The night sky gradually darkened, illuminating the stars above us as we made our way to our designated room within the palace.

The corridors fell silent, with the subdued atmosphere hinting that individuals were likely retreating to their chambers following the tumultuous banquet just hours prior.

It is improbable that anyone would have the inclination to discuss the events of the evening, despite the night being young.

The day was rather mentally draining, and I can’t ask for anything more than a warm bath before sleeping.

However, I decided not to seek assistance from servants to prepare the bath for us because we had enough of people’s attention.

It’s unlikely for a servant to enter a room of a couple without sharing what they observed with others. It's not like preparing water, fragrance, and soap is a matter I can’t do.

Louvienne prefers to bathe on her own, as I do. It’s a perfect time to reflect on everything after a stressful day.

She stepped out of the bathroom wearing her nightgown, her hair still damp.

“I prepared some tea while you were bathing, so you can have better sleep,” she smiled to appreciate the effort, but I can tell from her eyes that she was exhausted from the long day.

One of the interesting things that I’ve noticed ever since we got married is, she can fall asleep as soon as her head touches the pillow.

We’ve been married for three weeks, and even though we sleep next to each other, it feels like there’s a big distance between us.

After spending approximately 20 minutes bathing, I emerged from the bathroom, fully dried. To my surprise, I found Louvienne still seated on the couch, leisurely sipping her tea.

"I assumed you would have already retired for the night," I remarked, to which she promptly poured me a cup of tea, extending a welcoming invitation to join her.

To my surprise, the tea remained pleasantly warm, despite nearly an hour passing since it was initially prepared. I found myself pondering where she had sourced the warm water from.

We sat in amicable silence, savoring our tea, until I made the decision to initiate conversation.

“The meeting with the dukes and the empress will be tomorrow, while you’ll join the tea party arranged by them. You’ll meet all the duchesses in the empire, and I guess most of them are twice your age. Will you be fine? You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

“I was just thinking about that while I’m sitting here, and I’m mentally prepared for it. Don’t worry, I won’t do or say anything that can tarnish our duchy’s reputation.” Her words are reassuring, but I hope I could’ve helped more.

Her recent responses to everything were flawless. She handled herself just fine the whole time we were here – from the moment we stepped out of the carriage, and entered the banquet, until speaking to the second prince.

All this time I’ve been worried that I should protect her or make sure she won’t do anything reckless, but she’s more prepared than I thought. She stood her ground and prove others that she’s the grand duchess as she is.

“Don’t stress yourself over it. Even if they’re Izavenes, they won’t harm you. It’s forbidden to use powers in the imperial palace unless permitted by the empress, after all. Judging by how you stood up against the second prince earlier, I know you can do it. I believe in you.” I smiled as I express my confidence in her and she returned it.

“I feel sleepy. We should go rest,” she gently put the empty cup on top of the saucer and headed to the bed. She turned her back the moment I lay down like she usually does, but I believe it’s time for me to stop feigning ignorance.

"Luvi, I'm sure you're still awake. Can we talk a little bit?" I asked, and she turned to the other side to face me.

“Alright.”

I paused to think of the words I’ll use to communicate my scattered thoughts. “Are you … uncomfortable with me?”

“A-Ah, that …” she avoided my eyes in embarrassment. “Was it obvious?”

“I’m not stupid and numb, so yes. I just don’t know how to say it properly,” I pressed my lips together as I realized that my words sounded mean.

“Don’t get me wrong, and I hope you won’t be afraid of me. I’m not going to touch a single strand of your hair if you don’t want to. The reason why I told you to sleep in my room back in the castle is simply because you’re my wife now. I … I want us to get close. I think I should tell you how I see you." I felt a lump in my throat as I process my thoughts.

I was expecting her to give any reaction, but I know she had her ears open because I’m sure she’s curious about it too. She knows more than anyone that I’m not expressive when it has something to do with my feelings.

“The reason why I kept on telling you to give up your desire to marry me was because I was afraid that I won’t meet your expectations. That maybe, I’m not capable to make you happy,” Louvienne's eyes widened at my words as if it was the last thing she was expecting to hear.

"People usually tremble like some scared dog whenever I make an appearance and are intimidated by my cold personality. So, I thought it’s best if you’ll be with a warm person who can make you enjoy life. A person who can make you laugh, someone who isn’t as serious as me, and more expressive with his feelings.”

