No Longer Your Puppet, Duke

Marry Me, Then

Roselyn woke that morning with a churning stomach. The sky seemed to spin, the ship’s railing felt too flimsy to hold, and Kaelus was already standing beside her, his brow furrowed in concern. Unlike her, a night spent on the deck had left him looking perfectly refreshed.

"I will head down first, Lady. You can lean on me in a moment."

The Princess of Vogard glanced toward the wooden plank connecting them to the mainland. "I’m fine."

"You are pale, Lady."

"I said I’m fi—"

A massive wave slammed into the hull. Roselyn stumbled, and before her feet could find their purchase, she was lifted off the ground. Kaelus had caught her in a swift bridal carry. His expression didn't waver in the slightest, which was the only thing that saved them from a lingering awkwardness.

"Is this what you call being fine?"

"I’m sorry, Kael. I’m actually quite embarrassed. I slept in a cabin, yet I’m still this ill."

"It is only natural; this is your first time traveling this far by sea."

The day was fading when a small dock finally appeared on the horizon. The northern coastal sky was a bruised shade of reddish-gray, and the wind carried the sharp scent of salt. The pier was quiet, occupied only by a few swaying fishing boats and an old man mending his nets. The man looked up as Kaelus stepped onto the dock, still carrying Roselyn.

His gaze lingered for a moment on the red eyes that had been the mark of the imperial family for centuries, then he gave a respectful nod before returning his focus to his work.

"They aren't afraid of you."

"Why should they be?"

She had no answer for that. The cobbled path leading to the small villa at the edge of the coast wasn't long, but it was enough for Roselyn to notice the small details: the low stone houses, the warm yellow light glowing behind windows, and a child playing nearby. No one looked at Kaelus with dread. Some even smiled, as if recognizing an old neighbor.

An elderly woman greeted them at the villa's threshold. "It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you bring a guest, child."

"Two rooms," Kaelus said.

"Two? Don’t be shy to use one room."

"We are to be married soon. But I respect my future wife."

Wife.

The word made Roselyn instinctively bury her face in Kaelus’s chest. Her arms tightened around his neck. She was flushed with shy heat, though the Grand Duke misinterpreted the gesture as a sign that she was desperate for rest.

"Grandmother, please help her clean up. Her seasickness seems quite severe."

"Of course, dear. You go wash up as well. I’ll prepare some soup for you both."

Kaelus gave his ascent and walked straight to the bedroom. He laid Roselyn gently onto the bed before taking his leave to his own room. For a moment, the long-haired woman surveyed her surroundings. The wooden room felt remarkably similar to the shed where she and her mother used to live.

Not wanting to linger in her discomfort, she quickly washed up. A short while later, the villa’s caretaker arrived with the soup. Roselyn accepted it with a smile, but upon tasting it … it was strange. The spices in the soup were unlike anything she had ever eaten. She began to wonder if the cuisine in this part of the empire was simply unique.

A soft knock came from outside. "Lady, have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Come outside."

Roselyn set the soup on the table and immediately followed her future husband. By the shore, a small bonfire was crackling. Kaelus had spread out a cloth, and they sat side-by-side. The coastal wind was biting, but the embers before them were enough to keep them warm.

"I was worried you wouldn't be used to the food here, so I grilled some fish and shellfish."

"Kael, I think it might be hard for me to eat right now."

"Because of the smell? I have a specific way of cooking it."

He picked up a fish that had been wrapped in arvent leaves while being grilled. He slowly peeled back the leaves to reveal the perfectly cooked meat. Instantly, a delicious aroma wafted through the air. Roselyn took a tentative breath. Her stomach didn't churn at all.

"Where did you learn this?"

"Winter in the North is long. Provisions often run out before their time, so my knights taught me how to cook fish. Eat; I’m sure you’ll like it."

They ate together, occasionally serving one another. The grilled shellfish was sweet, and the fish was tender. For a moment, the scene unearthed a childhood memory. Her mother used to grill corn from their own garden and meat that was sometimes no larger than a fist. They would sit together until the fire died down, and her mother would hum while pulling her into an embrace. Without realizing it, she smiled.

"What is it?" Kaelus asked.

"Oh, I just like this. It’s delicious, Kael. It seems there is nothing you cannot do."

"I have never been able to get what I truly want," the man in white replied suddenly.

"You always win your wars, Kael."

"But there was never anyone to welcome me home."

Roselyn fell silent. She reflected on her memories; even in the past she knew, Kaelus had never been engaged, let alone married. He had dedicated himself to building his territory even while the Emperor himself tried to stifle Valthorne. Now, she understood why. A strange lump formed in her throat.

"Kael, is there no woman you like?"

"Of course there is. Unfortunately … I never had the chance to get close to her."

"Is she married?"

"Not yet, but I believe there is another man in her heart."

Roselyn offered a small smile, thinking that the towering figure beside her simply had an awkward side when it came to romance.

"You should try to confess your feelings, Kael. We never truly know a person's heart. Besides, anyone would be lucky to have you as a husband."

"Do you truly think so?"

"I do. To be honest, at first, I half-believed the dark rumors about you." The Princess of Vogard watched the dying flames. "But after meeting you, I wouldn't dare judge you so carelessly. Aside from the fact that you saved me, Kael, you are a wonderful leader and partner."

Wonderful.

The word made the 'Monster of the North' widen his eyes. He was used to being met with disgust and fear, yet here she was, smiling sweetly as if she were a light in the middle of the darkness.

"Do you still love Duke D'Arest?"

The question slipped out quietly, nearly drowned by the sound of the waves. Kaelus didn't look at her as he asked, but Roselyn knew he was waiting intently for her answer.

"Perhaps a little remains. But I have no intention of going back to him."

Silence followed. The coastal breeze blew, leaving only the faintest glow in the embers. Kaelus finally turned his head. His crimson eyes locked onto the Princess of Vogard. It felt as though he were slowly gathering every ounce of his courage.

"Marry me, Lady," he said, the words sounding as though they had been held back for a very long time.