It was a soft autumn day.

Dutchess Aalya clutched her teacup softly, staring into the light orange tea.

"My Lady?"

Blinking, Aalya looked up from her cup, towards the handmaid by her side. The girl was new, and it showed as she nervously wrung her hands.

"My Lady, is the rea not to your liking?" The girl asked, and Aalya frowned in confusion.

"Oh," she realized, shaking her head. "No. No, it's fine, thank you. I'm just thinking, that's all."

The handmaid bowed her head. "Yes, my Lady."

Taking a deep breath, Aalya looked out towards the garden.

A wedding gift from the Duke, the garden was one of, if not, the most beautiful in the dukedom.

Still, Aalya could feel her eyes sliding over it all, almost in a daze.

Until she spotted someone.

Jerking forward, Aalya almost spilled her tea as she tried to focus on the person she was seeing.

A young man, with long blond hair tied back, and a dark green tunic over brown pants and boots. If it wasn't for the golden accessories, he might have looked like an ordinary person.

But Aalya knew him well.

"Neo?"

The young man froze and slowly turned towards her. He blinked, and then bowed lowly.

"Hello Mother," he greeted her, not looking her in the eye.

Aalya felt her brow crease. "What are you doing here?" She asked, concerned.

"Just came out for a stroll," Neo answered with a shrug. "I was unaware that you would be here as well, Mother, and as such, I will take my leave."

He turned to go, but Aalya sprung up, barely noticing as she spilled her tea. "No, Neo wait!"

Her son didn't turn around. "I have duties, Mother. I will see you at dinner tonight."

"Please Neo, just walk with me for a while," Aalya felt like begging, clasping her hand tightly in front of herself. "I promise, I won't take up much of your time!"

But Neo just shook his head. "Unfortunately, I will have to decline."

Feeling her heartbreak further, Aalya tried one last time. "Neo, please..."

"The weather is lovely today, don't you think?" Neo interrupted. "Enjoy your day, Mother."

And then he walked away.

Aalya felt as if the floor was pulled from under her feet. She didn't notice as the handmaid gently lowered her onto her chair, nor when the chattered teacup was quickly disposed of.

All she had eyes for, was the picture of her son hurriedly walking away from her.

"Yes," Aalya belatedly agreed. "Goodbye Neo..."