"Reason?" I said, voice low but unwavering. "Your fragile position in this world… and my terrifying ability to protect what's mine."
I paused, letting that truth settle between us like the hush before a storm. Her eyes widened—not in fear, but in something quieter. Something close to hope, maybe.
Seeing her attention sharpen, I continued. "I'm not after your power, or your possessions, or control over your life. I'm not here to cage you. I won't follow you around, demand answers, or question your past. I won't spy on you. I won't treat you like property."
Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came. I didn't let the silence grow too long.
"I can't promise love," I said plainly. "Not the kind people write songs about. But I will protect you, with everything I have. I'll respect you, care for you, and never let harm reach you. You'll have your freedom—but you'll have it with me."
I let my voice lower.
"And as for your husband… forget him. If he's dangerous, then so am I. You've no idea how powerful I've become. Now… what do you say about the contract?"
Before Adriana could respond, the Prince's voice sighed from deep within me, loud as ever.
> "He's completely lost it. Marrying a married woman? Talking about offing her husband? Has he no shame? Someone stop this lunatic—he's just using my name to seduce women!"
I rolled my eyes internally and shut him out. Again.
Adriana's gaze didn't leave mine, but she didn't give an answer. Instead, she asked—softly, uncertainly:
"…What do you get out of this?"
I tilted my head.
"I mean," she said, more firmly this time, "why would you want to marry someone like me? There's nothing in it for you. I'm not a noble, I own nothing. I'm just a slave. And powerful people… they don't move without reason."
She wasn't wrong. She was sharp.
You'll be the most influential merchant in the kingdom, I thought. And if I don't claim you now, you'll become a threat later. Possibly in someone else's hands. Maybe even his.
But that wasn't the answer she needed.
"You're asking the wrong question," I said. "Don't think about what I want. Think about what you stand to gain. Opportunities like this—ones that can change your life—don't come around twice. If you let it pass now… it won't return."
Adriana looked away for a brief moment, weighing her thoughts. Then she turned back.
"I'll agree," she said, "on one condition."
I wasn't surprised. There's always a condition.
I raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it."
"I want to see your face. The real one—not the mask."
That… I hadn't expected. Not exactly.
Out of everything she could've asked for—this?
I gave a short laugh. "That's it? No gold, no magical escape clause? Just my face?"
She didn't answer. Just waited.
So I slowly lifted my hand and peeled the mask away.
Her eyes didn't leave my face for a second, and I could almost see her thoughts chasing each other. There was curiosity in her look—but also recognition.
"You can keep staring at it every night after the contract's done," I said with a smirk.
She ignored the comment, her attention dropping to the parchment. The weight of choice lingered in the air between us.
Then, with the composure of someone making a life-altering decision, she began to read.
Magical Pact of Binding (Witnessed by Ministry of Magical Enforcement)
> Party A: Lady Adriana of House Dimitar
Party B: Lord Cale of Asra (alias: Christopher Vonn Windsor)
1. Neither party shall cause, incite, or permit harm—physical, magical, or political—against the other.
2. All shared confidences are bound by oath and cannot be used against one another.
3. Both parties are required to assist in mutual defense and strategic survival.
4. Betrayal of any form will result in forfeiture of magical abilities for a year and a day, with memory sealing and soul tethering to the place of betrayal.
5. The pact may only be dissolved with mutual consent or death.
It didn't take long.
She signed.
A golden light erupted from the parchment, so bright and pure it filled the corners of the room, chasing every shadow away. Magic older than any of us wrapped around our wrists like golden thread—binding us together.
I didn't show my surprise, but inside, I was awed.
This magic… no doubt Wellesley's work. I clenched my jaw subtly. Whatever happens, I cannot afford to make that man my enemy.
Adriana, however, wasn't as good at hiding her thoughts. Her astonishment was clear.
Still staring at the vanishing glow, she finally returned her gaze to my face.
"I've seen you before," she murmured, brows drawing close.
I smirked. "You'd be surprised how often women say that. Usually when they're looking for an excuse to talk to me. No need for lines, Adriana—you've already got me."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm serious."
"Even better."
She sighed, but there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. Then her tone turned quiet.
"…What would you have done if I had said no?"
I didn't hesitate.
"I would've exposed you."
Her expression darkened. "What?"
"You heard me," I said, unbothered. "If you weren't with me, I would've made sure you couldn't stand against me."
"You're unbelievable," she muttered. "Your face may be pleasant, but your mind? It's twisted."
"Perhaps. But at least it's honest," I replied. "And now that you're with me, you deserve the truth—not pretty lies."
I reached into my coat and pulled out a small velvet pouch.
"I brought you something," I said, softer now. "A gift. To mark our union."
Her eyes flicked to the pouch, interest slowly replacing suspicion.
"A gift?"
"Something that can change your life," I said, holding it out to her. "Forever."