I was surprised at his response, but I quickly responded to appease his anger.

"Please do not get angry with him, I was the one to tell him not to speak of it till now. Knowing will not change anything, there is no cure. I have a few matters to speak with you about and request of you." He calmed down at my reasoning.

I was relieved that he did not push further.

"Very well, What do you with to speak about?"

"I want to annul my engagement with the crowned prince." Everyone in the room froze at my answer.

The grand duke was the first to regain his composure.

"Very well, but I will have to speak to the Emperor about this matter."

"Yes, I would like to go with you when you do so. As for my other matter, I would like for no one else besides the people in this room and the king to know about my condition."

"What about your brothers?'

The grand duke seemed confused about me not telling Ethan and Seth.

"Seth is training to become a knight, and Ethan has his duty as a commander and heir to the dukedom. It will do them no good to know of my condition when nothing can be done, I want to at least wait until my birthday."

"Very well, is there anything else you have to speak about?"

"I would like to start a foundation that takes care of orphan children. You may of heard from the butler of what we talked about."

"Yes I have, but do think you are in a position to help others with your current health?"

The duke said it with a straight face but I could hear the concern in his voice.

"I wish to look back on life and be proud of it. I want to spend my life doing something that I love. I don't want to die with only a life lived for myself."

I began to think about the life I lived before coming here, I worked hard only to barely get along in life.

"Okay, I will allow it but you must put your health first. Just come to me when you need help."

"Yes, thank you father. Have a good day."

Although the duke was reserved, he was considerate and cared for his daughter. I felt mixed emotions receiving his love, but it was a good feeling to receive fatherly love. It was something I never had as well as siblings.

'It's a pity that her siblings don't seem too fond of the original Alina, but it's probably better that way. I shouldn't get greedy for what isn't mine.'

I pushed away my thoughts and rushed to my room.