Sebastian dismounted on his horse with a puzzled look on his face. He wondered why Rachel wasn't there to greet him. She has been waiting for him even when he has been late throughout the previous few days since their wedding.

"Where is the Duchess?". With a brow raised, Sebastian demanded.

"Your Majesty, welcome back. The Duchess is now working with the prodigy in the Wizard tower". A chill ran down Alex's spine as he cautiously responded.

"Call William and I want you two in my office". He walked away with an indignant expression on his face.

Alex gave Sebastian the newsprint as they entered the Duke's office, and Sir William got down on his knees. He looks at the front-page photo and flip it on page six, making an assumption as to what happened.

"Your Majesty, I should be punished for neglecting the Duchess". William hung his head in shame as he awaited the Duke's punishment.

"Tell me what happened from the beginning. Don't leave out any details". He casually remarked that the two men had noticed a chilly atmosphere in the room. It scares them even more when the Duke is this composed.

Sir William retells the dialogue between the two women and the Duchess wept inconsolably towards the end. Sebastian clenches his fists so tightly that the room can hear the crack of his knuckles.

"Go to the punishment room". He dismissed William and ask Alex to do something for him.

"I want a copy of her entire estate and business. You know what to do". Sebastian recalls that Alex have written a letter of separation from his bed partners, which includes a substantial sum of mana diamonds in compensation.

'They appear to be ignorant of the fact that they are merely my subjects and disposable possessions. I have been lenient so far'.

"I want that naughty photographer and send him in the Dungeon. I'll take care of it myself". Sebastian left and headed to the wizard tower.

Alex was aware that the Duke of Astrid is ruthless and vindictive. This time, they touched his forbidden possession. He will not let it pass until you meet your end at his hands.

***

The Duke heard what Rachel said while he was outside the room. He felt a hideous fang in his stomach and wanted to slice it to stop the stinging jolt.

"Why is your head lady in waiting not here?". A terrifying voice suddenly entered the room, and the people gasp in shock.

"And you? Under who's authority you are allowed to be alone with the Duchess?".

Suhin's body was quivering from terror as he greets the Duke while on his knees. "Please pardon this mere subject your Majesty. I dare not to offend your Majesty".

Rachel stands abruptly and turns to face Sebastian. "Your Majesty, I've asked the prodigy to remain so we can complete the work. Suhin, please rise".

"Leave". Sebastian snarled in contempt for his little wife appeared to be concerned for this little being.

Suhin reluctantly retreated, glancing timidly at the Duchess as though he was afraid to leave her with the Duke alone, but Rachel gave him an alright glance.

Sebastian looks at the two and scoff. His wife seems to have discovered a new hobby to pass the time because it seems like a lot happened while he was away. When he looks at her, he missed that beautiful face that he wanted to crush her in his arms.

"Wife, wearing that seductive attire while being with another man. Do you wish to anger your husband?". Sebastian approached and attempted to touch her face, but Rachel avoided his touch and put a distance between them.

Rachel fumbled with her fingers because she was unsure of how to handle Sebastian. She overheard him heaving a long sigh.

"Alright, do you want to talk?"

Rachel looks at him and nod. "Yes". Sebastian follows behind as she departs the tower and, upon noticing her defined curves, particularly her bum, he puts his coat over her shoulder.

They arrived in the greenhouse and calmly took seats across from one another.

"Your Majesty, I would like you to know that I will stay here until the contract is fulfilled. And... as stated in our contract, I shall not meddle in any of your outside affairs."

With her heart seemingly on the verge of breaking from agony, Rachel almost chokes on her last sentence.

As he looks at his wife, Sebastian experiences what feels like being stabbed by the sharpest blades.

'She wants to leave me?' He experienced such a strong surge of rage that his eyes turned fiery red.

"Rachel, I will stay as your unadulterated husband throughout our contract. Although it stated otherwise but I'm keeping my word". Sebastian's hands were about to bleed when he clenched on it tightly.

Rachel saw the anger in Sebastian eyes, but she has to say it anyway since this topic has already been opened.

She nervously whispers the words that have been lingering ever since this contract marriage took place: "Then I will do my best to cure the madness in your blood, and in exchange..."

As she continued, she inhaled deeply. "I know you are aware that another soul exists in this body. Will you allow me to go back where I came from? I need your help to return in my world". Rachel stares at him with a pleading look in her eyes.

Sebastian stands up abruptly as the chair falls. "Hah! You're asking too much of me, Duchess. It appears that I have spoiled you excessively".

"Your Majesty, please...". Rachel gasped so hard that her beautiful face was covered with tears.

Looking at her tears, Sebastian felt a heavy weight on his heart. He dislikes seeing her cry, the only time that he wants to see her tears is when he fucks her hard.

"Conduct yourself as the Royal Duchess of this Kingdom. I have to leave". He then turned around and walked away, looking enraged.

Rachel sobbed uncontrollably after Sebastian left, releasing all of her pent up emotions.

Author's note: The angsts is so heavy on this chapter. Enjoy the background music while reading.

Background playlist song: Everything I Need by Skylar Grey