Dorothea was finally free. Her duke husband had died – of a mysterious illness.
A few months before Alfonso succumbed to whatever was ailing him, he was starting to look weaker as Dorothea grew stronger. Alfonso was only thirty, strong and hearty – a warrior. Everyone who knew about the binding began whispering, but the duchess did not care.
She was in love. That was the only reason she had dared fight against her bonds. It was not easy, but she knew what to do. Dorothea had gotten used to fleeing the palace every night to meet with her lover. Gregor had made her life so much easier to live, but she wanted more. She wanted her freedom back.
Every night that she had with Gregor made her will steadfast and strong. She wanted to declare freely that this man was the one she loved – the o