Her blank facial expression makes me want to stop talking because I don’t know how she’s taking everything, but stopping now would cause more misunderstandings.

“In my eyes, you’re a warm field of flowers, and I’m a snowy mountain. So, I thought that you might regret marrying me because I might fail to make you happy, and I don’t want you to experience sadness in this marriage.”

Louvienne moved closer to me and reached my cheek with her gentle hand.

“You’re a weird overthinker,” she commented with a smile. “I won’t regret anything. Truth is, I noticed that each day, you’re spending time with me even if you’re busy. For the past three weeks, you joined me whenever I go out of the castle to go shopping. We walk in the garden and talk about trivial matters. You gave me excessive gifts, and you insisted that we sleep in the same room even if I first said that I'll be in another room. You’re busy with your position as a grand duke, but I see all your efforts to make the marriage work. I appreciate all those.” My cheek felt warm at her touch, but I’m glad that she knows I’m doing all those on purpose.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“As I watch you when you were sleeping, it made me realize how foolish I was for seeing you as a child all these years. I’m sorry about that,” I closed my eyes as I reflect on my stupidity.

“Seeing you reminds me of the new kid in the orphanage who can’t speak and write and I was the one who taught her how. All this time, I see myself as your older brother, and you’re my little sister. That’s why marrying you was overwhelming for me to take in at first.”

She pouted and rolled her eyes as I remind her of our past, and I can’t help but chuckle about it.

“Gosh, I wanted to think that you’re making fun of me, but I know you’re being honest right now. You’re so mean, but at least you’re honest.”

“… you have no idea how worried and pressured I was when you told me that you met my old fiancée. I had the sense of responsibility that I have to protect you at all costs, and I can’t just let anyone else do that. I wanted to make sure that you’ll be safe from her, and I thought of the worst-case scenario of what I’ll do if I’ll lose you. In other words, I know you’re someone I can’t afford to lose, that’s why I proposed to you and here we are now.”

I said everything that I'd been holding back on for the past month, and expressing those felt like a thorn removed from my throat. I don't have to stress what she’ll say because no secret can be kept forever. She’ll be aware of that one way or another, so she should know it from me.

To my surprise, I was enveloped with warmth coming from her embrace, making my heart race.

“Thank you for being honest with me, Ral. I’ll tell you countless times if I have to – I don’t regret anything, and my feelings for you won’t change. I didn’t love you just because of the things you’re giving me, but I love you unconditionally. You don’t have to do anything to make me happy, okay? Knowing that you’re by my side is enough. Also, I’m not materialistic. You don’t have to spoil me like a daughter who craves extravagant jewelries and dresses.” she said the words nonchalantly, and she took the words out of my mouth.

She professed her love for me, though I find myself uncertain if my sentiments mirror hers.

It’s something hard to comprehend and hard to express in words.

The last thing I wanted to tell her is … I want to learn how to love her as my wife, not as an older brother who wants to protect a child.

I returned her embrace and kissed her forehead. “Alright. I’ll keep those in mind.”

“Let’s be honest with each other like this from now on, okay?” she suggested, as she let out a short sigh and closed her eyes to sleep.

“I promise.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Upon entering the meeting room, I observed the absence of the empress and the second prince. The dukes engaged in hushed discussions, sharing various dissenting views, primarily centered around the empress.

While I maintained my silence, I couldn't help but overhear their conversations clearly, revealing unanimous disapproval of her.

Surprisingly, I found myself concurring with the dukes' perspectives for the first time, a departure from my usual indifference towards such matters.

The empress and second prince made their entrance in unison, with Eviona taking the lead as she settled into the central seat at the table, positioned to face the assembled individuals.

Despite her apparent effort to dress up for the occasion, her weary eyes betrayed her exhaustion, revealing a lack of rest.

“Good morning, everyone. I’m glad to see all of you here. Before we start the meeting, I’d like to apologize for the commotion that happened yesterday. I admit that my actions were out of line, and I guarantee that I won’t act like that twice,” she said the words in a well-rehearsed manner, but none among the dukes looked at her directly, as if she was a bright sun that would blind the eyes of those who'll have the courage to look.

