I've just finished the tea party with my new acquaintances. Shannon Lynn left first, holding the books in her arms like a treasure.

She bowed less elegantly than the others, but she was sincerely happy for the tomes I lent her.

Anne Mary, on the other side, left as last. She stayed and chatted with lady Lyana and me for the whole afternoon, even when the other noblewomen I invited deemed it proper to go.

No one proposed to play cards, which made me understand that my Duke has performed another trick on me.

However, in the end, I've made a decision about what to do with part of the money. I'll employ teachers for the children in small villages.

I sit next to the fire and scribble on a paper with a pencil.

I have to find out how much teachers are paid to calculate how many I can employ.

Also, I'll need to understand what is more crucial among simple math and reading or writing.

I learned to do both when I was little, so I can't understand how difficult life can be for people that aren't alphabetised. I hope I'll find good teachers to explain that to me. I'm not even sure how long I will be able to carry on this project. It's better if I keep the costs in check, for now.

When the door opens, I don't even turn to Alexander. He sees the paper and pencil, and he doesn't disturb my work. He changes his clothes and only then sits next to me.

 «What are you doing?» he inquires curiously.

«Planning how to squander your money,» I reply.

«Oh, good.»

«Any suggestions?»

«I know you'll make the best decision,» he chuckles. Then, he circles my waist and pulls me in his arms. «Would you like to come with me tomorrow?»

«Where to?»

«It's the Vintage Festival.»

«Vintage as in grape harvest? Isn't it late for that?»

«It just ended, and people will soon start brewing wine. When I find the time, I visit some of the villages around here. We don't need to go too far, but it's nice to change our views, right?»

«Oh, I like wine,» I nod. «How long does it take?»

«A few weeks, my Duchess.»

«So, we're drinking the last bottles of last year, right?»

«No, it's not right. There are still plenty in the cellar, but I'm keeping the best for special occurrences. After all, they're from the year we got married.»

«So, what about the wine that is going to be made this year?»

«I'll save plenty of that since it will be the first after my wife's arrival.»

«You're saving bottles every year,» I chuckle.

«More or less, but they're not all equally special.»

«So, where are you bringing me tomorrow?»

«To my wineries.»

«You have wineries? Haven't you said you visit random villages?»

«Never said random. However, I do possess some vineyards. I can't provide for my family with taxes alone.»

«Mhm, and what other industries do you have your hands in? I'm asking because I don't want to make concurrence. I'm not that brutal,» I exclaim. Even though I can't really afford to battle with my Duke right from the start. I need to secure the business first.

«I have plenty. Why don't you tell me what you're interested in, and I'll back off from the sector.»

«That isn't right, you were there way before me. And also, you're giving work to people!»

«Then I can let you hold the reins. What sector is my Duchess interested in?»

«Printing houses.»

«I don't have one,» he sighs. «I haven't opened any because I had difficult years, and I couldn't afford all the expenses related to it.»

«What about Kyre in general?»

«There aren't daily newspapers. Only weekly reports from the capital. Also, there are a few artisans printing books here and there, but nothing like a guild or a company.»

«All right,» I nod. «I'll think about it, then.»

«You don't need to rush.»

«I know, but I can't stay jobless like this!»

«You do have a job, wife.»

«This job leaves me tons of free time during the day,» I shrug. «It's a bit boring.»

«Boring?»

I nod, and my Duke tightens his clench.

«Shall I show you how boring it can be, to be my Duchess?»

«Yes, of course,» I giggle. «But I'll just remind you that I said during the day. I've never commented on night-time.»

«So?»

«So, you don't need to be too harsh with me.»

«I've never wanted to be harsh.»

«You have!»

«Oh, well, maybe,» he shrugs. «What if I am harsh? My wife isn't a scaredy kitten. She'll bear my temper as always.»

«What temper?» I mutter. «You always talk big, but you give up and let your wife go unscathed. You're too meek with me.»

«Thea, you're asking for it...»

«Maybe,» I chuckle. «Or maybe, you weren't too clear when you told me to behave. You need to be more convincing!»

«Mhm?»

At least, I've finished my tasks for today. I let the paper I'm working on slip on the table, and I turn back to focus only on my Duke.

«What game are we going to play, tonight?» he asks, breathing on my neck.

We've started playing games before sleeping. Well, it rarely ends up in sleeping, but it's fun. I've understood how cards work, so I often have a chance to stare at my husband getting rid of a place of clothing at a time. I only manage to last a round or two after he's taken off his shirt, and I always throw away the cards and jump in his arms shortly after that.

He didn't complain even once about it. Also, I can't understand why he isn't using my evident lack of focus to win the game.

On the other side, I noticed that he loses it when I take off my socks. Maybe, it's because I lift the gown and let him look at my skin while slowly rolling down the wool.

After I caught his glance for the first time, I always chose to get rid of socks even before the belt or any other accessory.

After doing so for a couple of times, I don't even feel shy about it.

Our games always start with my Duke way more dressed than me while I often have my nightgown and socks, and they end when I start getting bored by winning.

I now understand the rules and have a personal strategy. And my husband pouts in such an adorable way every time I win.

We tried playing chess too, but cards are indeed more entertaining. The insecurity given by the chance of getting good or bad cards is thrilling, and I have to take into account that fate has its way of unfolding events.

«Is a game really necessary to make your wife undress?» I inquire. «She's a bit spoiled, my Duke.»

«I know,» he sighs.

«You should discipline her before she becomes even more naughty.»

«I know that as well, but I can't bring myself to be cruel with her. Especially when she stares at me with her big eyes and begs me to spare her.»

«When have I begged for what?» I wince. I don't beg! I just ask a bit more nicely, when I really really can't keep going anymore.

«Hmm, now that I think about it, I should make you do that,» he nods.

«Do what?»

«Beg for me,» he reveals in a whisper.

Before I have time to make up my mind and split from him, his hands caress my thighs and slip under the socks. After looking at me taking them off for so many days, he can finally do it himself.

«Don't be too cruel,» I pout, and Alexander grins devilishly.

I'm relieved that all the exercising I did in secret is paying off, though. I'm now more resistant to fatigue.

«This Duke is not cruel,» he replies with a somehow childish expression. «This Duke is lazy.»

«Oh,» I exclaim. Alexander is really going to make me beg.

«So, my Duchess has to put in some efforts,» he continues.

Maybe I can get through this without losing my dignity.

«That's only if my Duchess isn't tired. I don't want to strain my wife. She's so delicate, after all...»

«Don't worry,» I stop him before he can go overboard with his provocative words. «This Duchess will take care of her husband.»

«Will you?»

I nod with an expression that is so convinced that Alexander chuckles. He releases me just to let me sit more comfortably, and I untie his shirt one button at a time. I don't have any rush, and I look at my Duke in the eyes while slowly moving my fingers down.

This is something else that changed in these last days: I've started paying more attention to my husband. It's not just him pleasuring me anymore, but we're now exploring each other together.

And by exploring, I mean following my Duke's weird ideas with devotion and curiosity.

I put my hands on his shoulders and look directly in his eyes.

«Let's stay on the couch,» I whisper. The fire is burning in the chimney, and a cup of wine is waiting for me on the table.

The bed is too far, and this place is cosy and warm.