Become The Duke's Wife Or Die

She shuddered, inching away without her noticing.  Her instincts told her that Duke had managed to ensnare her heart was just a predator, and she should have fled immediately.  However…

'Gerry!  Tiny!' she thought as she closed her eyes tightly.  'I can't run away until I save them.' Finally, she was in this situation again, trapped and cornered by her fault, just like in the past.

"I've asked your permission," she said loudly.  "But you won't let me.  But if I don't then you will punish me.  I just don't understand what you want."  Her voice explained all the mixed emotions that were bothering her.

Duke Kleo's hand grabbed her waist, pulling her closer.  His gaze was fixed on her face who complied, lingered on it.  "You know what I want.  You always know," he explained.  "It's just that you always refuse to do it because it goes against your principles right?"  His fingers traced her cheek.  "But didn't we make a promise to each other?"

"It's too sudden," she whispered, laying out all her grievances.  "I haven't even had any preparations yet."

"Neither me."  His breath hit her skin.  "I also haven't had any preparations at all.  But sadly I had to do that."  He took a long pause.  "I've given you more freedom, Lyra.  What more do you want from me?  I'm at the limit of my patience, which might immediately take away the freedom I've been given if you continue to pressure me."

Lyra's head was spinning, couldn't seem to hear this nonsense any further.  Sleepiness hit her as the night wore on.  Looking up, she pleaded silently.  "Can I sleep?"  she asked in the end after not getting the response she wanted.

"Are you sleepy?"  Duke Kleo looked surprised.  His expression was quite cute.

She nodded.  "Besides, don't you have work tomorrow?"

"You are right."  His gaze shifted to various angles as if he was searching for something.  "But you have to do it before bed."

Had time to frown, not long after that she understood his meaning.  Her hands were still clenched into fists, creating a gap between them.  Her face advanced as her lips gently kissed his, giving off a soothing pressure.

"Can I sleep now?"  Along with her face away.  She saw him nod, at the same time wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Yes," he nodded, kissed her forehead deeply, then embraced her sinking in his embrace.  His fingers brushed her hair, tucking in the strands.  His chin rested on the top of her head, while he whispered, "Good night, Pumpkin!"  And they fell asleep together.

…

Lyra's body writhed, squeezing her eyes with difficulty.  A night of deep and peaceful sleep has given her freshness as well as a pleasant sensation of sleepiness in the morning.  The sun shone through the window, spilling over her pretty face.  When she woke up, she realized that she had put on the pajama.

Her body sat upright as her eyes scanned her appearance, astonished and confused.  There was no one beside her, except for an emptiness that seemed as if no one had ever occupied it.  Her hands curled to examine herself, frowning again shortly after.  "Clean," she whispered, casting glances around the corner, where the maids still looked down to guard her.

"Was last night just a dream?"  she thought as she bit her lip.  At first, she wanted to ask the maids about it, and she would immediately put it off.  "It doesn't seem like a wise decision.  The maids may misunderstand me later."

Breakfast came after Lyra had finished bathing, making her even more certain that last night's incidents had been a dream.  "Because if Duke Kleo had done it to me, he would have asked me to have breakfast with him.  Because last night we made up."

Her appetite suddenly disappeared, disappointment filling her head.  Even if he didn't spoil her last night, could someone at least help her to compensate Mr. Pinn?  Tania is still being held captive, and it's all Lyra's fault.

"I have to think of a way to earn money so that Tiny can be released soon," she nodded as she devoured her breakfast.  A maid gave him the medicine that Mr. Zen had prescribed, which she quickly drank with pleasure.  Now she will take care of herself so that she still has the strength to save Tania.

A maid came out of the room door carrying an empty tray.  On her face, there was relief and happiness at being able to complete her work with ease.

Biting her lip, Lyra felt bad about it.  "If only the execution of the two maids was also a dream," she whispered wistfully, can't change the past but at least she wants to be a better person.  From now on she was determined not to break Duke Kleo's rules again, at least until he completely freed her.

There was nothing she could do that day.  Boredom overtook her.  Now and then she got out of bed to jog in place, looked out the window at someone, waiting for a savior.  'Gerry and Weggie.' Suddenly two names popped into her head.

Shaking her head.  "I won't involve them again.  They almost died because of me."  The corners of her eyes wandered around, enjoying the wide view in front of her of a meadow, a flower garden not far from her window, then several trees that were bearing fruit.  Everything looks beautiful and luxurious, but unfortunately can't be enjoyed properly.

This early in the morning she usually just woke up after Gerald nagged like a fussy father, while Tania would wake her gently like a mother, and defend her from Gerald's wrath.  Then she and Tania will go to the market, or immediately help him at the shop.  In between, Lyra will get to know rich and handsome nobles, adding challenges and pleasures to her life.  But sadly all that is no longer be repeated.

The sun was getting higher when suddenly a maid came with information, just after Lyra was waving to Ella and Gena in the distance who was busy gardening.

Her head turned somewhat reluctantly.  "What is it?"  she asked the maid, knowing that something was wrong.

"His Grace asked you to see him, My Lady."

Screaming, Lyra's knees suddenly trembled for reasons she still didn't know.  "Do you know why I was summoned?"  Her fingers moved anxiously, while her eyes widened in fear.

The maid shook her head.  "I know nothing, My Lady."  And Lyra knew the maid was telling the truth.

Despite fear and reluctance, she still accepted Duke Kleo's demand.  "After all, who am I to refuse that summoning?"  she whispered along the way, down the halls of the palace with a few maids following her.

Even though it had only been a few days since she had been bedridden because of illness and confinement, seeing the scenery outside the palace and being able to walk around felt like a thousand years had passed.  Her lungs became very relieved as if they could take in more oxygen than usual.

When she was busy enjoying the view, her body suddenly stopped because almost bumped into someone.  Turning her head she found Mr. Bertus standing right in front of her, looking at her with an even expression.

Then the butler waved his hand, inviting her to come in.  "His Grace's been waiting for you, My Lady," he said as if to whip up Lyra's courage.

'Am I ready to meet him?  And was last night a dream?  But why does it feel so real?' she thought as the door to Duke Kleo's study opened.

***