Bound by Honor, Torn by Desire

Aleksasha stared after Selene's disappearing form, rooted to the spot. Her pulse quickening with agitation. Once again, she was left with cryptic comments to interpret with no other clues. It gnawed at her, a puzzle she didn't have enough pieces to put together to see the hidden image. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself. 

She wants me rattled. I won't give her the satisfaction.

She opened her eyes and straightened her gown. 

There's still so much left to do and I won't let her spoil this for Matias. 

A golden glow was cast over the estate as the sun dipped onto the mountain peaks. Her servants hurried about, lighting lanterns along the pathways. The final touches are being made to the silk banners and floral arrangements. The grand hall is complete. Everything is going according to schedule. Everything is in its rightful place. 

The thought reassured her as she headed to the manor, spotting Ser Turold overseeing the merchants bringing in the last of the supplies they needed for their guests. His commanding figure in his best armor and tunic in preparation for the banquet was a refreshing sight to see. He was ever a fixture of security and stability in her life at the estate while Matias was away. He turned at the sound of her approach, and bowed in greeting. 

"Good evening, your grace." He politely greeted. 

"Ser Turold." Aleksasha replied with a soft smile. 

He raised his head, his gaze filled with concern as he appraised her for a moment. "You've been working even more tirelessly today than normally. Is there anything I can help you with?" 

She shook her head, offering him a small grateful smile. "I'm fine, Sir Turold. Just ensuring everything is perfect for tonight."

"It's an event worthy of the Duke's return." His sharp eyes scanned her face, as he straightened. "But if I may, your grace, don't forget to take care of yourself. It'll be a long night for you as hostess."

"I appreciate your concern," Aleksasha warmly replied. "I will be mindful of my limits and take breaks."

Turold nodded, his expression thoughtful as he hesitated. There was something more he wanted to say but was uncertain of how to say it. "If I may, your grace, there's something about Lady Selene that troubles me. She's been hanging around the barracks, asking the soldiers questions. I don't know what to make of her. It doesn't seem like she's someone seeking refuge after the death of her father."

Aleksasha's brows furrowed as she considered this new piece of information. "Have you told the Duke your concerns?"

"I have," Turold admitted, his jaw tightening. "He thinks she has a different way of approaching death. Perhaps this is true but it still feels off. I thought you should know, your grace."

Aleksasha nodded, her expression shifting back to a grateful smile. "Thank you for telling me, Sir Turold. I'll be mindful of her different customs. If you notice anything else, please let me know."

Turold nodded again. "We're still looking into what you asked last night your grace. I should have answers for you soon." 

—

Back in her chambers, Aleksasha stood before her mirrored vanity, her maid Anya fussed over the final adjustments to her gown. The emerald silk clung to her figure elegantly, the gold embroidery caughtthe light in a way that made her emerald eyes seem even more vivid. Her hair, styled into soft waves, cascaded down her back, accented by delicate gold pins.

"You're more radiant than anyone in the kingdom, your grace," Anya grinned, stepping back to admire her handiwork. 

Aleksasha smiled at the compliment. 

I am dressed for battle. It's more than keeping up appearances. Selene is likely to make a move tonight and I will need to be on my guard. Selene might be dangerous but the nobility hold other threats to our authority. 

A knock at the door startled both women. Aleksasha turned as Matias entered. He was dressed for the banquet wearing a finely tailored coat of near black velvet trimmed in gold, his broad shoulders and narrow waist emphasized by the cut of the fabric. His pants were white and flatteringly fit him. His boots were highly polished. His short black hair was neatly combed back. He was more handsome than ever. His icy blue eyes often cold were soft and warm as he took in the sight of her. wore a tailored coat of dark blue near black, trimmed in gold, his broad shoulders emphasized by the cut of the fabric. His icy blue eyes softened as they took in the sight of her. 

Anya sensed the shift in the mood and excused herself from the couple's presence. A side door softly clicked shut behind her. 

