Bound by Honor, Torn by Desire

Dawn painted the room in hues of rose gold, the early morning light filtered through delicate lace curtains framed in heavy red and gold brocade. Aleksasha lay motionless in a tangle of sheets. Her long hair was a tangle on her pillow. She turned towards the rhythmic breathing of the man sleeping beside her. Her fingers traced the large scar on Matias's chest, exploring the contours of her husband's muscular body. 

Am I dreaming? Did that really happen last night?

Her fingertips brushed against his skin, sliding down to his stomach, trying to reassure herself of the reality of the moment. 

He was really… 

Memories of the fervor of his kiss, the way he held her like he was truly the most important thing in his world. Her heart raced at the phantom press of skin against skin.

I want to believe him. 

Matias stirred, his lashes fluttering against his tanned cheeks. Aleksasha quickly withdrew her hand, suddenly self-conscious and shy. His ice-blue eyes slowly opened, soft and full of warmth as their gaze met. 

"Mmm," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. "If you mean to wake me up like that, I won't stop you." He caught her hand, possessive and gentle as he pressed it on his lower abdomen.

"I… I wasn't." Aleksasha swallowed hard at the suggestion, blushing fiercely. "G… good morning."

Matias's fingers slid up her arm, the gentle caress sending pleasant tingling sensation through her body. "I wasn't sure if you'd still be here."

"I wasn't sure either," she replied in a soft whisper.

Matias's gaze searched hers, his thumb brushing against her shoulder, resting at the base of her neck, "I meant what I said last night, Alek. You are everything to me. I'll spend the rest of my days showing you how much you mean to me."

Her chest tightened. She looked away, feeling ashamed and angry. "We shouldn't," she decided. "There is too much to do to get… distracted."

What of the warning in our code? What of that foul woman tainting our home?

 "Mmn. You're right, my sweet wife." He paused, sitting up as he kissing down the nape of her slender neck. She leaned into his warmth with a soft sigh, turning into his embrace. 

"Matias.." Aleksasha commented flatly, finally pulling herself away. She glared at him, though her annoyance didn't make it to her eyes. 

"I'll leave you to your work." Mischief danced in his eyes for a moment as he cupped her cheek, appraising her face with a delighted smile. "Alek." He said softly as he slipped from her bed, pulling on his robe and tying it loosely at his waist. He moved to the window, his form silhouetted against the morning light. Aleksasha's eyes followed him, admiring him in a dreamy daze. He glanced over his shoulder, catching her, another small smile playing across his lips. "I was right." 

"About what?" Aleksasha asked, tugging a sheet up to cover her nudity. 

"You're far more beautiful than the dawn." Matias replied smoothly. 

Aleksasha blushed fiercely as Matias left the room, looking pleased. 

—

I need to focus on making this perfect. I don't want anything to spoil tonight for Matias.

The estate was a hive of activity as servants rushed to finish preparations for the victory banquet. Matias's long journey home had given them ample time to make arrangements for flowers, and increased food and wine stores for the event. All that was left for today were the finishing touches. Aleksasha threw herself into her her work supervising the house staff as they hurried to and fro, seeking her final approval in all matters. 

This is so expensive. 

Aleksasha lamented as she mentally went over the accounting as she stood in the grand hall. She was dressed in a simple gown, as she went about the day's work before the long evening, opting for her comfort rather than opulence. 

Flowers. Food. Wine… This is infinitely more costly than anything else we've done. But I don't spend this much, it'll reflect poorly on Matias as the Duke of the North in the eyes of the nobility.

She sighed. 

Matias said to spend as much as I wanted. He didn't want me to skimp as a reward for getting us stable while he was gone. So we'll be okay financially after all this time. 

"This'll be the talk of every salon and smoking room, your grace!" Anya commented cheerfully as she arranged a large bouquet of flowers for a center piece. 

