A few days after Duke Grahm declared his successor, news from the northern border arrive.

We were lucky, as they didn't come too early. Now, the Duke's choice will reveal all its drawbacks.

During the audience with the Emperor, I've finally caught a glimpse of Duke Grahm. He has little in common with his son, starting from his elegant demeanour. The Count will never match him no matter how much time passes.

He asked his majesty to be sent north to solve the situation, but he was rejected. Without insisting, the Duke retired in the crowd and didn't say anything else for the whole time.

Alexander was called, then, to accept the task of bringing peace to the north.

It seems that his majesty suspects that I am the one behind the disorders. So, he didn't state any condition on how my husband should accomplish what he's asked to.

«The northern border has been stable for years. You should be able to re-establish peace, Duke Kyre,» he said. «We can't afford a war in Kyre, right now. I hope you understand what it means...»

«Yes, your majesty. I will serve the Empire at the best of my capabilities.»

His majesty just nodded, and Alexander left the throne hall to prepare. I stood next to the Princess for some more, following the events with attention.

The Dowager Empress didn't make any move against me, nor anyone else. She stood two steps to the right of the throne, further than the last time. The Princess didn't leave my side, but it was weird not to see her next to his majesty.

People might think they're on short terms. Oh, it would only speed up the plan.

When the audience is over, the Princess follows me out. She doesn't let me out of sight for a single moment. I suspect it's because Alexander asked her to do so, but somehow she doesn't seem bothered by it.

She greets me only after I step into our wing of the Palace.

«I will be in the garden if you need me,» she says before disappearing. Kate is waiting for me in the hallway, so I don't need to stay alone even for a moment.

It would annoy me if I wasn't so focused on surviving a month.

I reach Alexander's chambers and walk in without knocking. He's sitting on the couch, sipping a cup of wine. He doesn't prepare his things, for I already packed everything a few days ago.

«I'm glad we're on the same side,» he comments while I sit on the couch.

«Oh, well. To me, it doesn't make much difference,» I tease.

Even though it would be harder without his complicity. I would have to manipulate him, in some way, and that is indeed difficult.

«I guess it doesn't,» Alexander sighs, and I peck his cheek to make him understand the joke.

«It's now all on you, my dear,» I say. «I can't help you more than this. I can just trust you and wait.»

«Who would have thought it would ever happen?» he chuckles.

«Please, hurry up.»

«Sorry?» he mumbles, thinking I'm sending him off.

«Hurry up to finish your business and come back here. I want you here when our baby is born.»

«Oh, right,» he sighs, relieved I'm telling him to hurry back and not leave. «I will do my best.»

«It's around a month, right?» I continue, caressing my stomach. «Do not be late! It would be a pity if you weren't here to witness our firstborn coming to light.»

«I will be back before you have time to miss me,» he whispers, rolling a lock of my hair around his finger. «Is that all right?»

«Can do,» I giggle.

My belly starts trembling, and we look down at the same time. I chuckle, realising that the baby is moving. It's kicking, maybe turning around...

«Look at this,» I laugh. It's so odd. It's ticklish, but I don't know what to do.

After half a minute, Alexander laughs as well. His hand reaches my belly, and he caresses it with a light touch.

«Someone is full of energy today,» he says.

He bows down to kiss my stomach. When he's done, the trembling of the belly stops. The baby calms down, and it supposedly goes back to sleep.

My husband returns his attention to me.

Now that he's done talking to the baby, he has to soothe me before I start getting jealous. His thoughts are transparent, written on his expression.

«I will be back to you, to both of you,» he breathes.

«Send me letters every week!» I say. «You don't need to update me on your work, but write something so that I know it's all right.»

«And you, do not get far from Martia or Kate. Do not spend time alone out of your chamber, Thea. I'll leave my knights here to protect you, but they can't protect you from the court intrigues.»

«I won't need to reach the court, Alexander. I'll be reserved for a few weeks. Is that better?»

«It makes my heart rest at ease. I'm scared, Thea. I don't want you to get hurt while I'm not here to protect you. I can't sleep at that thought,» he says, catching my hands.

«You better focus on your task, Alexander,» I chuckle. «When you come back, your wife will organise a celebration for you...»

«Will she?»

«Oh, yes. The date is not decided yet, but there will be something you will utterly like.»

«Hmm, what could that be?» he inquires. He wants a taste of the celebration now, this husband of mine.

He hasn't done anything yet; what is he gloating for?

«There will be quite a few things my husband will like,» I say.

«For example?»

Ah, I'll have to anticipate my idea.

But not too much, indeed. Alexander wouldn't be looking forward to it if I disclosed every detail.

«A comfortable bed, red sheets and a cute nightgown,» I start, imagining the scene. «Does that entice my Duke?»

«Is the nightgown on my Duchess?»

«Where else could it be?»

«I like the scenery. What else?»

«Isn't your wife enough to spice up your wild fantasies?»

«Yes, it is. But it's not enough for your fantasies, so please continue. What else is there?»

«Ropes,» I sigh. «Well, silken shawls.»

«Which colour?»

«You want the details?»

«Yes, or I'm not leaving for the north.»

«Red,» I say. I do have one red shawl somewhere. I better find it before Alexander comes back. If anything, I'm in time to buy more. «Red and white.»

«And what use do I have of the shawls?» he inquires.

You? You don't have any use of them...

«Oh, my Duke, are you listening to me?» I comment. «The shawls will be used as ropes!»

«Mhm, now I like your fantasy.»

I smile, realising that he's not suspecting anything. I've fooled him, this time! And I also obtained his consent once.

It's different from my first failed attempt at tying my Duke. This time, I don't have the surprise effect on my side. But I have learnt how to obtain what I want.

And I'm not afraid of what could happen if things go the wrong way because last time it wasn't all that bad. And I can continue trying until I succeed.

«Wife, what are you thinking about with such a smile?» Alexander asks me when he notices that I'm lost.

«You will see when you come back,» I cut it short. «Now, get ready.»

«No more details?» he complains, squeezing my hand. «Not even a small, useless one?»

«Oh, you!»

«I won't be able to listen to you for days. Unless you want to write me your idea, you better tell me now.»

«I can't write something like this!» What if someone reads?

«Then start telling me now.»

He leans back on the sofa, making his intentions evident. He won't move from here until he's satisfied.

«I'm listening.»

«Then...» I don't have many ideas, actually. I've just decided what to do, but I've never considered preparing the details.

However, it must be something to consider.

For example, fresh juice or wine? Which one is better? I guess it depends on the hour and the weather.

«I will ask the maids to bring dinner early in the chamber and do not disturb us till morning,» I continue. «The first thing to do is collect energies to sustain the efforts.»

«What will we eat?»

«This Duchess hasn't yet decided.»

«All right. Then?»

«I will help my Duke by cutting his food. I might as well feed him if I'm in the mood.»

«Oh, that's unfair,» he pouts.

«What is unfair?»

«You'll say you're not in the mood and avoid fulfilling your fantasy to the fullest.»

My fantasy?

«I haven't said that.»

«But what if you say you're not in the mood? I won't be able to have my wife feeding me. That is not fair.»

I do not understand.

«All right, I will feed my Duke.»

«Good. I've memorised all your intentions, my Duchess. You better not have lied to me about it, for I won't forget the smallest detail.»