Maybe, it's because of the hormonal imbalance; or maybe, it's because the Duke is so warm. But I sleep like never before.

I even have a weird dream.

I know it's a dream because I'm back in Polis and because I can see myself from outside.

I'm sitting at my desk, scribbling something with a focused expression. I've never seen myself with such a face, though.

I lift my gaze from the paper and look in the eyes of the person walking in front of me.

«You're here,» I say, smiling brightly. It's weird, hearing my voice from outside. I didn't think it sounded so harmonious.

I get up from the desk and circle around it.

«This queen has almost finished,» I utter and I walk towards my point of view. I caress this person's cheek, and I feel my fresh fingers brushing against this face.

It's like reliving a memory that's not mine. I feel so confused, but the feelings in my heart are all so warm.

I try to think whom I could have looked with so much love, but I can't remember. I've never felt this quiet storm in my heart, this steady will to protect. Is this love?

The dream ends here, but I don't wake up till morning.

I wouldn't get up from the bed if I didn't need to change my undergarments. I notice a small flame in the chimney, and I add some wood not to let the fire die. The Duke must have got up to maintain it through the night.

I walk back to the bed and cuddle by his side, warming my freezing fingers and feet against him.

The Duke startles, waking up at the contact with my icy skin.

«Sorry,» I murmur, «I couldn't resist...»

I kiss his cheek and smile with a guilty expression.

«Why are you freezing?» he asks, rubbing my hands and then pressing them against his chest. «Did you get out of bed?»

«I did,» I confess.

«I'll tie you to the bed next time,» he murmurs.

«I won't do it again,» I say. I should have predicted the Duke's reaction, I was really too selfish. Yet, he's helping me warm up, even if he's angry at me.

«What will my Duchess do today?» he inquires, looking at me in a way similar to how I looked at the person in my dreams.

«I won't do anything anymore,» I comment.

I've done my monthly gathering, and I've fulfilled my tasks.

«Except for taking care of my Duke!» I then exclaim. There's no time limit for that specific task. «And I'd like to learn to embroider. I have so much free time that I should at least do something.»

«I thought you would like to rest for some time, you've worked hard all your life.»

«It's enough. I'm starting to go crazy. Also, I feel so alone when you're not here...»

When he smirks, I understand how my words sound.

«I mean, I don't have anyone to talk with.»

«Why don't you ask Martia to help you understand the Empire's fashion trends? Also, she will introduce you to some decent people. I have to finish the work that the Emperor entrusted me.»

«It sounds like an excuse, your grace,» I point out.

«Do I need an excuse?»

«No, of course not.»

The Duke kisses my forehead and sighs, beaten.

«You don't believe me!» he accuses. «But I'm working so much only so that my Duchess can have an assured future.»

«You destroyed my future, your grace.»

«I know, and that's why I will make sure that you have at least as much power as when you were queen...»

I blink surprised. Is that so? Will he give me power?

I understated him again when I thought he didn't know what I desired. It turns out that he knows me pretty well.

Am I that predictable?

«For now, just endure for some more. Soon, no one will dare to look down on you...»

I peck his cheek, remembering that I'm training him to do what I want. He's said something that I like, so I shall reward him.

«Let's have breakfast!» he exclaims and gets up full of energy. He opens the door to talk with the maids outside.

He glares at me when I move the blanket to get up, so I obediently put it back in place and adjust the pillows behind my back.

The fire is burning, so the room is warm. The Duke waits for the maids to leave two big platters on the table and a smaller one with the tea service. Then, he pours a cup and leaves it on my bedside table to cool.

He then brings one of the platters and places it on the bed next to me. Everything on it is still steaming, thanks to some kind of magic since the kitchens are rather far. I gulp, suddenly hungry.

I reach out for a croissant. It has the scent of butter, and it's so warm. I don't waste time filling it with jam, since it would cool down and lose this fragrance.

The Duke doesn't eat, but he looks at me while I sigh at the tastes of the food on the plate. There are even cinnamon cookies and some apple pie. Will the Duke think ill of me, if I ask to keep them for later? I can't eat all of this now, and the food that they deliver to me isn't this good.

«I'm glad that your appetite is back,» he sighs.

Rather than my appetite, it's the food that is awful. I've been used to eating the best bites since I was born, so it's kind of difficult to adjust to leftovers. I haven't figured out whose fault it is, but now I'm sure that someone is delivering the wrong plates.

«The Emperor set a date for our marriage banquet,» the Duke utters all of a sudden.

«Is that so?»

«It will be the evening after the Autumn hunt.»

«Is it all a scheme to make sure that you attend, Alexander?» I ask, tilting my head.

«Maybe,» he shrugs. «But I can't reject the Emperor, can I?»

«Indeed,» I nod, grabbing some grapes with big, purple globes.