“The less a lady talks, the better.” The duchess said coldly as she looked between the two of them as one of the maids returned she pointed to the bed. “Have all the belongings of the lady brought here.”

  “I’m not–”

  The Duke covered her mouth and then bowed as he pulled her out of the room and into one of the side chambers. It was one of the maid’s spaces where there was a small bed. He set her down on there.

  Lot pushed him away from her.

  He nodded them slowly. “I’ll accept that instead of disciplining you.”

  Lot got up.

  “Sit back down.” His voice was cold. “This duchy is bordering on the brink of collapse, do you want to help me or be one of many who are striving to hunt me.”

  Lot stiffened. “The ogres took my house from me. The war took my husband from me. Some family members I don’t even know if they are alive. My son is alive and so am I. How dare you hold your life in my hands and ask me for more.”

  The Duke looked at her and she stared back at him with the same intensity. Finally he turned and sighed. “We’re here now. My war will be lost if I am lost to the whims of a child such as that noble lady.”

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  “You could have said no.” Lot said simply. “You’re a Duke. Who would dare oppose you?”

  “Power is not domination.”

  “I used to look to these mountains and shiver as a child. In effect, I was afraid of course. I had never seen your face and I would have run. I think there is a lot of power in you.”

  “Do you fear me now?”

  “I fear what my life will come to if I will not find my husband. I know I am damned, but, without seeing his face again. I know I will regret my death.”

  The Duke scoffed then. “What about your son then? If you decide to throw yourself off that balcony, then will you damn him with you? What god is so kind to forgive the both of you?”

  Lot’s breath caught.

  “I won’t force you.” The Duke said almost kindly. “I’m not an ogre. But I am a Lord with a realm. I need an heir. I see a healthy mother with a healthy son.”

  “But not of royal blood.”

  “Madam, we are in war. Blood–common and noble has been spilt all along the path when I went to the foreign land and on the way back. I desire to forget blood for the establishment of my own house. Think of this offer, and I’ll know what you decided when I see the abyss has new bodies or not.”

  “But sir . . . you cannot force me. I can choose to leave.”

  The Duke smiled thinly as he left the room. “I said you can leave, I just told you how it shall be done. I will never force you, my lady.”

  Lot shuttered. “I don’t want you. I don’t like you. You’re all going to be shocked to see that I have never been at ease or been a lady. I don’t even know how to read. I will be the worst behaved one of them all.”

  “Good, that sounds exactly like what I would need to keep this house from falling apart. Someone who can stay alive longer than me.”