In this world, polygamy is allowed. Where a man can marry more than one woman. The first wife will always be the superior. Then the husband can only allow the second wife to be a concubine as well as the others.

The moment I blink my eyes; it was a scene that I didn't expect that will engrave in my mind. I know in myself that it will eventually happen and I thought my heart was prepared for it.

I am still currently standing at the entrance along with the Crown Prince. Inevitable, his presence was quite uneasy. As I introduce him to the servants, they immediately kneeled down and bow their heads.

A carriage stopped before us, enough to steal our attentions. The door opened and a handsome man step down. My eyes lift and glowed, I was about to walk closer when he suddenly offered his hand to a lady that was left inside.

The excitement I was feeling earlier vanished just like how fast my heartbeat. Pumping more blood like I was lack of oxygen. Even I want to move my feet that seems stuck on the ground, the pain that I was enduring all along couldn't withstand the sight of him, holding someone.

Stay still, Madelaine. I told myself as I closed my mouth that partly fell from being taken aback. Do not cause any trouble.

Don't cause such...

"Welcome home Your Excellency," the maids greeted him yet I wasn't able. He turned around and saw us.

"Madelaine," he uttered.

My gaze went to the other girl he brought and smiled bitterly. That must be his lover that he brought. So, the endearment he usually calls me is long gone after having her. And here I am, worrying that they were having a hard time conquering Mazo because the war last for months.

I bowed my head. Perhaps, they even held a ceremony in that country before coming back. "I'm glad for your safe return."

He clenched his jaw. Like he found something displeasing. "Greetings Your Royal Highness, may the Arello flourish with your reign. May I ask what might business do you have here?"

A smirk formed on the Crown Prince's red lips that was standing beside me. "Skip pleasantries, will you? My friend it's been awhile, I've only accompanied your wife back in your estate."

Might be I was too exhausted and wanted to sleep that I was already imagining things with how the Grand Duke darkened his face. As I blink my eyes that were fooling me, his reaction was the usual.

"Rather, why don't you introduce the beautiful woman you've taken to a liking?" His Royal Highness was pertaining how rude for her not to greet at the presence of the next-in-line to the throne. Good thing, I listened well to my teacher. If not, perhaps he might become my enemy.

"This is Crystal, a princess from Mazo," he coldly stated.

"Good afternoon. I am the wife of Alcide," she stated, not daring to bow her head at us and chose to cling on the arm of my husband. Typical of people from Mazo, they hold pride with their status and below them was treated as nuisance.

I wince and look down at my feet. There was something that I couldn't recognize inside of my chest and it worsen when I heard that they call each other with their first names. Why does it have to bother me?

"Forgive me for asking. I'm new to this place, might be you two are also married? If so, then care to join us for dinner?" she innocently smiled while inviting us.

Our mouths closed and the servants stoned on their position. There was a brief silence that arise and only the swaying leaves, brushing against each other made a sound. A group of birds flying in the vast sky with their triangle formation have brought the wind to passed by in the distance between us to filled the empty spaces.

Restraining myself was the only thing I could do. It's not the fact that I don't like her for the reason of her being an octopus to my husband nor she's emitting something a wicked aura however, is she that ignorant? Does she not listen to the both gentlemen's conversation a few seconds ago? Perhaps, pretending to be a fool?

"I feel honored to be requested however, I have to decline," the Crown Prince broke the tension.

She pouted her lips. "There's nothing we can do about. Safe travels then."

"Yes. I will excuse myself now."

At the living room as we were left all three and some servants, where the candlelight made me drowsy with how dim the surrounding. I busy myself staring down to the warm tea and could witness the reflection of a girl that was looking like a mess.

My pale lips were indescribable and my straight blond hair was loss for volume. Unlike the woman he married, she was beautiful and elegant in every motion she do. Expensive gown and sparkling jewelries do really suit her.

"This is Crystal," he once again formally introduced us and I nodded as a respond. How could I even talk when their gazes can pierce a hole inside my heart?

They were sitting beside each other across to me. The woman took this opportunity to hug his arm again and he didn't even bother to shake it off. She rests her cheek on his shoulder, closing the gap that no air could even interfere.

Hmm. I wish, I have the courage to be like her. That despite hearing the rumors about that man, I should've have embraced and comforted him instead of running away. So, I regret that I wasn't the one who was with him now.

"You're not married with the man earlier?"

"She's my wife," His Excellency claims.

Crystal look at him and showed a meaningful smiled. Clapping her hands at once like it was something good news that should be celebrates. "Then we share the same husband! Oh my, how wonderful!"

