In the end, I overate. The Duke entertained me with small talk, and I had to play along and answer to him.

However, it wasn't that horrible.

When he's made sure that I'm not ill and that I've finished my plate, he offers to walk me back to my chambers.

«I know the way,» I utter, sure that he's plotting something.

«I'd like to spend more time with my Duchess, but you need to rest. Don't take away from me the few minutes of walk from here to your door...»

«Will you really stop at my door?»

«Is it an invitation, Duchess?»

«No, it isn't.»

He chuckles and reaches out for my hand. My fingers are cold, and he notices it. His, in contrast, are so warm.

«You can stay here if you want,» he starts, a ray of hope enlightening his eyes.

«This room is too cold for me,» I reply. And I will be restless in bed, after eating so much. It's really better if I sleep alone.

«All right...» he sighs, beaten.

Is he trying to move my piety? His sad face is so cute that I'd like to comfort him. He probably knows what kind of reaction he triggers, and he's using it.

Who knows how many ladies he has tricked like this...

I wake up from my daze and get up. I take a step towards the door, and the Duke follows me.

«I can go alone,» I say.

«I know,» he shrugs.

«I don't want to inconvenience your grace.»

«I'm not inconvenienced!»

Duchess Prim was right: the best strategy is to let him believe that he has me in his hands, and then step away and leave him alone. By allowing him to hold my hand, and then refusing his kindness, I've shown him an appetiser of what he could have. Still, it might not be enough.

I take a step towards him, bringing myself close to him. I stand on tiptoe and press my lips on his. The Duke surrounds my waist with his arms, and I dare to deepen this peck into a delicate kiss.

When his hands start to wander on my body, I step back.

«Good night, your grace,» I whisper, and I leave the room without looking back.

I walk on the path to my room with the grace of a royal, and I let emotions fill my face only when I've closed the door behind my back.

I press a hand on my heart, trying to calm down this crazy beat. I run to the bed and cuddle under the covers, trying to forget the feelings that almost took over my rationality. My lips are still burning, and a part of me is regretting leaving the Duke's chamber.

In two days, I'll have to resist a hell of temptation, if I want my plan to succeed. After this warm evening, I'll have to act cold.

Only after the Duke understands that I can resist his charm, he'll start to think of me as a person and not just his toy.

When I understand that I won't sleep, I move near the fire and start scribbling. I use a code that I invented as a child. No one in the world knows about it, even though I'm sure that it wouldn't need so much work to decrypt it. I've used this to write down my personal thoughts, and sometimes to note unofficial royal business.

I write a whole page, pointing out the steps to make the Duke fall in love with me. For every one of my moves, I note the possible reactions of the Duke, and then I design the ways I should behave to counter each of those.

When I'm done, I can compute the risk of every move. If I don't go overboard, I'm sure the Duke won't hurt me. And even if he does, it can't be worse than what he already did.

I'm content with my work, so I consider going back to sleep when I see what time it is.

Damn it, another night passed scheming. And another day that I will use to doze under the sun or near the fire.

It's almost the end of September, yet no one has lit a single fire, except for the kitchens and my room. I'm starting to feel an old geezer that complains about everything. Still, I haven't heard any complaint about my over-consumption of wood.

Is being a Duchess enough to let everyone forget that I'm parasitising, lazing around and glaring at everyone?

When Patricia walks in, I sigh, beaten.

I brought this on myself. I shouldn't have made the servants used to my early routine, to begin with. Now, if I send them back, the Duke will be alerted.

He would then come here to check if I'm ill, or worst if I'm plotting something.

Actually, I'm not quite sure which option I'd prefer.

A worrying Duke would only annoy me. I've already seen his protective side, and it only reminds me even more of the fact that he's my enemy. At least, he was up to a few weeks ago.

A suspicious Duke would actually be refreshing. He's never suspected me of anything, till now. On the contrary, he was totally sure of everything. I'd like to see him doubting himself, even if for just a moment.

And also, I'm curious about his methods of interrogation. He can read my mind, sometimes, so he doesn't need to torture me to find out anything. Yet, I'm sure he would take the opportunity to...

I shake my head, dispersing those funny thoughts. What do I care about what the Duke would do? I'll avoid giving him any sign that he has reason to doubt me.

One day, he will be at my mercy. Then, I will ensure a comfortable life. I will build some personal power, and I will use it all to lighten Polis's burden.

Since I failed to protect my people, all I can do now is help them from the shadows. Until the day when I won't fear the Empire's power so much: then, I'll walk in my city under the sunlight, and I will return the debt I owe to Polis.