We haven't shared the bed in more than a week, is that right? Mhm... More than a week, indeed.

Well, we've slept in the same room, on the same bed. But nothing more than sleeping.

I can't afford to act like a bad wife just because I'm angry. Also, it would have the drawback to make my Duke concede only because of lust. He wouldn't open up to me because he wants to, or because he understood that it's crucial to me. He would do it just to have me back.

Or he would search for other women. I can't overlook this possibility.

The fact that he was loyal up to now doesn't mean he'll stay like this for his whole life. It won't happen after a few days, but he'll get tired if I act like this for months.

By the way, physical intimacy is the only reason why I can accept to keep him by my side. He'll have to work hard if he wants all the rest.

«Are you hungry?» Alexander asks, showing me the food on the table.

«Not much,» I reply and sit on the bed. I've already had dinner to avoid sharing a table.

«How long are you going to sulk, Thea-odora?» he asks, correcting himself just in time.

«Until you don't understand my point of view.»

«I do understand.»

«Then why do you insist on fleeing from me? You aren't even looking at me, right now!»

«Just think of me as a crazy man. That would be easier for both of us.»

«Crazy people have crazy logic, but they do have logic. There are motivations behind their actions and thoughts in their head. That wouldn't solve it, Alexander.»

«Maybe, one day I'll tell you all. Who knows? I could find the courage to open up my heart to you.»

«Your heart? I just want to know your reasons, not your emotions. You can keep them for yourself if it bothers you so much to talk it out.»

«Why are you so insistent on this? Do you actually care?» he mutters, slightly annoyed.

«Because I'm your wife,» I point out. «I'm insisting because I can.»

I glance at the lower table next to the sofa and notice, only at this moment, two papers on it.

«What are those?» I inquire.

«I've prepared two divorce agreements. You should check if the conditions are satisfying. After you do, I'll sign.»

Divorce?

I clench my fists and straighten my back. I can't let it happen.

«You can keep both the copies, I have no use of them,» he continues. «It will be a convenient way to threaten me.»

What threatens? Whom? Who?

«What are the conditions?»

«I'll let you go if you ask me to. You'll be free to stay whenever you want, and I'll provide you with enough money to live in luxury. I repeat, only if you ask.»

Oh, so he's not throwing me away. Yet.

«What does it mean? Aren't you disowning me?»

«No, I'm giving you freedom. Isn't that what you wanted? Once the condition is met, the only thing keeping you here will be your will.»

«Sounds too alluring to be true. What's the condition?»

«Give me an heir.»

«A child? All right,» I nod. «That sounds reasonable. The only drawback is that I won't leave Stoneyard and abandon my child. I don't want to be that kind of mother.»

«I'm not asking you that, Theodora. You can bring our son with you.»

«And what if it's a daughter?» I challenge him.

«It will be a son,» he replies with a certain tone. Oh, for goodness, how can he be so sure about something like this? Is his self-esteem really this high?

It will be so hilarious if it is a daughter. I don't even care if he won't love her as much as a son, I would love her in his stead.

He just needs a lesson from fate, damn it! Such arrogance!

«It needs to be a son,» he shrugs, then. «I said an heir, not a child.»

Ah?

«Daughters don't have any right on their father's legacy?»

«No, they have dowries. That's all. Only special circumstances allow for exceptions. Also, every exception needs his majesty's formal approval.»

«We could ask his majesty that...»

«And he would be so happy to permit the end of a marriage he personally declared.»

Right. Forgot about that detail.

«So, if we have a daughter, we'll need to have another child,» I consider.

«You don't have to worry about that. As I said, it will be a son.»

«Can you at least hide that proud smile?»

«As my wife wishes.»

It's the first time we talk about children, and it happens in front of a divorce agreement. What a sign of luck...

«I don't believe you when you say you'll let me bring the children with me.»

Because I want two. Before divorcing, I want two children.

I won't be able to remarry after this, so I better use my husband to the fullest.

«The next Lord of Kyre will take my place only after my death. I'm sure you'll manage his education in the best way. I just ask to see him from time to time.»

«Your heir,» I mumble. What about the other children?

Maybe three is a better combination.

«Any child I have with you.» Alexander smiles.

After all, he said I would be free to leave. Not forced. We will definitely have at least two children.

«Fine.» The conditions aren't too bad.

He signs the documents and brings them to me.

«Here you are,» he whispers.

«Leave them on the table, I'll find a safe place tomorrow,» I say.

Now, there is something else to do.

«Then, come here,» I order.

«What for?»

«We have some work to do,» I remind him.

He just signed a contract with the condition to have a baby together. What is he waiting for? He won't avoid me just to keep me here forever, will he?

No, he indeed needs an heir.

«That's not what I was aiming at,» he says, clearly displeased.

«Oh, don't think too hard into it. I'm still angry at you.»

«Yet you're willing to make love...»

«Who said to make love?»

Even though he's resisting so much, every step brings him closer. His fingers are itching to touch me, so he'll finally concede.

«This isn't love-making. Just fulfilling one's duty.»

«Who is fulfilling their duty?»

«Both of us,» I chuckle. «Come on, don't you have any hurry? I want to sleep.»

He stops suddenly and opens his eyes wide.

«You're messing with me, Theodora.»

Oh, at least he's following my wishes. I like this obedient Duke more.

An overbearing one is cool and exciting, but it gets tiring to stay by his side. The man in front of me, though, is quite pleasant to deal with.

When he crosses his arms and frowns, I almost burst out laughing.

«What's the matter, now?»

«You're cruel.»

«You are more, so don't complain. Do you want this Duchess or not? Just decide.»

«I'm more concerned about your real intentions, my Duchess. Will you accuse me once again that I don't value you if I do what you want? Is it even something you want?»

«Who cares? I'm fulfilling my duties.»

«I care.»

He sits next to me, on the left. It's all well planned so that he can use his right hand to rub my back. He's trying to reassure me while keeping some distance.

«Even women have their needs,» I explain, trying to sound innocent and pure. «Technically, it's also your duty to make your wife happy and pleased. You haven't done it in so long!»

«I was afraid my wife would bite my hand off if I tried.»

«Listening to you, one might think that woman is a savage.»

«Ah, no. She's cute and elegant.»

Is he trying my hidden technique for soothing husbands? Is he flattering me?

«Really?» I inquire.

Flattering doesn't work on former queens.

«She's stubborn as a rock, but I like this part of her.»

Who's stubborn?

«What else do you like?» I continue. I might as well soothe my ears with some praise.

«The fact that she's my wife,» Alexander says, and my shoulders drop.

«Just that?»

«No, not just that. But I've already told you the crucial part.»

Doesn't he like my eyes? My lips?

The way I deal with the castle's affairs? Not even that I sometimes let him have my portion of meat?

Am I just a stubborn rock to him?

«I love the way she makes me feel when she studies my expression trying to find out what I'm thinking,» he adds.

Hmm? Have I just heard wrong? Did he open up his mind to me? Really?

It was just a moment, and it happened because he wants to drag me in bed, but it's a step forward!

«And how is that?» I whisper, hoping he won't give up and close once again.

«Just wonderful,» he reveals. His lips get closer to me while I stare at him in a daze.

Wonderful doesn't really mean anything. It's just a word.

However, I can overlook it now. I'll persist longer next time.

«You must be lucky to have a wife like that,» I say before he can kiss me.

His lips land on mine just a moment after two words leave his throat and travel to my ears. Two words that don't mean anything, just like wonderful.

«I know.»