The next day, my eyes felt heavy, a result of a restless night spent mulling over various thoughts, particularly those concerning Keith. I sensed he was trying too hard, as evidenced by his increased physical affection. While I wasn't uncomfortable with his touch, I worried he was placing undue pressure on himself.
Honestly, I didn't want him to strain himself trying to change the bond we already had. I didn't want our sibling-like relationship to turn into romance.
I was also afraid of what others might think. In the end, people would assume their suspicions were right, that there really was something between Keith and me.
I hated having my life judged by others. My father earned his noble title through war. They all underestimated him at first, but he proved himself and became the ruler of Nerwine and now Nerwine become region with the lowest crime rate.
More importantly, I didn't want Father to be ridiculed again because of rumors that his daughter was having a relationship with her knight.
"I hate gossip and rumors."
I figured it would be best if I avoided Keith for the day. I didn't think I could face him. He was probably in the training room anyway—I saw Uncle Rajir heading there earlier.
The crunch of gravel announced a secretive arrival at the front gate. An unfamiliar horse-drawn carriage, its dark paint gleaming, stood out. I watched, hidden by shadows, as a man stepped down. Lord Xerta. His face was a mask of coldness, his tailored coat impeccable. Several figures followed. He moved with purpose, heading directly toward the Count's chambers.
"What's going on? He really came here?"
I hurried after him, trying to catch up. But his guards blocked my path. "Lord Xerta, please wait a moment!" I pushed through the crowd of guards outside Father's office.
"Leyla? What's wrong?" I saw Father, along with Secretary Yuvri, both startled by my sudden appearance.
"Ah…" I hadn't realized the door was still open, and I'd unintentionally caused a scene.
How embarrassing…
"Forgive me, Duke Helming. That's my daughter. It seems she just wanted to see me," Father said to Xerta.
"It's alright, Count. In fact, it's perfect timing—I have another matter to discuss. It would be best if Lady Leyla were involved in this conversation as well."
Every word out of Duke Xerta's mouth was cold, stiff, and serious.
"What does my daughter have to do with our discussion?"
"You know I'm still unmarried. The King's pressure for me to find a wife has become burdensome. Considering I'll be staying in the capital for a while for this new project, I've decided it's time to marry."
"I see… so you're planning a wedding. Have you found a bride?"
Xerta looked at me, still standing with my head bowed. "Lady Leyla…" I lifted my head. "I wish to propose to you. Would you object?"
What?!
Not just me—Father and Secretary Yuvri looked just as stunned. My face turned bright red. I couldn't even think straight. Why would Lord Xerta do this?
"Wait a moment, Duke Helming. I think this is a bit sudden. After all, you and my daughter only just met today…" Father stammered.
"Count Nerwine, today was not our first meeting."
Xerta stepped closer, his expression ice-cold. He stood beside me. "I want to marry Lady Leyla. I'm completely serious. But Count, are you sure you want to deny my request—especially when it seems Lady Leyla herself is decided to accept it?"
Since when?! I glanced up at him. This Xerta felt like a completely different person from the one I met yesterday.
"Ugh… I—" Even Father slumped in his chair, unable to respond, holding his head like he had a headache.
"Leyla, do you accept his proposal?" he asked, deadly serious.
It was the first time I'd seen him so solemn. Like I wasn't allowed to joke about this.
"I…" I looked back at Xerta, hoping to see a smile on his face.
"Consider how our marriage would benefit both parties—and even Count Nerwine. Of course, I'll give Lady Leyla time to decide. I'll be staying here tonight."
"I… accept," I said loud and clear. For some reason, I thought this might be for the best—for Father, to clear Keith's name, and to receive higher protection. I wanted that protection… from a Duke.
"I'll marry Lord Xerta, Father!" I smiled brightly, gripping his hand. At that, his cold face broke into a smile.
Let's make the best use of each other, Xerta. Of course, Lady Leyla, his eyes seemed to say.
