It was a far more simple affair than Olivia’s, but still comfortable and cozy and beyond what she’d had these past four years. The large bed, the writing desk, the rugs on the floor, the wardrobe which already looked to be full. It was everything she needed and more.
She turned about and balked to find the duke standing inside the room. Her heart leapt through her chest, a sudden spike of nerves shooting through her.
He stood to block the door, not on purpose, but such was the size of him. And where she had not considered it at all until now, Thalia suddenly realized what tonight meant… their wedding night…
Surely he does not expect… he has not said anything… no indication at all that he would want me to…
She started to shake, her body growing warm, her legs trembling as her heart thumped inside her chest.Was that with fear or excitement, though?She could not say.
“Now that we are alone, there are some things that we need to discuss.” He stood with his arms folded behind his back, brow tightened, and what almost looked like nerves filtering behind his eyes.
“Oh,” she began. “Such as?”
“This marriage and what it is,” he started, speaking plainly and to the point. “With how quickly it all happened, we did not have a chance to discuss what is expected.”
“Expected?” A lump grew in her throat that she could not swallow.
“Although I doubt you will be surprised to hear it, this is a marriage in name only.” He made sure to be looking right at her. “One of convenience. And I expect it to be treated as such.”
It was subtle, but a flicker of what almost felt like disappointment moved through Thalia’s stomach. “Y—yes,” she stammered, forcing it down because this was what she wanted to hear. “I could not agree more.”
“Good,” he said. “All I expect from you is discretion. That means no scandals. No doing anything that might raise eyebrows or turn attention toward us. In return, I will not meddle in your life or your affairs, as I expect you not to meddle in my own.”
She was nodding along, agreeing in full with everything that was said.
Indeed, now that the shock of the moment had passed, relief swept through Thalia because this was exactly what she had wanted. She was not proud about how this marriage had come to pass. And she still felt guilty for it, hoping that the duke wouldnever find out. But ultimately, she needed this marriage and if it was set to be one divorced of emotion or even contact…the more I think about it, the more I must admit that is the best I can hope for.
“I… thank you for saying,” she said. “And I am glad to see that we are both on the same page.”
The duke nodded once. “If there is nothing else…” He half turned to leave.
“Oh, wait,” she called after him, a final thought coming to mind. “What of Olivia?”
“What of her?”
“She…” She could not help but smile. “I can’t say why, but she seems to have taken to you. What should I tell her?”
He considered the question, a most serious look on his face as he did. “Tell her the truth.” A warning look. “I am not her father, nor do I intend to be. She will never want for anything while she lives under my roof, but that is all she can expect from me.”
“I will tell her.”
“And the same goes for you,” he made sure to clarify. “I do not pretend to be ignorant of your circumstances before now. As far as I am concerned, however, they are irrelevant. You arenow my wife, your safety is my priority, and I expect you to act accordingly.”
“I will.”
“Good,” he said with a firm nod. “If you wish to eat supper, alert Albert. Otherwise, I will see you…” He paused, brow furrowing. “I will see you when I do.” And then he turned to leave.
She watched him go, partly relieved that he was doing so, partly feeling as if she should say more. He was doing so much for her and Olivia, more than she could have hoped for. And she sensed that once he walked through that door, that would be it, and she might not have a chance to say anything else.
“Your Grace,” she hurried, taking a step across the room.
He was at the door but turned around. A raised eyebrow in question.
“Thank you,” she offered, not knowing what else to say. “For everything. You have no idea what this means to me.”
“I do,” he said. “And from now on, you may call me Ronan.” With that, he stepped through the door and pulled it shut behind him.
And as for Thalia? She remained where she was, staring at the closed door, her heart still racing, her breath rattled and heavy, her body shaking. She turned on the spot and took in her room,forcing a smile because this was a good thing. Finally, she and Olivia were safe.
