Playing at home

When Count Grahm arrives, it's almost midnight. 

I'm tired as hell, but I have to look appropriate. So, I fight a yawn and take Alexander's arm. I fix the shawl on my shoulders and check my hairstyle in a small mirror.

Wonderful. I'm as fresh as if I've just woken up.

The last thing I need is a count judging my appearance and comparing me to his young and innocent daughter. I have been married for months. Such a life shows its traces even on the better woman.

«You should have gone to bed,» Alexander says, pulling me slightly closer. «Are you warm enough?»

«I'm fine,» I reassure him. I need to see whether the Count is alone.

My Duke bows down to peck my forehead at the exact moment when the door is opened. I don't think it's on purpose, but this coincidence is definitely useful for me.

They better stop to try hooking up their daughter with my husband.