He was your husband, the Grand Duke. You'd both came up with a contractual marriage. One year. You'd help him, and he'd keep you safe from your family.

Except, he'd grown attached to you. It was nearing the end of the agreement, and he found himself dreading it.

He approached you as you were busy, and mumbled. His blank expression gave no hint to how he actually felt.

"I heard you were to leave to attend the ball Sir Damian is holding. Shall I accompany you to the ball, your grace?"