“Well then, since none among you are speaking about the event yesterday, let’s start the meeting.” Doesn’t she mean, ‘since none among you are apologizing?’

Heh, this will get interesting later. As early as now, some of the dukes were self-conscious knowing how rude they acted yesterday, but a few of them kept our cool, including me.

“Grand duke, why don’t you start? Any news about Herzoyona Eskal?” she asked, and the second prince watched her reaction with a cocky smile. I can only think of one reason why he made that face.

“For the past two months, we achieved the goal of eliminating poverty. Nobody in Eskal is homeless, and according to the reports I received, people managed to get a job from the businesses that were approved to open. We’re not dependent on imported goods, as my people managed to produce a supply of food higher than the demand. Winter is rough in Eskal, and we’re in the middle of winter months. Gardening is now a part of the curriculum in schools, thus people are gaining knowledge on producing something from their garden, whether it’s big or small. I also required schools to teach Eskal’s native language, as it was removed during the first few years of colonization. I still believe that culture must be preserved, so students must study two languages – Marrossian and Eskalian,” I pulled out some documents for her to see the details of my report.

I'm sure that among the regions of the Ruivenfiere Empire, Eskal had significant growth.

My motivation for encouraging my people to learn the native language stems from the strategic advantage it offers in minimizing the risk of being comprehended by Eviona.

Her proficiency is limited to the Marrossian language, and despite her ability to perceive thoughts, individuals communicating in a blend of languages or in Eskalian remain inscrutable to her understanding.

When the right time comes, I’m going to restore Eskal’s former glory as a kingdom, not a duchy of the Ruivenfiere Empire. The second prince and I negotiated not to support Eviona together with the dukes, and once he becomes emperor, he’ll give Eskal back.

If he won’t do his word, I’ll do it myself by starting a war. I’ve already used my entire life’s worth of patience here.

Following my report, Eviona remained silent, and subsequent dukes proceeded to detail their duchy's achievements and areas requiring attention.

These discussions serve to facilitate the provision of essential aid from Marrossi, a request that I personally refrain from making.

As the meeting drew to a close, the empress rose from her seat, signaling the conclusion, prompting everyone else to follow suit.

Yet, before I could make my exit, Eviona requested my presence, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by the second prince, who held back a knowing smile, indicating the underlying reason for her desire to engage in a private discussion with me.

“Is there something I can help you with, Your Majesty?”

"I just want to do some casual talk. Do you mind?"

Eviona didn't look fierce like she usually does, but rather, her approach was as harmless as a sheep's. It's been a while since we saw each other – 16 years if I remember right. We were only teenagers back then, and it won't be surprising if she'll bring that up.

“Congratulations on your marriage. It's a shame that I wasn't invited to your unannounced wedding. It was unexpected since I heard rumors that you had no interest in marriage," she avoided my eyes as she spoke. "Lady Louvienne was the last person I was expecting you to marry because when I invited her to the tea party, she said she gave up the thought."

Louvienne gave up on me? Or she did say that to play safe?

“As you know, I’m not fond of attention. But I suppose you're curious about what made me change my mind," Eviona looked up at me, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Your Majesty doesn’t have to concern yourself with that. I indeed rejected countless marriage proposals, but my reason for choosing Louvienne is simple. We trust each other well, and I know her more than anyone, as we’ve been together since we were kids.”

My excuse is true, but Eviona is the main reason. I’m the only one who can protect Louvienne from her.

“I heard Your Majesty invited the ladies of Eskal because you were searching for ladies-in-waiting. Sorry to disappoint, but I will not allow them to decide on their own. I strictly told my people to consult everything that will involve Eskal and the Izavenes. I'd appreciate it if Your Majesty will respect my rules for my people, for they are my responsibility.”

I let out a sigh as I turned my back from her, but she held my wrist, tight enough to say she won’t let me go.

“I can tell you don’t want to keep this conversation longer, but I’m keeping an eye on you for one reason – you’re the fourth-in-line to the throne, and since Azriel isn’t here, it makes you the third.” I grabbed my hand away with force, and she gritted her teeth at my response.

“You don’t have to be worried about that. I may be the grand duke, but I have no interest in your throne. But I do know why your mother chose me,” Eviona’s eyes widened, and I only returned a confident grin. “Because I have something none among the empire have.”