A strategy for survival

I sigh and drop my shoulders, preparing for my husband's rage outburst.

I was so happy to be alive, up to a moment ago! Now, I have to bear a nobleman's retaliation for making him lose his title.

The Duke notices my sudden behaviour change, and he moves his black eyes on me. He observes me for a while, trying to understand what triggered my reaction.

My hands are still trembling, and clenching them isn't helping. My back is straight, and my muscles tense. I'm trying to keep the air of a royal, but I'm conscious how frightened I look.

The Duke doesn't move a single finger towards me, though.

«You can undress,» he mutters and moves to a couch. He sits down and pours himself a glass of water. He sips leisurely. As if he doesn't care to check whether I'm obeying his order.

He's not checking what I'm doing, he doesn't look interested. Yet, I shouldn't make him even angrier. Those who don't show their temper when they're irritated are the worst, right?

I should play along, at least until I figure out what to do.

I get rid of the mantle and start to untie the buttons keeping my dress still. It's my favourite one, dark with purple details. I've signed a trading deal wearing it. I thought it would be nice to die in it.

In the end, I didn't just survive, but I also passed a whole week in this single dress. I'd like to take a bath, but I don't know how the Duke would react if I started making demands.

After the last button is undone, I let the clothe slip on the ground, and I consider untying my hair. At least, it would cover my body in part. My hair is long, so it would make some difference. I resist the urge to shield my body with my arms.

I'm not wearing any underwear, I got rid of it after the third day without the chance to change it.

The Duke moves his look on me, and he widens his eyes in surprise.

Am I that weird? Why is he staring like that? I clench my fist until my nails prick my palm, causing some light pain that helps me to stay keen.

The Duke observes for a few seconds, and then he chuckles. He grabs a cloak from a chair and wraps me in it, still laughing.

«This is not what I meant,» he explains, pushing me towards the table. «Are you hungry?»

I shake my head, confused. His hand on my back doesn't seem to have any ill intent. His face didn't even twitch, showing no trace of annoyance.

It's as if he's taking care of a lost child or a wounded animal, instead of a prisoner. He hasn't even swept his gaze over my body, as if he wasn't interested.

«Am I not to the Duke's taste?» I inquire, somehow offended. I should be relieved, but his amused look is getting on my nerves.

No one has ever dared to look at me like that. No one has ever dared to laugh at me so earnestly!

«I just wanted you to be more comfortable, without that heavy mantle. I have to admit that my choice of words could have been better.»

He pours a glass of water and waits for me to drink it.

He's looking directly to me, so I don't have any other choice but take a sip. After the first drop reaches my throat, my tongue and inner cheeks tingle at the contact with the cold liquid. I remember the thirst of the fourth day of captivity when they forgot to deliver me any food, and I empty the rest in a few gulps.

I choke as if I have forgotten how to drink.

I haven't seen water for almost twenty-four hours, that is since I arrived at the capital. I didn't have any food either. I didn't complain because I thought that I would be dead soon. It would have been a waste to bring anything to me.

I continue to cough restlessly while small tears form in my eyes. It's so damn embarrassing.

«Easy, easy...» the Duke whispers, rubbing my back with gentle movements.

«I'm not hungry,» I utter, trying to sum up all my courage, «but I'd like to take a bath.»

I took my time to answer his question, but the Duke doesn't take it to heart.

«The maids will bring you hot water in a while,» he says and sits back on the couch. «Let's talk about the rules first. If you don't know how to behave, I can hire a teacher for you. The court etiquette is complicated, and you should get used to it sooner than later.»

Being surrounded by people is the last thing I want.

«I know how to behave,» I admit. «And I won't cause problems in the future, I promise.»

«I hope you're sincere.»

I nod and hug myself under the mantle. He doesn't look angry, so I start to think he won't take it out on me for losing his title.

I mean, he's still a duke. And he's part of the imperial family.

Anyway, those territories mustn't be all that relevant, if he's not the least concerned about them.

The maids arrive soon, as promised, and they fill the bathtub. Once done, they wait on the side for further orders. They don't dare to approach me without the Duke's consent.

I shiver, envisioning the hands of so many strangers. I hate crowds, especially if they're hostile to me. I'd just like to bath by myself, but noble people don't do that, here in the Empire.

The Duke waves his hand, showing the door.

All the girls leave, and I turn to my new husband and try to understand what is this man planning. He doesn't want to drown me in the tub, does he?

I'm glad he dismissed the help, but it's not something a noble from Ethiro would do. Oh, what if he wants to bath together? That would be even worse than drowning.

«Do you need help to take a bath?» he asks, curving his lips in an alluring smile.

«No, I don't,» I voice hurriedly, shivering.

«Good, then I won't call the maids back,» he states. Maybe, he's not as pervert as I initially thought. Still, I can't find the strength to get up.

I don't move from the armchair, and he understands my concerns.

«You've already shown all there's to be seen,» he points out. «The water will get cold if you wait longer.»

Defeated, I walk to the bathtub and turn my head back to look at him. He's not paying attention to me, so I pour the bath salts in the water and then sit in the tub.

The hot water and the fresh aroma of the salt are so pleasant that I sigh. After so many days of travel, I can finally relax for a while. Even if just for a few minutes, I'm momentarily safe.

Luckily, the Duke asked the maids to leave. I don't know if he did it out of consideration or he just wanted peace and quiet, but I appreciate the choice.

Only my nanny and my sworn servant were allowed in my room when I was bathing, and they would just help me dry my hair.

The Empire has different customs, so I'll have to get used to them, sooner than later. My first day as a citizen, though, isn't the right time. Just for today, I'll allow myself to lower my guard and think that I am safe.

Even if the Duke is planning something that would hurt me, I'll find a way to avoid it. He doesn't want to kill me, apparently, or he would have already done it. I've been at his mercy for a whole week, and he didn't take advantage of the chains. I thought it would be a living hell, but being surrounded by Ethiro soldiers was more nerve-wracking than actually unpleasant.

They took care that I survived the journey without scars or wounds, and they delivered me at the Emperor without a scratch. I was guarded all the time, and no one was allowed to step closer to the cage than what appropriate. I felt like a rare animal at a fair, but the only part of me that was hurt was my pride.

Maybe, they really won't kill me.

One day, I might even go back home. I won't be able to be Queen, that's forbidden after abdication. Maybe I'll buy an inn, or work as a stateswoman.

If I am careful enough, and if I don't fall prey to the court's monsters, I'll live long enough to see Polis once more before dying.

To reach my goal, though, I need to please the man that is now my husband.

Here, I'm no one. I'll need the Duke's favour if I want to borrow his power to scare away the enemies. I'll have to catch his attention in such a way that he won't mind if I show it around for my convenience.

First of all, I have to make sure this marriage works out.