I looked at him and said; "What is it about, Your Grace?"

"Mind if I invite you for a walk?" he asked me. I nodded in reply and he offered his arms to me, I took his offer and we walked outside the tent. We silently walked for a moment, he was leading me somewhere far from the camp. I thought to myself maybe he was trying to kill me in a secluded place where no one would hear me scream, but I just shrugged that thought and prayed he wouldn't. A few miles from our camp, we arrived at a cliff. We sat on a bench which was surprisingly there. I was kind of curious about why a bench in the middle of nowhere would be there. I asked that thought in my head, but the Grand Duke suddenly said.

"This bench was made for sightseeing travelers. This cliff was a hidden gem for its beautiful view at night, only a few travelers knew about this place." It looks like he read my mind. We sat in silence again and I gazed at the night sky. Stars were twinkling like gems in the black sky and two moons were at full phase. Yes, you read it right. TWO MOONS. This world has two moons that revolve around during the night. I was in awe at the sight. Indeed, this is a good place for sightseeing I almost forgot that he was going to tell me something important.

"Oh my apologies, Your Grace. What is it that you want to talk about?" I looked back at him and asked.

"It's about your visit to the Arch Tower."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"I will not be there when you walk to the tower. I will be visiting the Royal Palace for a meeting. And after that, I will be away for a while." he said, he was looking kind of worried.

"How long are we talking about, Your Grace?" I asked politely.

"Two weeks or more," he said as he gazed at the sky, I looked at him intently and was trying to decipher his emotion. I wasn't sure if he was serious and worried, but I knew something was bothering him. I mustered up all of my courage to ask him.

"Why are you telling me all of this? And why does it seem like something's bothering you."

Before he could answer, he tucked his long silver hair, that was on his face, behind his ear and sighed deeply; "Because I've always wanted to tell things like this to you as a regular husband does."

I didn't answer or even I don't know how to react to what he just said. I blinked twice and looked away. I swear all of these things happening today are somewhat different from what I've expected. I turned back to him to say something again to end this awkward silence.

"You- -"

"Your Grace- -"

 We stopped midway because we had spoken in unison. I guess he has something to say too. He smiled slightly at me and folded his arms. I swear his eyes twinkle whenever he's in a good mood. I blushed when he smiled at me.

I cleared my throat and said; "You first, Your Grace."

"Then, pardon me. You might not remember but you were the one who constantly asked me how many days I'll be gone. Back then, I thought you were nagging me. But now I realize, you were afraid to be left alone. I should've been more aware of what was happening behind my back than neglecting it. And for that, I would like to apologize once again." he said as he slowly slipped his hand on mine. His sudden gesture took me aback and I was looking at our hands intertwined. His hands were calloused and I guess it was from training with his sword all the time.

Nevertheless, his hands were warm and somehow gave me comfort. I don't know if it's my virgin self acting up or just the real Sophie resurfacing her feelings towards the Grand Duke. Whatever it was, it was something new to me. I never held hands with a man like this before, so the feeling was unfamiliar but not uncomfortable.

"You know, Mary said something to me," I said. He looked at me and waited for me to continue. 

"She said, maybe it's a blessing that I forgot the painful memories from my past. Maybe it was meant to be so that our marriage can start over since we've finally realized what went wrong and we can start anew. But, what she said made me realize something too." I said as I looked at his golden eyes. I sighed and slowly removed my hand from his. I placed my hands on my chest and continued; "If I ever recall or regain my memories, wouldn't the pain from my past be back too? Those anger and resentment that I felt towards you might return. If so, are you going to stay with me until the end? Even if I despise you for the rest of my life?"

I slowly leaned forward towards his face and narrowed my eyes. I looked at him, almost not blinking.

"Can you endure it all, Your Grace?"

He couldn't answer for a moment and I swear he was giving it a deep thought. But a few seconds later, he replied; "Forgive me, but I do not know how to answer that."

I was slightly disappointed, but not surprised. I kind of knew he was going to answer that, but something in me wished that he didn't. I backed away from him and smiled at him.

"If not, then we should get a divorce. It's easier that way. We both know that this marriage could never work if we don't love each other."

 Again, he didn't answer. He just looked at the view in front of us and I wished I could read his mind for his expression was hard to read. 

"Mary also said that we just need communication. I guess this is the start. You've been talking to me recently and looking out for me. You've been doing things that might be our marriage's first time. I appreciate that so I will do my part in this marriage before everything else. I will give you an heir when I'm ready." when I said that, he looked at me with a worried look.

"Ever since you got into an accident, you've been straightforward with all of your feelings but you don't have to push yourself, Sophia- -" he said.

I interrupted him and replied; "No, it's fine."

 He couldn't retaliate what I said for he knew it was something that I needed to do before I could leave him. He needed an heir, and I needed my freedom from this contract. It's a situation that we can't avoid. He stood up and offered his hand to me because it was time to head back to the camp. I accepted it and he gave me a slight smile.

"If you ever need something, don't hesitate to tell me," he said.

"Thank you, Your Grace," I replied.

