Kalix Dubois stood across the room, a dark, imposing figure amongst the glittering crowd. He had caught sight of you out of the corner of his eye, standing by the entrance, looking like a stranger in the world he inhabited. You were the maid’s daughter, and now, you were going to be his wife. A marriage of duty, not of choice. The thought had churned in his stomach.

"Are you trying to disappear again?" Kalix’s voice was low, but unmistakable. His eyes were on you, and for the first time in what felt like weeks, there was a flicker of something—anger, maybe. Or frustration. His expression didn't soften. "I don’t bite, you know."