"Alek," he said softly, his voice filled with awe and longing. "You are… stunning. I fear I must hide you away or else one of the gods will came down here and steal you away."

Her heart fluttered. She blushed and straightened. "Thank you. You look dashing, Matias."

He closed the distance between them, taking her hand and raised it to his lips. He gently kissed it, just the brush of his breath across her skin brought flashes of memory of what his lips felt like against other parts of her body. 

"I wanted to see you before the banquet," he murmured. His thumb brushed against her knuckles as he lowered her hand from his lips. "No matter what happens tonight, you're the most important thing in my life."

What are you forewarning me of? 

She wondered as she met his gaze. She found adoration in his eyes that made her chest ache. "Then show me, Matias."

Matias solemnly nodded, he gently squeezed her hand. "I will."

—

As the first guests began to arrive, Aleksasha descended the grand staircase with Matias at her side. It was the largest number of people she'd ever hosted a banquet for. The sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces made her nervous. She lifted her head high, her hand resting lightly on Matias's arm as he escorted her. All eyes turned to watch the northern duke and duchess. Murmurs rippled through the lavishly decorated hall. 

It as even more beautiful than she thought it would be. Every detail reflected careful planning and the hard work of Aleksasha and her staff. She took her place at the head of the table beside Matias. Her eyes drifted across the crowd and landed on Selene, who sat among Matias's men. She was wearing a a pale silvery blue gown almost as extravagant as the one she wore earlier in the garden. Selene laughed softly, her movements graceful and calculated. Her dark eyes flicked occasionally toward Matias, though her focus often seemed to drift across the room, as if assessing her surroundings.

She doesn't belong here.

A trumpet signaled the beginning of the banquet and the crowd hushed. The sound pulled Aleksasha from her thoughts as Matias rose, lifting his goblet. His voice boomed across the vast hall. sound of a herald announcing the banquet officially beginning snapped Aleksasha out of her thoughts. 

"Thank you to everyone for joining us tonight. It's been a long hard fought journey to get here today. It's all thanks to the courage and dedication of my soldiers and the faith and devotion of our families that we return to you." He declared. "We honor the lives of those who sacrificed for the peace and victory we enjoy today. It is not our way to shed tears in somber reverence but to celebrate their memory and the precious lives we have." His gaze swept over the crowd and moved to Aleksasha. "I offer a toast to our departed, to victory, family and our future together!" 

Is it a custom I'm not familiar with that doesn't require somber grieving? Are we mistaken about Selene?

Aleksasha considered Matias's words, lifting her goblet in the toast. The crowd's approving applause filled the room and she couldn't help but smile. 

--

As hostess of the banquet, Aleksasha moved through the crowd, ensuring every noble and soldier was acknowledged. She made small conversation with everyone and thank them for joining the festivities. She'd been diligent in learning the names and faces of all their guests tonight.

It was exhausting but she was willing to do anything for Matias. In a moment when there was a short break in conversation and she was alone, she felt someone approach her with purpose. She turned and found herself face-to-face with Lord Adrian, a dashing noble with auburn hair and warm hazel eyes that sparkled with mischief and exuded.

"Duchess Aleksasha," he smoothly greeted, bowing deeply but not rising immediately after. "I feared I might not get a moment with the true star of this banquet."

Aleksasha politely smiled. "You flatter me, Lord Adrian. Surely, the returning war hero should be commanding your attention tonight."

Adrian's smile widened, his gaze held hers for a beat too long to be proper. "Ah, but it is the woman behind the hero, his strength that truly fascinates. I hear it was you who kept this estate thriving during Lord Volkov's absence. That is no small feat, your grace."

Aleksasha's cheeks lightly blushed as she looked away, remaining demure. "Everyone must do their duty. And it was merely mine."

"And yet, you have done it with such grace," Adrian replied in a low murmur, stepping closer to her. "One might say your appearance rivals the goddess of victory itself."

Before Aleksasha could respond, a new voice cut into the conversation.