Theodore woke up to the emptiness beside him. A slow, creeping sensation clawed at his chest as his eyes adjusted to the dim morning light.
It was too quiet. She was gone.
His breath hitched, his body tensed as he forced himself up, ignoring the lingering weakness in his limbs. The sheets where she had slept were cold, she hadn't been by his side for long.
No—no, this wasn't right.
The sudden panic pushed him forward, his bare feet hitting the floor with a dull thud. Every muscle in his body screamed from the strain, but he didn't care. He wouldn't allow her to leave. Not like this.
With unsteady hands, he grabbed the nearest robe, barely tying it before storming out of the bedroom. His mind raced faster than his steps—he didn't even pause to acknowledge the servants that recoiled in surprise as he passed.
Where would she go first?
The carriages. She wouldn't leave without them.
His heart pounded as he reached the entrance hall.
And there she was.
Selene stood at the foot of the grand staircase, her posture rigid as she faced the grand duchess. Beside them, a line of servants whispered amongst themselves, eyes darting between the mistress and the dowager, expecting the inevitable confrontation.
"Theo?" Selene's voice barely registered as he stormed toward them.
Her eyes widened as he grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but desperate.
"You're not leaving," he muttered, breath heavy.
Selene stiffened. "I've already made my decision."
"You don't get to decide this alone." His jaw clenched, his eyes dark with something unreadable. "Stay for a month. Just one month.."
A cold silence dominated between them.
"A month to do what?" she asked, her voice eerily calm.
"To change your mind." he immediately replied.
Selene drew a slow breath, and Theodore felt the sudden change—she was too cautious. But of what?
The grand duchess folded her arms, watching them closely. "I thought I made myself clear, Theodore."
"You made yourself clear to her," he countered, his voice sharper now. "But this is my marriage. My wife. The final decision belongs to me—to us." he says as he strokes her swollen cheeks.
The grand duchess exhaled through her nose, her frustration barely masked. But Theodore wasn't asking—he was commanding. And if there was one thing she wouldn't defy, it was a direct order from the heir of the duke.
A tense moment passed before she sighed. "Fine."
She knew she couldn't afford to fall out of favor with the duke, even her maternal right had limits to his autonomy.
Theodore's grip loosened, and Selene, seemingly in shock, glanced at the dowager.
"I will allow this arrangement," the grand duchess continued. "But only under one condition."
Theodore narrowed his eyes. "Name it."
"A contract," she said simply. "One month, no more. If Selene chooses to leave by then, you must let her go."
Theodore didn't hesitate. "Agreed."
Selene's stomach turned uneasily. This was no victory—this was another game. These people decided it themselves, but the subject didn't even get to say anything.
The grand duchess smiled, pleased. "And, Alice Eugenia will remain in the residence, as originally planned."
At that, Selene's fingers curled into fists. She didn't need to look at Alice to feel the presence of the woman waiting for her to be kicked out, a poised smirk barely concealed behind her composed expression.
So this was the month she was being given—to endure, to witness, to decide.
And soon, the battle for her fate would begin.
The news of Selene's stay spread through the estate like wildfire. Some whispered in contempt, others in curiosity, but there was one who rejoiced—Anna.
She greeted her mistress, her eyes shimmering with relief.
"My Lady!" she gasped, clasping her hands together. "You're staying! I—I thought you had left forever."
Selene managed a small, weary smile. "Not yet."
Anna, unable to contain herself, hurried closer, her gaze sweeping over Selene as if ensuring she was truly there. "You have no idea how worried I was." Her voice dropped to a hush, as if speaking too loudly might break the fragile moment.
Selene's chest tightened. She had not expected anyone to care so deeply. "I suppose it's only for a month."
Anna nodded eagerly, though her expression soon turned cautious. "Then...will you stay beyond that?"
Selene didn't answer.
Not because she hadn't thought about it, but because she didn't know if the answer even mattered anymore.
---
Elsewhere in the estate, the grand duchess sat with measured grace in the drawing room, a porcelain teacup held delicately in her fingers as she awaited her guest.
The doors opened, and Princess Alice Eugenia strode in.
The grand duchess offered a polite smile as the young woman approached, settling into the chair across from her.
"Your Highness," the duchess greeted smoothly. "I trust you've been informed of our arrangement."
Alice's lips curled slightly, in subtle amusement. "Of course."
The duchess studied her, observing the hint of satisfaction in her posture. This girl was pleased—but there was something else beneath that eerie smile.
"You've always been a suitable match for my son," the duchess continued. "It's unfortunate that...circumstances changed years ago."
Alice tilted her head slightly, feigning innocence. "Circumstances, or interference?"
The duchess hummed in agreement, not bothering to argue. "Regardless, things are finally falling into place. that girl will be leaving soon, and you will take your place at Theodore's side."
Alice lifted her teacup, taking a slow sip before setting it down again. Her next words carried a deliberate weight.
"You say I will take my place." She smiled faintly. "Yet, it seems I must wait."
The duchess narrowed her gaze. "Only for a month."
Alice's fingers traced the edge of her cup absently. "You assume Theodore will allow her to leave after that time."
"He won't have a choice." The duchess retorted.
Alice looked up, meeting the duchess's gaze fully now.
"Then I have my own condition." the meek princess declared.
The duchess's brows lifted slightly. "Condition?"
Alice's smile widened. "If I am to remain here, waiting for my rightful position, I will need Theodore to understand that I am not merely an alternative."
The duchess leaned forward slightly. "Meaning?"
"Meaning," Alice murmured, "that he must learn to need me."
Silence followed as if they both awaited an opportunity to flesh out the idea.
The duchess studied Alice once more, and for the first time, a flicker of doubt crept into her mind.
This girl was not just waiting.
She was planning.
And whatever her motives were, the duchess suddenly wondered—just how much of this was for Theodore?
Or was this entirely for herself?
She could only hope that her motives would not harm the duchy.