Instead of following my suggestion to leave the room, the Duke grabs my hands and kisses my fingers. I wouldn't be so bothered by this if there weren't so many people around us.

It was me that asked him to let them think that he favours me, but this is a bit too much.

Before he can touch my face, though, I stop his hand.

«The makeup is still fresh,» I remind him before the maids can start losing consciousness because of my rejection. They better get used to it, though. I start to feel bothered by their gasps of surprise and fear.

«Will you come with me at a public lunch, my Duchess?» the Duke asks as if nothing happened. Either he's very, very easygoing or he's used to being countered so often.

Up to a few days ago, he was an Archduke and an older cousin of the Emperor. He's still the next in line for the throne, so I don't think just anyone would dare to treat him like I'm doing now.

But I can't resist!

He started to play the loving husband, all of a sudden. What better wife for him than a vixen, then? It'll enhance his devotion even more if I'm untreatable.

«Am I worthy of being presented publicly, though?» I ask, remembering that he's still waiting for my answer.

«Everyone already knows who you are, so there's nothing to worry about.»

«That precisely is what I'm worried about,» I whisper, leaning my head closer to the Duke so that he hears me well, but the maids don't.

He straightens his back and turns to the maids.

«Everyone out, now,» he orders calmly.

The maids run out silently, while I start to wonder what have I done wrong again. I think about the conversation over and over, but I can't really find the point where I crossed the line.

Maybe I really should ask for an etiquette teacher.

Still, I don't think the Duke will kill me, so I don't start to panic. A thrill crosses my spine, but it doesn't feel completely awkward.

«What are you worried about?» Alexander asks when we're alone, and I lean back on the couch.

What a stupid question.

«I was the enemy up to a week ago,» I start. «I'm not sure I can bear all the glares and the bitter words... I had my fill with Countess Burbon's discourtesy.»

«Ah, so that's it,» he sighs.

Really?

«What did you think it was?» I inquire, confused.

«I thought that you were unwilling to appear at my side,» he says and presses my hand on his face. «It is my fault if you're not the enemy anymore, after all.»

«You were on your people's side, and you won your battles. In their eyes, you're a hero. I, on the other side, am the opposite. From the Empire's point of view, I'm the villain that opposed you.»

«Now that war is over, shouldn't we try to build some understanding? Polis did lose the war, but it doesn't mean that it has to be 'the enemy' now that it's over. I made sure the Emperor named a loyal bureaucrat as the Governor for the first years. He won't ruin the city because of greed or fanatic beliefs, and he won't mistreat the people because his purpose is to have a peaceful environment and high profits from the harbour.»

I split my lips in surprise, taken back by his words. I didn't think he would tell me what happened with what once was my kingdom. I thought I wasn't even entitled to ask!

«What happened to the military?» I inquire in a low tone.

I'm worried for the generals that helped me through the siege over the years. I'd like to know what's in store for all those brave soldiers that didn't flee in front of death.

It's the worst question I could ask but now is late to retract.

«The higher ranks were in forced retirement, while the recruits will join the Empire's army. We're still considering the options, but they will be soon sent to their posts.»

«Will they be treated like the other soldiers?»

«There is only one layer of soldiers in the Ethirian army, there are no second class corps. Also, all the people in Polis will become citizens as soon as the procedures are over. They'll have the same rights as the people from the Empire. I told you that we don't want the ruin of your city.»

No, they only want our freedom. However, I'm glad that there won't be retaliation against my people. They have me. If they need someone to spite, I am here.

«Thank you for telling me,» I utter, realising that the Duke might have broken some law just to hearten me.

«The lunch will start in the early afternoon, so we shall start with our business if you're willing to attend.»

I nod, realising how terrible I will feel if I reject him, now that he talked about my city. I'm beginning to think that he did it on purpose.

«What do you want to start from, Theodora?»

«You should first get dressed,» I remind him. He's wearing a shirt and trousers from yesterday, and no jacket. I wonder if he needs help to dress as I do.

«I'll be back in a minute, you think about it. All right?»

«All right,» I say, and I clumsily move my skirts. I fix them so that they don't get wrinkled while I sit more comfortably on the sofa.

«Patricia,» I call, and the maid runs in immediately as if she was waiting behind the door. «Do I have any perfume?»

«There are several, your grace,» she answers, bowing her knees and then running to the dressing table.

She brings me a few small bottles, and I sniff a couple until I realise that they're all similar to those I had in Polis.

I can scent different citruses, a couple with lavender, even some with vanilla... I choose one with the fresh taste of lemon, and I pass the rest to Patricia.

«I will use this, you can share the rest among the maids. I don't like changing perfume often.»

«Shall I prepare the bath salts and the soap with the same aroma, your grace?»

«No, use lavender for my baths during the winter and mint for the summer.»

«Mint, your grace?»

«You can use the one for tea, if you don't make soap with mint, here in the Empire. Just don't mix too many scents. You can go, now,» I finish, applying the perfume on my neck.