I lean my head on Alexander's chest while peeling the fig between my fingers. I'm starving, but this ruthless husband of mine decided that I shouldn't spoil my appetite. It's almost lunchtime.

However, he allowed me to have some fruits in the meantime. He doesn't want me to faint because of hunger.

I wonder if it's time to start exercising, though. I should also improve my elasticity. If it wasn't for the hot water melting my junctures, I wouldn't have been able to fulfil my husband's demands. Will he try to repeat something like this anytime soon?

Maybe, I do have time to improve.

Another big problem is my stamina. Now, I'm literally exhausted. I'd lie down and sleep a few hours more if I could.

And my lower back has been scratched on the floor. I better remember, next time, to move to a softer place. I guess that's the reason why people do bed activities in bed.

«What is my Duchess thinking about with such a stern expression?»

I startle and remember that I'm still in the arms of a man that can read thoughts.

«I'm peeling a fig,» I mumble. Certainly, I can't admit what my actual thoughts were, right?

Even if he reads my mind, I won't confirm his intuition no matter what.

«We interrupted a conversation, before. Am I right?»

I blink and look at him.

«You're in the mood to talk!» I exclaim. He's indestructible! He doesn't get tired, ever!

I don't really expect an answer to my statement. In fact, my Duke stares at me with a dumbfounded expression. He doesn't utter a word but just examines my face, trying to find out what I wanted to say.

«You were talking about your acquaintances,» he murmurs, then.

Oh, he still remembers. It looks like I wasn't much of a distraction, after all.

«I asked lady Shannon Lynn and Anne Mary Wilhelm to come and have tea with me next week. I also invited some random people, and they all accepted so eagerly.»

«Thea, of course they accepted,» Alexander chuckles. I move my eyes on his face, trying to understand what's so funny.

«Why do you say so?»

«You're Lady Kyre, my dear. Anyone would accept an invitation from you.»

«Are you sure?» I mutter. Have I just worried for nothing?

«Positive. You're the most powerful woman around, right now. The other ladies will look up to you, and they'll soon imitate you. Just wait for the next ball, and I can guarantee that half of the guests will wear a dress similar to the one you wore this time.»

I stretch out my neck and peck his cheek. Then, I lean my head back on his shoulder and continue eating figs.

«Did Anne Mary say something weird, though?» my Duke inquires.

«Weird? She commented on my Duke a bit harshly, but I guess she was joking. She didn't look too serious...»

«She wasn't,» Alexander whispers fast. His tone is rather neutral, but I sense all his muscles stiffen all of a sudden. «You don't have to believe everything she tells you.»

«Is there anything I ought to know?» I mutter. Is it possible that my Duke had some kind of relationship with his best friend's wife?

«Jeffrey and I have known each other since early childhood. When he married Anne Mary, a few years ago, I was afraid his playful behaviour would hurt her. It turned out that she's even worse than him. A match made in heaven.»

I don't know whether to believe that there isn't anything worth mentioning. However, who am I to stick my nose in my husband's affairs?

«Why are you so afraid of what she would tell me, then?» I inquire.

«Because you're a bit naive and tend to believe people.»

I can't say he's wrong.

«I'm not as clueless as you think!» I exclaim, trying to defend my honour at least a bit.

«I know that already,» Alexander replies and kisses my forehead. His hand hasn't stopped caressing my forearm.

«Then why are you so scared that I'll believe a stranger just like this? I know you better now. I won't let anyone change my opinion of you. Anyone but you, my Duke.»

«What is the said opinion?»

«Do you enjoy my flattering that much?» I giggle. «I don't have the energy to praise you, right now.»

«Mhm, so you're not annoyed because of how I acted in front of your uncle?» he asks. His tone is now solemn, and his eyes are dark and sincere.

«It's your right, to decide who I can talk to.»

«It's not,» he shakes his head. «But I'd prefer it if you kept your contacts with your mother's family as rare as possible. I can't forbid you from meeting your uncle, but I can ask you not to.»

«I won't organise a revolution. I have no interest in it. I'm part of the Empire, right now. I'm also Lady Kyre, which means I owe to these people my loyalty.»

«So, do you accept your role?» he mutters, somehow uncertain.

«I do,» I shrug. It's not that different from being the Queen of a city if one doesn't remember that Kyre is very large. In the end, I have way more influence as a Duchess than what I had as a Queen.

«I'm relieved,» Alexander sighs.

«Which reminds me... Can I use my allowance to finance long-term projects on the territory? Can I invest in some business?»

«The allowance is yours, you can do what you want with it. Just, avoid breaking laws because it would be difficult for me to cover the tracks. Just launder the money before using it, all right?»

I lift a brow and crook my mouth.

«Seriously?»

«I know you'll manage, the same way you perfectly ruled over Polis. You were able to give your life for your city. It would surprise me more if you forgot about it so soon.»

«I won't do it behind your back,» I decide, in the end. It would be too dangerous and tiring.

«That's better,» he nods. «Is there anything I can help you with?»

I wonder if this is what lady Anne Mary was talking about. Can I really state anything, right now?

«I'd like to ride a horse, maybe outside of the castle. I'd also like to visit Kyre.»

«I'll buy you a horse, and we can ride outside together. As long as you promise not to get too far from me.»

«I won't run away just like that,» I chuckle.

«I'm not afraid of that. It's for your safety, Thea.»

«All right,» I shrug. Also, riding alone must be boring.

«Do... Do you like your clothes?» he then asks. He seems a bit insecure, which is so new to my eyes. «We can change them if you don't. There are a couple of tailors residing in Stoneyard. New clothes will take just a few days to be ready...»

«I like my clothes very much!» I mutter before my Duke can continue with his discourse.

His face regains colour, and he smiles relieved. He was so worried about some clothes, it's unbelievable.

«Also, the maids are very professional. They help me without invading my spaces. And they listen to me. It's so nice, Alexander. I feel safer here than in the capital.»

«What about your lady in waiting? And the Countess? Have they made things difficult for you?»

«Lady Lyana is wonderful, and she helps me a lot. Countess de Ruis is an odd character, but she's actually nice. But don't tell her I said so!» I start.

Alexander smiles, evidently agreeing with me.

«I don't need much, really,» I whisper. «But if I remember something else that I'd like, I'll ask you. All right?»

He nods fiercely, and I almost burst out laughing at the sight.

«However, is there anything this Duchess can do for you? I don't want to be a parasite, let me do my part!»

«You're already doing your part marvellously.»

«What do you mean?»

«You're taking care of the castle, you're organising gatherings. And you're also taking care of this Duke. What else could we need, here in Kyre?»

«I don't know,» I shrug. «I didn't really do anything to take care of you. It's usually the other way around.»

«You cured me when I was ill. You put in your efforts not to embarrass me at the ball. It's more than what I hoped, Thea.»

«I'm doing my best,» I whisper and look at my hands.

My fingers are now sticky because of the sugar from the fruits. I reach out for a bowl on the table and wash them.

«We have some time until lunch, don't we?» I inquire while drying my hands.

I turn back to my husband and observe how his grin widens. I wasn't implying anything with my words. Not yet, at least.

«No one will complain if we arrive a little late,» he says before circling my waist.

«If you say so,» I reply while rolling my eyes.