**Chapter 8: Contract Conditions (3)** “Forever?” Alessandra muttered, disbelief painted across her features. The weight of that word loomed heavily in the air, mingling with her swirling thoughts. Did she misjudge him? Did she really think this union would last a year or two? Surely, the romantic tales she cherished portrayed much shorter commitments. “Yes, forever. Are you planning to break your wedding vows? ‘Till death do us part,’” Edgar retorted, a predatory grin creeping across his face, relishing in the shock etched on hers. For Edgar, marriage was a pact he intended to honor just once, and it had to be with someone he could tolerate—and that was a rare find. “At some point, you will need an heir,” she ventured cautiously, her heart racing at the possibility he envisioned with her. Was that what he expected? “Of course, my wife will be the mother of my child, but there’s no need for concern. I’m not eager to have a little one running around my estate anytime soon,” he replied, disdain flickering in his voice at the mere thought of children. “You wouldn’t mind me having your child?” Alessandra's voice wavered, confusion swallowing her whole. She longed for a guiding hand to extricate her from this labyrinth of revelations. “You’re starting to irritate me, Alessandra, by failing to grasp the obvious. But I suppose it’s understandable given the shock. Yes, I would not mind you having my child eventually. If I cared, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation about marriage. However, if all of this is too much for you to handle, we can simply forget it,” he declared, an edge of impatience creeping into his tone. “My worries stem from what kind of world my child would navigate. I fear they might undergo the same torment of rumors I’ve faced,” Alessandra confessed, her mind painting a vivid picture of cruelty and exclusion. No mother wished for their offspring to endure such a fate. “Alessandra,” he interrupted sharply but softened his tone after a moment, “you have no idea the power my surname wields. Once you become my wife, those whispers will fade into nothingness; no one will dare speak of you—or your future child again.” Edgar’s confidence was palpable, cloaked in an aura that suggested he had a grip on fear itself. It dawned on her, the depth of his influence. She didn’t need to pry into Edgar's methods; the glint in his eye told her all she needed to know about the shadows that surrounded him. He was being unusually cordial, perhaps a facade to mask the more dangerous side she’d only begun to glimpse. “Let’s proceed with the contract, Duke Edgar,” she said, her voice steadying as she picked up the quill to scrawl her name across the document before her. Providing him with an heir wouldn’t be a concern if he could ensure that child’s protection. “Edgar,” he reminded her gently yet firmly, like a serpent disguised in a cloak. “Forgive me, Edgar,” she quickly corrected, feeling a slight sting of embarrassment. “I anticipate it will take some time for you to use only my first name. Tomorrow, I shall visit your father, seeking your hand in marriage. I want to ensure you don't have any more accidents that result in a hurt hand,” Edgar said, a sly grin overtaking his features as he pushed the paper away from her. “Would you care to reside with me until the wedding?” he added, his tone casual, “It’s not uncommon, though some may assume you’re with child—” “Absolutely not!” Alessandra interjected vehemently, horror skimming the surface. “My reputation is already tarnished; there is no need to add a pregnancy rumor to the mix.” Edgar scoffed, a shadow of nostalgia crossing his mind at her response. “Anyone dumb enough to think I've gotten you with child before marriage is simply foolish. Besides, word has already spread that I sneak women into my estate at night,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Do you?” Alessandra couldn’t help but probe. While she didn’t want to give life to rumors, the question slipped from her lips as her curiosity piqued. She needed to hear the truth, not just idle gossip. Edgar feigned shock, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. “I would never!” The theatricality amused Alessandra as the tension dissipated. Feeling guilty for even considering such a thought, she quickly offered an apology. “I apologize—” “But there is a sliver of truth to those tales. While I don't sneak women in here, it’s true they’ve attempted to scale my walls and met my guards instead. It starts with a rumor, like a rogue spark, spreading until it becomes a conflagration of lies. Sometimes, it’s oddly beneficial; they help me catch criminals,” he mused, casually revealing a glimpse into the darker undercurrents of his life. ‘Right, he’s been commissioned to investigate under royal orders,’ Alessandra thought, tucking the information away for future contemplation. “I shall ensure the contract is hidden securely, away from prying eyes. Now that that’s settled, have you eaten? Alfred can fetch breakfast for you, or you may take mine. I simply cannot afford to delay with the workload hanging over me, especially with your father’s antics stealing my time.” His frustration was apparent, stemming from the unproductive information he received from her father regarding the missing girls. “I apologize. My father wielded your name to draw in extra guests, and Kate has taken a liking to you, which only added to my father’s pressure to have you attend,” Alessandra offered, regret clouding her expression. Despite her own turmoil, her father’s reputation weighed heavily on her mind—something he cherished above all else after her mother abandoned them. “Your father, your stepmother, and your sister shall not darken my doorstep after we marry. By now, you know the type of people they truly are; had you found them bearable, you wouldn’t consider marrying a stranger to escape,” Edgar stated bluntly, casting a shadow of finality over the matter. “I don’t mind,” Alessandra affirmed, feeling her own resolve strengthen. “I’d rather not have their presence in my life any longer. But I must depart now, Duke Edgar. I promised my father I would paint the view of the town, and I don’t want him to become upset if I am late. I look forward to becoming your wife.” “I hope to find my life a touch more exhilarating with you in it, Alessandra. Come, allow me to escort you,” Edgar offered, rising from his seat with an eagerness that caught her off guard. How he yearned for the moment the king learned of their impending union—such news would serve as a powerful lesson in meddling. “Thank you,” Alessandra said, accepting his outstretched hand with gratitude. “Your home is truly magnificent. I find myself envious of your artwork.” “Do you enjoy painting?” He had noted her passion bubbling beneath the surface, intrigued by the fire behind her words. Though not particularly keen on art himself, it seemed necessary to listen. “I do. Painting is a sanctuary for me, a beautiful escape from the world. It requires practice and patience, but there’s nothing quite like the moment you finally achieve the vision you’ve worked so hard for.” Lost in her enthusiasm, she didn’t even realize she continued to clutch Edgar’s hand. He didn’t mind the connection; he found solace in her delight. “Then I shall acquire a few pieces of your work.” “W-Why?” Alessandra stuttered, feeling a flicker of panic rise in her chest. She had never showcased her creations for anyone to witness, let alone buy. “I should at least purchase from someone I know. I have no connection to the artists whose work decorates my halls. Choose your finest pieces to adorn my home. I’ll ask Alfred to remove some of the ones currently displayed—” “Are you out of your mind?” she retorted, incredulous. Why would he squander his money on her unprofessional art while beautifully crafted pieces adorned the walls? “No, my doctor assures me I am sane as long as I don’t— Never mind. This will be your home as well, and you should decorate it as you see fit as the lady of the house. You’re welcome to add your own touches to make it feel like home, and I shall bear the cost.” “Ah, that makes sense,” Alessandra murmured, her understanding blossoming. In this world of uncertainty, she found a strange kind of comfort in his strange new reality. As their time together drew to a close, there was an unspoken bond beginning to weave between them, threading together their fates in ways neither could yet comprehend.