Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Marriage. The word echoed in my mind. I’d only just learned of my impending demise, and now this, a shock even greater.
For a moment, a wild hope flickered—Kin? But no, it couldn’t be.
Who would honor a childhood promise, a silly vow of marriage? And a Grand Duke, no less? A Grand Duke would be concerned with his lineage, not some impulsive pledge made in youth.
“Ailee Lizziana. Are you listening?”
“Yes.” I replied, but the words that followed barely registered.
“—and so the wedding with Grand Duke Blashur will be held in two weeks. I can’t believe he’s agreed to take you, a half-wit.”
Two weeks? Not even a betrothal, but a wedding?
‘So, she’s finally selling me off.’
Perhaps I should be grateful it wasn’t to some old man in the backwoods. Or perhaps I should despair, bound for a warmonger rumored to have… peculiar nocturnal habits that left women dead.
Either way, I’d always known this day would come. I was prepared. But two weeks… two weeks was too fast.
“Two weeks is too soon—”
“Too soon? He’s taking you, a useless burden, and you dare complain? You have no sense of propriety. Who do you take after?”
My first visit to the main house in two years, and this was my welcome. I bit my lip.
“The Grand Duke will provide the ceremony and the attire. He’s even refusing a dowry.”
A suspicious offer. Even in our isolated nation, word of the new Grand Duke had spread. He was the hero of the recent war, his name on everyone’s lips.
The servants gossiped incessantly, as if I were invisible, so I knew his reputation, whether I wanted to or not. It was unavoidable, every conversation seemed to revolve around him.
‘A murderer by night, some said. Others whispered of… other issues.’
A ruthless man, ruling by fear and bloodshed, that was the consensus. And now this strange proposal, with its even stranger terms. He wasn’t even trying to quell the rumors.
‘He just needs a noblewoman beside him, a justification. Someone who will stay silent, no matter the injustice.’
Fear clenched at me, then subsided. What did I have to fear, with death so close?
But a small, secret hope, something I hadn’t realized I’d been clinging to, withered. It was foolish, I knew. Death was all that awaited me.
I nodded, a docile puppet.
“Stay in the main house until the wedding. We need to address that complexion, and do something with that hair.”
A doll, indeed. Mother rang for a maid, then gestured towards me.
“Show her to a room. And make sure she’s… presentable for the wedding.”
“Yes, Madam.” The maid glared at me, beckoning me to follow. I paused, looking at Mother.
“Before I go, I have a question.”
“What is it?”
“About what you gave me. Before.”
Mother’s right eyebrow twitched. Recognition, then a sharp glare. Years’ worth of medicine.
I now knew its name, suspected its purpose, but I needed confirmation. Especially now, being sold off like this.
“Do you know its side effects?”
“Show her to her room, now!” Mother snapped. The maid grabbed my arm, pulling me away. I smiled faintly at Mother’s outburst.
‘You knew all along.’
I held her gaze a moment longer, then turned away. I pitied my younger self, so eager to please, believing it was a token of Mother’s love. I had hastened my own death.
* * *
Warm water, fragrant floral scents. A spacious bath, a mold-free bathroom. Far better than the gardener’s cottage, yet I felt only unease. The maids’ glares were intense.
“Lucky you.”
“Marrying the Grand Duke himself.”
If you’re so envious, why don’t you marry him? I thought dryly.
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Samara