Lady Celeste sat beside Duke Claude in his chamber, sipping tea. The atmosphere was awkward, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. Duke Claude's demeanor had shifted from cold to gentle, leaving her feeling both relieved and perplexed.

"Celeste, I'm grateful for your understanding about the curse," Duke Claude said, his voice calm and sincere. Lady Celeste's gaze fell to her tea, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know you were suffering, Your Grace. If only you'd opened up to me, I would've tried to help."

Duke Claude's expression turned somber, and he leaned in closer. "Forgive me, my lady. I was scared you'd leave me if I told you about the curse." Lady Celeste's heart ached as she looked at him, noticing the deep lines of worry etched on his face.

Suddenly, Duke Claude's arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. Lady Celeste's emotions overflowed, and she burst into tears. "Hmm, it seems my wife is very emotional," Duke Claude teased, handing her his handkerchief.

As Lady Celeste cried, Duke Claude's tone turned serious. "Celeste, the curse of Cubresia is a secret known only to our duchy. If it gets out, our enemies will exploit it. Please, don't tell anyone." Lady Celeste nodded, her eyes still wet. "I won't, Your Grace. I promise."

Duke Claude's gaze softened, and he continued, "we'll be leaving tomorrow to attend your brother's celebratory banquet. Please prepare your luggage." Lady Celeste's heart skipped a beat as Duke Claude's words brought a mix of emotions. She felt a sense of excitement at the prospect of attending the banquet, but also apprehension about what the future held for her and Duke Claude.

Before she could respond, Duke Claude's lips brushed against her forehead, sending shivers down her spine. "Things will be different starting today, Celeste." Lady Celeste's face burned with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

As Lady Celeste hurriedly left the chamber, she couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't imagine. She walked down the hallway, her heart still racing from the encounter. The maids and servants passing by couldn't help but notice her flushed face.

"My lady, are you alright?" one of the maids asked, concern etched on her face. Lady Celeste smiled weakly, trying to brush off the question. "I'm fine, thank you for asking."

As she entered her chambers, Lady Celeste couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and Duke Claude. Would their marriage be a real one, or would it remain a mere facade? Only time would tell.

Meanwhile, at the Zoryth Marquisate, Marquess Alejandro Zoryth and his daughter, Lady Katherine Oriselle Zoryth, were embroiled in a heated argument. "You will seduce the Duke of Cubresia," Marquess Zoryth demanded, his voice menacing. Lady Katherine sobbed, her voice trembling. "I don't want to, Father. The Duke is already married."

Marquess Zoryth's expression turned sinister. "You'll do as I say, Katherine. If you don't, our family will abandon you." The threat hung in the air, leaving Lady Katherine trembling with fear.

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