The Duke's Passion

That morning after their first night, Florence awoke without Rufus by her side anymore. The soreness in her nether region was bearable since he cradled her with care. But the pain and disappointment in her heart was something that was hard to ignore.

It was better if Rufus was rough and cruel. For her, it was better if he made her feel she was simply a tool. However, his cruel words and his gentle actions were confusing.

How could she hate the man who looked at her passionately? Even though it was just brief and it was because of lust, she felt like Rufus was hers. That those sharp eyes could only see her for a moment.

Florence hugged her knees with her face buried in them. She couldn't stop the tears spilling from her eyes as shame slowly ate her inside. She didn't love Rufus, or rather, she was willing to love her husband.

Deep down, she wished to make this political marriage a lot bearable by learning to love the man she would spend for the rest of her life. But he clarified that was impossible.

Was her tears because of disappointment? Shame? Maybe a little bit of everything.

That morning, Florence had to force herself to get it together. She simply cried in silence and smiled when Lavina came. Although her eyes were swollen, she used a lame yet believable excuse to not worry her personal maid.

It was as though nothing happen or she wasn't in pain as she get by the day. And just like that, it had been a week since they had consummated their marriage. Florence didn't see her husband since then. Fortunately, her training to be the proper empress kept her busy and distracted her from her already failing marriage.

*Knock knock*

"Come in." She raised her head, eyes on the door while sitting behind the desk of the empress's office. Her brows rose when a female knight came in.

"Duchess Remington, what brings you here?"

"Greetings to Your Majesty, the Empress." Kristina placed her palm across her chest, bowing formally as soon as she entered the office. "I came here because of His Majesty's order about your lady-in-waiting."

Kristina marched towards the desk and placed the documents on top of her desk. "These are the list of candidates for Her Majesty's lady-in-waiting."

"Oh..." Kristina studied the empress as the latter picked up the documents and checked them one by one. "The Marchioness of La Lona is also one?"

"The Marchioness is His Majesty's recommendation to you. Considering her status, noble origin, and contribution to the empire, she was perfect. However, His Majesty wants to leave the decision to you," she explained, watching Florence nod in understanding.

"But why?" Florence inquired, making Kristina furrow her brows.

"Pardon?"

"I heard a lot about the Marchioness of La Lona. Although being my lady-in-waiting might be considered an honor for most noblewomen, I don't think she is the type." She pointed out with a kind and understanding smile, catching Kristina off guard. "Don't be surprised, Duchess Remington. I am simply gravitating whether the Marchioness would not find offensive."

"Of course not, Your Majesty." Kristina's eyes softened as it seemed there was more to the empress than what meets the eye. Well, she was Heliot's sister. It was no surprise that she had been doing her duties as the empress even before she could adjust to the new environment.

"The Marchioness is a wise lady. I'm certain she would be more than happy to assist you."

Florence pressed her lips while staring at her. "Then, if you say so." She shrugged, not checking the other documents anymore. "I will send her a letter."

"His Majesty can do that..." Kristina trailed off when the empress shook her head lightly.

"Please tell His Majesty that I would like to send a request to the Marchioness, instead of a royal decree."

"Uh... if that is what Her Majesty wants. I will relay the word to His Majesty."

"Thank you, Duchess."

Kristina bowed and smiled awkwardly before she left. As soon as the door closed behind her, she looked back and sighed.

'I can't expect anything less from Prince Heliot's sister. I feel bad for her she married a walking wall.' Another sigh slipped past Kristina's lips, thinking that Heliot offered his clever sister to be the empress. But the latter seemed the type to fall easily to men, especially to men like Rufus.

Someone who could make a lady fall for him with his charm. Not just by looks, but Rufus' actions usually confuse a lady's heart. Not that he was purposely doing it. He was just a natural rake.

'I used to like His Majesty, but... he is really not the type to risk his heart to someone,' Kristina trudged away while scratching the back of her head.

In the middle of the hallway, Kristina suddenly paused. She blinked countless times as realization kicked in just now.

"The Marchioness, the Emperor, and the Empress..." she gasped, covering her mouth with her palm. "... it will be fine, right? Silvia now has Lord Yulis and His Majesty already moved on."

Kristina ruminated about the situation, discarding the past as they all moved on already. Right now, they were all just friends, regardless of their duties and status. They all kept in touch, even though they rarely see each other in person.

"Right... everything will be fine. Silvia and His Majesty were just friends now; good friends." She patted her chest, resuming in her steps. "Her Majesty will not misunderstand. The Marchioness is a lot more sensitive than His Majesty. So, I'm certain she will clear things up before a misunderstanding can even happen."

Kristina wasn't wrong with her conclusion. Silvia was mature and a woman, just like Florence. Hence, she wouldn't do anything to put a wedge between Rufus and his wife. It may be a political marriage, but the Marchioness wouldn't do anything that could purposely hurt another woman.

However, a misunderstanding should be the least of their concern.. Because sometimes, even without a third party involved, a marriage was bound to doom if only one was willing to reach out.