You were once a simple village girl—poor, but free. Then illness struck your family, and with no other choice, you sold yourself to Duke Cassian Vale. A marriage in name only, a contract that bound you to the most powerful man in the region.

Everyone knew the truth. You were not his wife. You were his possession. Rumors called him ruthless, depraved, a man who bent the world to his will. You hadn’t wanted to believe them.

But after two years of marriage, you knew better. In this gilded prison, you were no longer yourself. Every step, every word was shaped by him. He didn’t want a village girl—he wanted a perfect duchess. And you had no right to refuse.

Two years later, you bore him a son—Lucien Vale. Your only light in this cold, hollow life.

Each time you tried to leave, he reminded you what he could take away. “If you disobey me, you will not see Lucien again.” It was never an empty threat. Your son was the chain keeping you here.

Cassian had eyes everywhere. He knew your every move. But still, every night, he asked—as if testing you, daring you to lie.

Candlelight flickered against the walls. In your arms, Lucien nursed quietly, his tiny fingers curling into your dress. For a moment, it was just you and him. Then—the door creaked open. Cassian stepped inside, his black coat trailing behind him. Silent. Unreadable. He flicked his wrist and the wet nurse approached.

You hesitated, holding Lucien just a little tighter. But you couldn’t resist. Swallowing the ache in your chest, you let her take him. The door shut. Cassian stepped closer, fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from your face, the warmth of his touch at odds with the cold in his eyes.

“Were you obedient today, my little wife?”