From The Maid's Perspective

The contract

As the duke's personal maid, I have been privy to many of his private affairs, Countess Lydia asked for an audience with him was unlike any other. The request itself had an air of formality and urgency that piqued my curiosity.

The Countess arrived promptly at noon, her carriage pulling up to the grand entrance of the duke's vacation home. She was a striking woman, with a commanding presence that made her difficult to ignore. I greeted her with a curtsy and escorted her to the duke's study, where he awaited her arrival.

The study, with its dark wood paneling and heavy drapes, was a place of business and strategy. The duke, seated behind his mahogany desk, rose to greet the Countess with a formal bow. I stood at a respectful distance, ready to attend to their needs but keenly aware that this was a significant meeting.

"Your Grace," Countess Lydia began, her voice steady and composed, "I have come to propose a contract marriage between us, one that will be mutually beneficial."

The duke raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Pray, continue, Countess."

She outlined the benefits with precision. She started with the fact that the duke is being pressed to marry the princess and she made a guess he doesnt want that , she then further discussed how the duke doesn't want to be in the succession battle,which was also correct, she proposed that a contract marraige between both of them would be the solution.It was a practical arrangement, devoid of romantic notions but rich in pragmatic value, which the duke wanted.

The duke listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement. I could see the wheels turning in his mind, assessing the proposition from every angle. Countess Lydia spoke with confidence and clarity, her arguments compelling and well thought out.

After what felt like hours but was only a matter of minutes, the duke stood and extended his hand. "Very well, Countess. Let us finalize this arrangement at my estate."

I was instructed to prepare for our immediate departure. The carriage ride to the duke's estate was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. The Countess maintained her poised demeanor, while the duke seemed contemplative, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery.

Upon arrival at the estate, they retreated to the drawing room, where legal documents were meticulously reviewed and signed. I was tasked with fetching refreshments and ensuring their privacy, yet my mind buzzed with the gravity of the situation.

Two days later, the wedding preparations were in full swing. The estate was abuzz with activity, servants scurrying about to ensure everything was perfect. The ceremony itself was to be a grand affair, befitting the union of two powerful figures.

As I assisted the duke with his attire on the morning of the wedding, I couldn't help but ask, "Your Grace, do you believe this marriage will bring you happiness?"

He looked at me, a rare softness in his eyes. "Happiness, perhaps, is not the goal here. Stability is. But one can always hope for more."

With those words, I realized the depth of his pragmatism and the weight of his responsibilities. As the time for the ceremony approached, I watched from the sidelines, knowing that I had witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the duke's life-one driven by duty, strategy, and the faint hope of something more.

The marriage was a contract, yes, but it was also a testament to the intricate dance of power and alliance that governed the lives of the nobility. And as the vows were exchanged.....