She gave me the vibe just like my sister, Alliyah. Bright and cheerful, the opposite of me who is always a bookworm and serious. However, their difference is that my sister was pure despite how our parents treated us differently. Yet, with this woman in front of me, I feel anxious and could only saw her with bad intentions.

I know, I know. It was wrong to judge. She might be someone from a different country. With various culture and unusual beliefs. However, it's the basic of etiquette to learn one's manner. Clinging to a man that who has already a first wife in the middle of the talk was awfully rude.

It appears that I was lost in thought for a moment. I didn't notice that their conversation ended in another topic.

"I will hire a teacher for you to learn more about- "

She interrupted and glance at me. "I don't want someone else. Why can't she be my mentor?"

Jackson who was standing beside us, pouring tea and watching this ridiculous scene has finally cleared his throat. "My apologies. But please address our Madam as the Grand Duchess of the household."

The maids behind the lady that she had brought from their Empire didn't also kept quiet and retaliate. "She's the princess of Mazo, please be careful with your words."

"She might be. However, were in Arello particularly in Celtic. Therefore, she's just a lowly concubine that doesn't compare to our Madam." It seems that the patience of our Head butler was at its limit and just broke like a rope.

The maid crossed her arm. She has a voluptuous build and darker skin. "Ha! A butler is stating that."

"Silence," the Grand Duke raised his hand. "Did you forget that you're in the presence of your masters? How impudent."

"Forgive me, Your Excellency," they both said in unison yet, they continue to glared each other.

"That's enough Bisitsha, I just wanted to get along. I didn't know that I was being rude. Will you forgive me Grand Duchess?"

Her eyes weren't even in the slightest of being sincere but she made herself to appear tearful. Whichever, I nod my head to avoid ruckus and silently sip to the brewed tea. I have enough of her facade, I wish that our fates will not be twisted as it's now.

"Then, you agreed to teach me then?"

Though, I have a lot of things to do. Adding up is one thing. I look at him and he stared back blankly. It seems like he was giving me the authority to choose what will be the best for me. To accept or refuse her.

"That will be fine." I chose the latter. Not because I was dumb and good at playing as a kind girl, but I realize that with all the people in this room. One wrong move to her rhythm of her own game, I will be the center of their gossips.

I placed the cup back to its saucer on the table. Unexpectedly, the Grand Duke suddenly grab my wrist in midst of letting go of the handle's cup. I didn't have the time to react when he pulled me away and found myself in his arms, carrying me like I was his princess.

"Your Excellency, what about your lover?" I asked.

From his back view, I saw Crystal with her surprised eyes. The lid of the teacup was left hanging on her lips as if her world stop rotating. She then, gritted her teeth when she recovered from the unexpected occurrence.

The more His Excellency walk in the path of our bedroom, the lesser she became visible in my sight. I look at him and he was already watching my face. My heartbeat thump louder that I prayed he won't hear it.

He carefully laid me down on the soft bed. Topping me with his elbows buried on the mattress beside of my shoulder to avoid squishing my body. He made sure to place a pillow under my head to make me comfortable and to also match his lips.

"Why are you with him?" he growled like a mad wolf in his first question when we are just the two of us, alone with a dangerous position.

My eyebrows knitted. What is making him furious anyway for his temper to boil? "With whom?"

He clicked his tongue. "With the Crown Prince. Perhaps, your targeting him?"

I glared and slightly pressed his chest to make him move away from me a bit. However, a lover of war must be strong to defeat the enemies. With his grim body opposing my palm, he came closer and lean his forehead with mine. I rebutted with complain in my voice. "I'm not like you who assured me that they will never set their eyes on someone."

Right. I do remember him telling me that he's a man of dignity that will be satisfied with one wife. However, he totally proved me wrong today. He should've not added some tone of promises in his words that day, so that I wouldn't get my hopes high. I guess, everyone's the same after all.

"Might be you're feeling jealous?" he grinned. We stared at each other's eyes before I turn around to avoid him. I rather observed the dancing fire from the scented candle on the table.

He chuckled and softly placed a kiss on my forehead. "Don't mind her."

If he doesn't want to talk about her then, so be it. I hissed and tried to change the topic. "What about the war? Are you injured?"

"Not at all. Your invention has saved us once again and made us to come back alive. However, we formed allegiance instead," he seriously replied to me yet, his hands were becoming playful under my dress. He forcedly removes my corset and undergarments and plant small kisses on my skin.

"Well, that's good to hear." I bit my lips for not to let a moan came out. My hands that seems like has its own mind, crumpled the sheets of our blanket.

"You still, didn't answer me though." He gazed me with fierce eyes as he keeps tormenting me with pleasure.

"Why are you with him?"