The Unbothered Duchess( Rewritten)

The Duke of Halewick is a monster.

At least, that's what the kingdom says.

Cold. Ruthless. Untouchable.

So when Calista Everdane-a quiet, unremarkable noblewoman with no ambition-is forced into marriage with him, everyone expects tragedy.

Calista expects inconvenience.

She arrives at his fortress with tea, a stack of books, and a preference for east-facing windows. She doesn't challenge him. She doesn't fear him. She doesn't even seem particularly interested in him.

While the court watches for scandal, Calista quietly claims a chair no one is allowed to sit in, befriends the Duke's hound, and begins dismantling political schemes she was never meant to notice.

She doesn't scheme.
She doesn't strategize.
She simply observes-and acts when necessary.