It was a sunny day but my hands said otherwise. My hands were cold due to nervousness because it was the first time I'd meet the Grand Duke who resides in Insel City. This place was once another kingdom but was successfully invaded by the Grand Duke for the sake of the Helinia Empire. The Emperor must be so proud of his nephew's achievements. I have heard many feats of him and how he's handsome too.

I was waiting for Reagan at the castle garden, they were meeting about a contract for our wedding. Of course, I don't want to intrude on adult talk. I want to stay here outside and just wait for their decision. All I know is that this Grand Duke was quite picky about his candidates for possible Grand Duchess. I already know the secret weapon Reagan said was the Rosewood territory and its resources. But I sense that there was something more that Reagan could offer to him. I mean, how could a simple family from outside the Empire offer something that could make the great Grand Duke accept our proposal? I knew Reagan was full of mystery even if he was my father, he never shared all of his plans. I don't even know if he's up to something good or bad.

While I was waiting, I sat near the fountain and gazed at the fish that resided in it. They were colorful fish that I had first seen. They were glistening like jewels under the sunlight, and I couldn't help but adore them.

"So you like the rainbow fishes, my lady?"

I turned around and was surprised to see a young man, older than me, but he was in his 20s. He wore a thick eyeglass and his hair was tied in a low-side ponytail. He looked at me with a soft gaze and I was looking at him nervously.

"Who are you?" I asked.

He let out a chuckle and then bowed at me, "My name is Albert, my lady. I am the newly appointed vassal of the Grand Duke."

I instantly changed my demeanor, stood up, and bowed at him. I was surprised to see a young vassal like him who works with the Grand Duke. "My apologies, Sir Albert. I am Sophia Grace Rosewood."

"Ah, so you're the chosen candidate," he muttered.

I raised my head and looked at him. "Yes, if that's the word you prefer," I replied.

"You know, the Grand Duchy is in chaos because of you," he said as he folded his arms. He offered me a seat in the fountain basin by putting a handkerchief on it, which acts as a seat. I took a seat and he sat down a few feet beside me.

"By you mean 'chaos', is it the chaos that could make the Grand Duchy fall into ruins or the chaos that they are against this marriage agreement?" I asked sarcastically. 

Sir Albert let out a small laugh at my remarks. He found it amusing to hear that I was ridiculing my circumstances, but I guess he was more amused by the debacle. The elders of the Grand Duchy supported the Grand Duke marrying Lady Cecilia. Unlike me, Lady Cecilia was known for her beauty and great reputation in the social circle of the Empire. They were all ecstatic when they heard that Lady Cecilia was interested in the Grand Duke, but it all went down the drain when I suddenly popped out of nowhere. And to put it worse, I was chosen with an agreement that could benefit the Empire. I don't know what the Griffith clan thinks, but I think I have the upper hand regarding the benefits of this marriage. But when it comes to the role of the Grand Duchess, I think Lady Cecilia was more deserving.

"The chaos that they are against with the marriage agreement," he replied.

That was the moment I realized that Sir Albert was one of the few people I could trust. It was the moment I met a new friend. He talked to me about his life, and how he grew up with his mother in the countryside and never met his biological father. Sir Albert told me how he worked his way up to the ranks just to live life easily. We were enjoying each other's company and we almost didn't notice Reagan's presence.

"Lady Sophie, it's time to meet with the Grand Duke," Reagan said. Reagan who is my biological father, was still in the disguise of an old man since he was still in hiding. He only removed his disguise when it was just the two of us. When Sir Albert saw him, he immediately stood up and bowed at him respectfully. I stood up too and walked towards Reagan.

"Reagan, this is Sir Albert, the Grand Duke's new vassal." I introduced him to Reagan. Reagan looked at him from head to toe and offered his hand to him.

"Nice to see you again, Sir Albert," he said, Sir Albert accepted his hand and they both smiled. I blinked and asked them; "You knew each other?"

Sir Albert smiled and nodded at me. "He's one of the people who helped me get this job, Lady Sophie."

"I couldn't turn a blind eye helping to a talented gentleman like you. You deserve this job, Sir Albert." he joyfully said. They both exchanged casual chat and then Reagan suddenly clasped his hands together and said; "Oh my goodness, the Grand Duke! Sophie, we must hurry. He's been expecting you."

We both ran in a panic towards the hall and left Sir Albert in the gardens. Reagan led me to a room in which he said, where the Grand Duke was waiting.

This time, my nervousness threw me off the scale. I could feel my heart beating so loud and my hands were cold. Before the door could open, Reagan held my hand for assurance and looked at me with a calm smile. 

"Breathe, my dear. It's going to be fine. The Grand Duke will love you. You're a lovable person, my dear Sophie. Always remember that." he said. With his words, I felt calm and I could feel my nervousness subside.

"Thank you, Father," I whispered.

I saw Reagan's face shift from being stunned to a smile when he heard me saying that word. He gestured to the guards to open the door for us. As the door opened, I could finally say that this was the start of my new life. The person standing in this room will be my husband. We will start a family together and this is where it will begin. I could turn around and run away from this, but I know in my heart that I must do this. For the sake of Rosewood lineage to continue and for the sake of my mother's sacrifices.