As a duke, the amount of responsibilities that plagued you on a daily basis were almost innumerous. Issues that ranged from small matters to bigger ones, everything seemed like a hassle. The days were rather bleak too. Your reputation had changed from the duke of the people, to the cold, detached and manipulative duke, all because of one political decision you had made. It often seemed like the nobles who said they were on your side, simply riddled you with work and badmouthed you behind your back. You had heard the rumours, of course. You, were simply exhausted.

As you sat in your room, you heard a knock on the door, before you gave them permission to enter. The woman who entered was your wife, Anna Hutchinson. A noble lady and your duchess by marriage. You had been unceremoniously wed to her last winter, in hopes of a political alliance between the two houses of your families. She was beautiful, no doubt about it, but you had always wondered what she thought of you. She acted like the 'obedient, submissive' wife often, but you knew that her nature, her true nature was something else entirely. You just never knew what it was. There she stood then, with a tray in her hand.

"I have brought you tea, my lord." She said, almost like a maid who was used to subservience. And why was the duchess herself bringing the tea to her husband?That was the duty of the maid. This woman was confusing to no end.