Ser Jory nodded as he directed another team of servants to rearrange the furniture of the hall. He was a tall, slender older man wearing a immaculately neat suit with slicked back peppery hair and a clean shaven face. His eyes were a warm brown. "She's correct, your grace. This is Duke Volkov's grand return after ten years gone. A proper homecoming that recognizes him and celebrates your reunion, your grace."

"Thank you both." Aleksasha smiled appreciatively at Anya and Jory, they'd made her transition to the estate easier with all their hard work and kindness. She returned her attention to several servants placing a black and gold silk banner on the walls with tall ladders. "A little higher and to the left, please." 

"It looks beautiful," Matias's voice tickled her ear from behind, his arm slide easily around her waist. She nearly jumped out of her skin at the suddenness of his appearance. 

How does a man so tall move so quietly?

Aleksasha blushed as she turned to face Matias. "T.. Thank you," she shyly replied. She looked down at the floor, toying with her skirt. The servants smiled at each other and focused on their work to give the couple some semblance of privacy. 

What am I doing right now? 

She shook her head and looked up at Matias wearing a loose tunic and slacks. He was carrying a large book. His voice was calm and his expression was almost cold and unreadable as it had been when she found him in the study with Selene. "It's important to make an impression. Tonight will be remembered for yours to come," she commented softly. 

"It already will be." He offered her a small smile and watched her with an intensity that made her blush. He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on her forehead. "Don't work too hard, it'll be a long night."

Before Aleksasha could protest or retort, Matias had wandered away again, just as suddenly as he appeared. 

Her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze, but she pulled away, reminding herself of the uncertainty still hanging over them.

— 

Aleksasha was flustered every time Matias materialized behind her as she worked throughout the day. While she hadn't adjusted to his presence after his absence for the past several years, she was grateful that he was home. They were pleasant surprises but she hadn't fully braced herself for dealing with Selene, who appeared as the last of the preparations winded down. 

In the gardens, Selene stood by the marble fountain, directing the servants to arrange pots of flowers. She was dressed too opulently for casual daytime wear in blue gown with a deep neckline. Her raven hair adorned with golden crystal and pearl hair ornaments. Aleksasha understood how beautiful Selene was and how dangerous the woman was if she was her husband's mistress.

Aleksasha frowned as her servants saw her approach and took the opportunity to escape the stranger's intrusion. 

Selene looked toward Aleksasha, her eyes judging every bit of the duchess's appearance. "Your grace," Selene said smoothly, inclining her head in a polite greeting. "You've been busy."

"As have you," Aleksasha replied politely as she glanced around the garden in a different arrangement than she attended. A wire archway with lace wrapped around it near the gazebo leading into towards the roses. "I trust you'll behave tonight."

Selene's smiled slyly. "Of course. But tell me, your grace, are you always so concerned with appearances?"

Aleksasha's gaze hardened, her posture rigid. "Only when it matters."

Something unreadable flickered across Selene's face. She curtsied. "You've worked hard for tonight," she said, her tone seemingly genuine. "But be careful, your grace. Sometimes appearances can be deceiving."

Aleksasha steadied herself, keeping her anger contained. 

Selene hasn't done anything. Something about her presence upsets me. 

"Thank you for the advice, Lady Selene. But I assure you, I know exactly what I'm doing." Aleksasha politely nodded, and turned. "I have much yet to do. Please don't trouble yourself while you are our guest tonight."

Selene's laugh was soft and mocking. "Do you?"

Aleksasha appraised Selene's expression and tone. "You will have your pick of the nobility. I'm sure we'll be able to find you an appropriate love match to live the life your accustomed to, Lady Selene." 

Selene haughtily raised her head as she looked down at Aleksasha. "A love match, for me. How generous. Do you really think that's what I want?" 

"Your father was a good man and loyal to my husband, the Duke. It's appropriate that we find you someone who can take care of you in his stead." Aleksasha replied, trying to hold back her annoyance at the woman's gall. 

"You speak like you know everything when… never mind. You'll see." Selene winked as she walked away from Aleksasha without another word. She waved her hand dismissively.