"In that case, Father, you and Duke Helming can continue your discussion later. I need a word with him alone."
I led Xerta away from the room. Once we were far enough, I turned to him.
"Is this who you really are? Was the image you showed me before all an act?"
"You saw straight into my heart. I treat everything like business—including marriage. Lady Leyla just happens to be a good partner."
I stared at him seriously. Even so, he didn't seem like a bad man to marry. At least he didn't lust after me or obsess over my looks. And, well… he was handsome.
"I'll marry you. But I want a proper contract. I have conditions."
"Of course. I'll agree to your terms." He smirked.
"First, I want the wedding to be held in Nerwine."
"Not a bad suggestion. But we'll still live in the north. I can't budge on that. We'll stay in the capital for at least two months—I have matters to attend to."
I touched my chin, thinking. After getting married, I was no longer able to be spoiled. I'd be someone's wife.
"Second condition: I want to keep Keith as my knight."
Xerta looked displeased, cold and intimidating. "This is your chance to distance yourself from him."
"I still can't leave him."
"Do you love him?"
I choked. His question pierced me. But he was being sincere.
"Hah… not that I care," he said. "We're getting married—even if just for two years. I don't want rumors of an affair. Once the contract ends, do whatever you want with him. I won't care."
I fell silent. Xerta was terrifying. His words felt like poison.
"What's your third condition?"
"Ah… I want revenge," I said firmly. "I want to get back at Remy."
"Didn't expect you to be the vengeful type," Xerta mused. "But wouldn't Cynthia be a better target? She's always bothered you."
"What?"
"I happen to know what upsets her most."
I bit my lip. That woman scared me—her gaze always looked down on me. But how did Xerta know so much about my history with her? He lived far away in the northern province.
"Ah…" Of course. I remembered why she hated me: because the man who rejected her proposal then turned around and proposed to me. Because I was the sweet one he adored. Cynthia couldn't stand anyone being above her. Even when someone exclaim that i'm the most beautiful woman in the empire and not her.
"I'll help you take revenge. That happens to be my specialty."
Oddly, those words made me feel like I had real support.
"Host a tea party."
"What?" Why such a sudden suggestion?
"Cynthia loves when people suck up to her. Invite Remy too. I'll plan everything to make them swallow their pride. I even know Remy's fiancé. Imagine telling him that his fiancée does this every night... The deceitful Remy secretly goes to brothels and sleeps with various men."
Xerta showed me photos of Remy that made my stomach turn.
That woman's disgusting…
"Isn't this a little cruel?"
"Cruel? You're too naive, Leyla. This isn't even close to cruelty. Want to know what Cynthia's really done?"
Xerta seemed to know everything about her. Then it hit me—she always bragged about her connection to him. Said she was his fiancée.
"Aren't you engaged to Cynthia?"
"Ugh… you believed that too, Leyla? That was just another one of her lies. The King is fond of her, and she's close with the crown prince. But if she doesn't own something, she'll destroy it. I hate her." His face was stone-cold.
"So… won't marrying me just make her even angrier at me?" I stroked my hand, remembering some of the nasty rumors about Xerta. But now it seemed they were likely fabricated by Cynthia.
Maybe Xerta isn't even that cold…
"Alright, I'll start preparing the tea party today. I'll invite them," I said softly. "In return, you must protect me."
I looked into his face. "Promise me."
He gave a small laugh. "I promise—no, I swear. For the duration of our contract, you'll be under my protection." He kissed the back of my hand. "Lady Leyla."
"I'll have my secretary draft the clauses. Until then, let's part for now."
"Ah… you're right. I should get ready too."
"Two knocks."
"What?"
"That ring." Xerta pointed at the one on my finger. Since when did he put that on?
"Knock twice, and I'll come to you. Think of it as a charm."
I stared at the ring for a long time.
"Then, until later."
"Ah, yes…" I gave a noble bow.
Was this really the right decision?