.

Aurora shook her head.

"No. Not tonight. My mind needs to be sharp when I read this. Tomorrow, before we leave, will be the right time."

She picked up the dossier, feeling the cool smoothness of the leather against her palm.

"Whatever is in here," she said quietly, "I'll be ready."

The Suspenseful Morning

The next morning dawned crisp and clear, with the mansion bathed in soft winter light. The carriages stood in the courtyard, their navy blue exteriors gleaming as stable hands made final adjustments to the horses' harnesses.

Aurora's schedule for the morning was carefully timed. She had instructed Elisabeth to delay breakfast by an hour, ensuring she had time to review the dossier in private.

She sat at her writing desk, the leather-bound dossier before her, still unopened. Her fingertips hovered over the seal, hesitating for a moment.

Would it confirm her hopes or unravel her future?

The clock ticked softly in the background as Aurora prepared to unearth the truths hidden within Friedrich's world.

The Mystery Lingers

As the hour of departure approached, the tension in the Ritz mansion was palpable. Staff bustled through the halls, unaware of the silent storm brewing in Aurora's mind.

She had always been a master of composure, but this was different. The stakes were higher than they had ever been before.

Outside, the carriages waited patiently, the horses stamping their hooves against the frost-covered ground. The snow-dusted estate looked serene, a stark contrast to the questions swirling in Aurora's thoughts.

An Uncertain Future

When Aurora finally left the library, the dossier remained closed, its secrets yet to be revealed.

She knew that once she opened it, there would be no turning back. Whatever truths lay within those pages would shape the course of her journey—not just to Friedrich's castle, but to the future they were meant to share.

For now, the mystery remained intact.

And with it, the promise of a story yet to unfold.