A knock came. Bern entered.
He announced that the Kissell patriarch's younger brother and Lady Kissell had been waiting outside at the Viridian House, the duke's official residence in the capital. After the Kissells' manor had been raided by the Imperial Investigation Bureau, the rest of the family rushed to a provincial town. But the two had been staying at a resthouse for a week now.
Dorian didn't react.
Bern left.
Then Dorian looked at her, almost lazily.
"Come with me."
Nyasia's eyes widened. "I'm an unchaperoned lady alone with you, Rian. What's next? Robbing the treasury? Just tell me how many rules I'm expected to break."
His mouth curved slightly, as if her words had struck a mark—because yes, more rules would indeed be broken tonight. The realization made her frown even more.
"It's not us who's breaking rules," he said.
"Still—"
"You'll be veiled," he said firmly.
She scoffed.
So he pulled her up, making her body fell against his, then his arms went around her. That frustrating smile stayed on his mouth while she pouted. "Lady Rashet, have you already forgotten our deal?"
"Yeah, thank you for reminding me."
He exhaled, still smiling. "Could you not be so impossible to please?"
Nyasia looked at those deep, dark eyes. She knew this side of him. He was clearly scheming again. "Better this show's worth my time," she said stiffly, and only then did he let go.
...
VIRIDIAN HOUSE
Vanery still recalled the late Duke Izak Varyn's kindness. He was indebted to her father. Over long years, the two had been great friends, strong allies, and their families had met many times.
As a child, she had wandered freely through the Varyn estate. She had walked into the marble floors, gardens hedged high, and staircases grand and wide. In that place, she had decided her future. She would live there. One day. As a duchess.
Then the old duke died.
Five years ago.
And Dorian Alexei changed it all.
He was cold. Ruthless. He tore down the Varyn elders and took his title by surprise. She thought he truly hated nobility. He missed parties, shunned appearances, and lived like a wanderer who disappeared whenever he was wanted. Or traveled unknown place overseas.
Then, three months ago, he took over dukedom. He won battles, became a war hero, and bought properties. Among them the magnificent, towering Viridian House, one of the capital's most stunning architectural works, now his official residence whenever he'd visit the capital. 'I want that,' she thought when she passed by the house for the first time.
Strangely, during these weeks, he had grown less cold when she approached. He listened more. He even bought her dresses when they met at a silk shop. So she believed he was finally accepting his duty, ready at last to marry. To her.
Then a financial scandal broke about her father, and just like that, her dreams vanished. She remembered her father got so angry one night.
"Didn't I tell you to stay away from the duke? The emperor is clearly targeting us because you can't keep away from him!"
"That's not true at all. This is the princess's revenge, because he doesn't want her!"
"Fool!" Her father's face turned crimson. "If he wanted you, he would have proposed long ago. You've known him for years, but why has he never treated you well? Politeness isn't enough. You are too stupid!"
Her arms flailed.
"Why didn't you ask him to propose, Father? Is it really just about the emperor?"
Her father shook. "You think I can just demand a marriage out of him?" He looked at her with disdain. "That man has a woman! I heard he once called for a royal doctor a few weeks ago. A secret patient. But I know better. That kind of care is for a woman, Vanery!"
She stopped.
'Dorian Alexei has a woman?'
But she had never seen him with any woman. Who was this woman bold enough to seduce him?
"It's been an hour already, and the duke still isn't here." Her uncle's words snapped her back to reality. She and Dilon Kissell sat on a sofa in the main hall.
"He shouldn't make you wait this long," Dilon added. Deep down, he had to make sure they stayed in the duke's good graces. Who knew—perhaps the duke would eventually get past this scandal and still accept Vanery. Only then could he peacefully and profitably return to his lottery businesses.
"I'll just take some fresh air outside," she said, then left before her uncle could say anything.
When she reached the front lawn, she stood in a narrow pathway that was dim-lit while her eyes were fixed on the water fountain.
She had thought of this fountain every time she passed by Viridian House. Now, more determined than ever to make him hers, it was the quickest solution.
You'll be forced to, whether you like it or not, she thought. If I can't be a duchess, then I'll settle for being a concubine. I can plan any time how to rid of a sickly woman. And reclaim my place.
*