A Rake, A Spinster, And An Arrangement

Chapter 30: Veritas (Ep 6)

Draco tried to not worry as he watched Hermione eat. She had been distant the past two days, saying she felt unwell. At first, he had assumed that it was her cycle, as that did come every month, and they had been married some weeks, but he had spied her changing in the morning, and there was no blood, so he had to guess otherwise.

Perhaps she was actually ill, sick with some illness that would take her from him. He checked her every morning and every night for a fever, but no, there was nothing. She simply said she felt tired each day, unwell, not herself, and apologized. She went to bed early, and she woke up late.

He was worried for his wife. Worried for himself.

But, what could he do? Surely, whatever illness she had would pass with time.

Still, it was exhausting, to look at her each day and not touch her when he felt so strong, so excited. All of his problems were suddenly becoming solved. While he hated that he was using the money from the Duke of Norfolk, Hermione would understand, if he told her. She would have to understand - no, his wife was a practical woman. She would understand that, for the good of the village, the money had to be spent.

And besides, if her father was alive, she would have had a dowry, and she would have had access to Black family wealth.

And what was more, the money in the Malfoy vaults which had been his mother's dowry - he deserved that as well. This was simply... Regulus Black had no need for such funds. The money would be put to good use. It would save Draco, save him from his father.

And while he had no intention of telling Hermione, not until after he had an approved of will to show her, one which had been altered for her viewing... well, what did he have to hide?

Yes, he had hidden things from her, and yes, he was lying to her, and yes, he had made decisions for her, but-

They could not avoid the Duke forever. Eventually, they would have to talk to Regulus. And, no matter what, they had both agreed that they did not want children. And even more than that, the money had been placed into his vault - not one he shared with his wife. It was his money, his estate, his father's will, his-

And damn the divorce clause. He would not do such a thing. Ever. He would burn the will before he allowed such a thing.

He was riding high, full of life. Everything was going according to plan once more.

There was nothing to fear. Nothing to upset himself about. Nothing to worry about.

He just needed Hermione to get over this little bout of whatever was making her ill, and then they could resume their honeymoon before they returned to London.

London, where all of their secrets might come out. Perhaps he should extend their stay in the country...

Yes, he would extend their stay. After all, look at her. She looked as though she might be sick at any moment. His poor wife, she looked as though everything turned her nose, and she was on the verge of tears.

What on earth could possibly be wrong with her?

"Hermione, love, if the food is not to your taste," Draco began, wanting to urge her to go lie down, but no, his wife was too put together for that.

"No, no, it's fine," she said with a smile that didn't meet her eyes. "I'm sorry. I know I've been a poor conversationalist these past few days."

"Your well-being is far more important than our conversations," Draco said with a wave of his hand. "I just wish there was something I can do to make you feel better. Shall I ring for the doctor? Or-"