“Pardon?”

The abrupt proposal had spilled out of her lips so naturally that she is similarly astonished. But she strengthens her resolve.

“I am not demanding it… I am requesting it.” She holds her hands tightly upon her lap and wills her voice to not stutter.

Staring back into his unwavering eyes, she finds he can also be very expressive. From the very first moment she met the duke, she has never seen such a look on his face. It seems her suggestion has done more than enough to crack his composure. He's confused. Most likely wondering about her reasons. 

“Do you truly not understand the power you hold?” Celeste asks.

“Over what precisely?”

The kingdom.

“My heart,” she answers with a confession instead.

But the duke isn’t easily influenced or impressed by such a bold declaration of love. And he does not believe it. 

“Lady Celeste, you said you did not wish to be married."

“Can’t a young woman change her mind?” she responds.

He is, again at a loss for words and she takes it as a chance. He hasn't yet adamantly refuse her and the thought of him entertaining the idea gives her a false sense of hope.

“To convince you, as your future wife, I will not yearn for anything.”

What she can offer may seem little, but she has the advantage of knowing the duke's hesitation regarding marriage 

“That day at the manor, you stated that marriage does not serve you any interest as you would not be able to ensure your future wife’s happiness. You also mentioned that you want to continue your work without intrusion. So, I can assure you that I will be happy with just your name… that is all I will ask for,” she strongly appeals.

Even if she wants to retreat now, it is too late. Besides, this has already proven to be a much better deal than the one Gregory proposed. While she did not know what that noble man wanted in exchange, conversely, she is laying it all out for the duke. 

“You may work all you want and you will not hear one single word of displeasure from me.”

He can work until his bones turn brittle for all she cares. 

Still unable to recover from her startling words, he only manages to ask, “For what reason?”

Deciding on the possibility that the duke would appreciate her honesty, she replies, “Your name would provide my family enough protection from harm. I am even agreeable with you choosing a mistress if you have someone else in mind you prefer. But I suppose we should consider her thoughts on the arrangement–,”

“There is no such person,” he answers.

Again, he notices her hands toying with the pendant.

The duke seems to realize something in that moment. “You do not have to go to such lengths. I know Count Lane and the fear of treason is unfounded.”

She feels her stomach drop.

Out of everything Gregory has said, she wished for that one to be false. The wave of nausea returns.

“You cannot be certain of that.”

There is not one person in this kingdom that does not understand the seriousness of the crime. Yet, there is someone– people who truly desire the fall of House Lane. They are going as far as to involve her innocent father and the rest of her family by spreading such falsities despite the consequences.

“My father has only been faithful to this kingdom and his duties.” Her hands begin to tremble.

“And His Majesty knows that,” he says.

She shakes her head. He has no inkling and is not aware of the rumors and speculations she has heard for the past month or so. 

“And what of the attack on the manor? Was that matter also made light of?” 

Instead of responding, he sighs and plays with the reins in his hands. She looks down upon him and reality hits her quite hard. She is overcome by the sense of self-doubt.

He will not agree.

He is offering all the excuses in the book. 

Is she surprised? Who is she to drag this man into a union that may spell disaster for him? The confidence she had at the start begins to falter. More so with each growing second of his silence. To request such a thing from someone like the duke is beyond greedy. She is willing to make sacrifices for the safety of her family, but could she expect him to do the same? This deal is much too one-sided when she wonders if there is anything worth gaining in his end.

But, this is the true face of desperation.

“Lady Celeste, this is completely rash and I am willing to pretend–,”

“Please… just think about it.” In her current state, she is too afraid to hear the rest of his answer. “I would like to return home now, Your Grace.”

The conversation between them cease and not before long, they arrive at the Lane manor in silence. Even from the distance, she can make out her parents’ forms and even her father’s disapproval.

With the duke's help, she dismounts. Before they part, she leaves him with one last request. “Your Grace, please give me an answer in a week’s time.”

That is how long she is willing to wait while taking into consideration of the current circumstances. 

He agrees with a nod of his head.

*** 

She groans into her pillow. 

Despite her mother’s attempt to intervene, Celeste was still dragged to her father’s study to be scolded. But her current mood is unrelated to that matter– she truthfully could not pay any mind to her father’s infinite wisdom concerning what he considers as reckless behaviors.

Currently, she only has the energy to be reflective of the actions she displayed today in the duke’s presence.

The decision to propose marriage to the duke was done in the spur of the moment, but one she cannot find fault with. He may view her as selfish, but something she couldn’t be called is a bad daughter and sister. Given the situation, what else could she possibly do?

“My Lady, are you okay?” Her maid dawdles at the bedside, concerned.

“There is nothing to worry about, Anne.”

There is much to worry about.

If he does agree, the benefits she could reap is unimaginable. Who would dare to speak ill of the duke’s father made through marriage?

The king would never allow it.

The duke’s reputation will be safe-guarded and by extension, her father's. With that advantage in mind, the freedom she had been so afraid to lose now seemed miniscule in the grand scheme of things. She did not love the duke and she is not certain she ever would, but she could live with that in exchange for her family’s safety and protection.

But if he were to refuse… well, she would have no other choice than to come up with another solution.

After a moment’s deliberation, she decides it is never too premature to start now. Pulling herself up in bed, she moves over to her desk. She starts to put words to paper with one recipient in mind.

***

Celeste mentally marks off the number of days.

With the week nearing its end and with no news from the duke, she finds it more difficult to remain firm. But she is comforted by the fact that had it been an easy decision for him, he would have outright refused her by now.

Anne enters the room. “Lady Celeste, there is a letter addressed to you.”

Strange. Anne has never been the one to pass on letters.

Once placed in her hands, the maid leans forward. “I was called to the gates and was given this directly.”

“By whom?”

“I believe I have seen him escort Aria before.”

Quick to understand, Celeste opens the letter.

“What is it, My Lady?”

“It’s–,”

Before she can get too far into its contents, the door to her room opens once more.

“Celeste?”

She folds the letter up in haste and hides it under her skirt. “What is it, mother?”

The older woman lightly wanders into the room. “Is this a good time?”

“There couldn’t be a better time,” Celeste answers with a chuckle.

“I would like to speak to you about a certain matter.”

Willing to listen, she pats the chair beside her and her mother takes up the seat.

“What is it that you want to speak to me about?”

“Well, I was wondering if there is truly no one whom you fancy.”

The topic of conversation brings a heavy sigh leaving Celeste’s lips. “Not this again, mother.”

With all of them trapped at home, excluding her father, it appears her mother is returning to her old antics again. Is there no other subject they can speak about?

For starters, suppose Celeste shares her current concerns and fears? They can also touch upon her father’s seemingly nonchalant attitude, seeing how he has yet to address the big elephant in the room– the big elephant being the attack. Or how her brother had easily recovered from his shock and trauma the moment he was told the duke and his knights will personally look after his wellbeing.

“Well, listen, a letter was brought to me and I think you should have a look at it.”

Her thoughts come to an immediate standstill.

She perks up at the news and receives the envelope from her mother. “What kind of letter is it?”

“A proposal.”