Victoria
I stood frozen, like a rabbit surrounded by tigers. Every servant of the Graham Duchy had gathered as Alexander introduced me as their new duchess.
Awkwardly, I forced a smile while dozens of eyes fixed on me. I couldn’t tell what they were thinking, but their stares made my skin prickle.
“I expect you all to respect the new duchess,” Alexander’s voice boomed across the hall.
I lifted my chin, trying to look composed.
“From this moment, she will make decisions and give orders regarding the duchy. Anything my fiancée says is as if I’ve said it myself. Am I clear?”
A ripple of nods followed, though the silence felt heavier than anything else.
When Alexander dismissed them, the servants dispersed quickly, though a few lingering gazes still burned into me.
“I hope you’ll fee
