Chapter 3: Breaking Down Barriers (2)

“E-Everything he wants it’s fine by me,” she stammered, widening her eyes.

“Everything he wants?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. “What if he desires a mistress? Or what if he wishes for a child with another woman?”

After silently squirmed in her seat, Naavah clutched the dress in her hands and murmured something incomprehensible. Although her response denoted a certain degree of confusion, the actual perspective was towards avoiding her duties as a wife, but this was a beguiling way to estimate the advantages of such a situation. Aside from being considered lowly and pitiful by other women, raising another’s child was purely painful.

Fyodor, however, interpreted her behavior in a different manner. He recalled the possessiveness of women and imagined that this frail, thin, and shy person would be the same. Moreover, her clumsy mumbles and gestures made him chuckle softly, believing she was too embarrassed to say it out loud.

“Don’t worry! I am not a cheater, nor do I want a child with anyone else except my wife. Now, I want you to tell me what you want, not what you think I want to hear from you.”

Hearing his words, Naavah lowered her gaze to the ground, ashamed because he saw right through her attempt to persuade him into an illusion. However, she didn’t really knew what to say to him. She had no married friends, nor does she knew how men often treat their wives. Thus, she relied upon her own principles and moral values.

“But, will he be open about it?”

Putting on a strained smile, she rubbed her hand and looked outside the window. A weak thud could be heard from outside the room, followed by a clank. But the sound of the plate hitting the floor couldn’t disturb Naavah’s inner reflection. There was a chance that he will honestly consider her point of view. Nonetheless, there was the chance of him rejecting her ideas. And for her, the latest was frightening.

“No. I will tell him and what will happen, will happen. I’m tired.”

“I would like a relationship based on loyalty, mutual respect and understanding. I would also want to be involved into the household management, so I can fulfill my duties.”

Thinking better of her requests, she decided to finish her statement with the main wish.

“I... uhm... want a genuine marriage with him.”

“A genuine marriage?”

“Yes.” she responded, plainly.

However, she thought that an additional explanation was necessary for him to fully understand what she meant. After all, she wanted to accurately state her point.

“We both need to be comfortable whenever we spend time together, and in order to do this, we need common subjects for discussions, and if not, at least respect for the other person to tell it in a nice and thoughtful manner. Likewise, trusting one another would further improve our intimate relationship. And maybe, in the end, we will love each other,” said Naavah, partially crossing her arm.

Examining her intently, he smirked, ignoring the background noise of footsteps on the hall.

“I want my wife to take care of my domein which includes the manor, the village, and the land I own. Furthermore, I want her to not cheat on me while I’m on the battlefield.”

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“Uh, is there a need for you to go on the battlefield?”

“Yes. Besides being a duke, I am also a knight. For my services, the Emperor decided to give me a domein I am responsable for. I also take resposability for all villagers. But because sometimes I am gone for a long time, I can’t do it properly.”

She nodded and pondered his desires. They were quite easy to accomplish even by her, she thought. While there were a few difficulties regarding the interaction with the villagers, the whole matter was feasible.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead,” said Fyodor, nodding his head.

“Will be there someone to teach me of how to take care of your domain?”

“Of course! My butler and I will be there to support and teach you everything you will need to know. And there are a few things, due to the climate difference. Also, we will give you any advices if needed.”

“And I also have a request.”

He nodded his head, again.

“Please tell me as soon as you can and know about following departures. I don’t feel too light-hearted about it and I will need to prepare in advance.”

“Certainly.”

After he reassured her, they stared at each other in complete silence. Naavah finally sensed the distinct musky scent emanating from his cape, which made her lower her gaze. She could felt her cheeks burning and wished to conceal the blushing. Raising her hand to her mouth, she coughed in a futile attempt to hide behind her small fist. Under different circumstances, she might not have realized that her actions served no purpose, but now she was more aware of herself. When she glanced back at him and saw that she was still being observed, she began playing with a few strands of hair. Moreover, she believed it was affection she noticed while peering at his eyes, though it was not perfectly clear to her.

Three knocks on the door made Fyodor raise from his seat.

 “Well then, it’s time for me to leave. I will meet you again soon. Take care of yourself until then!” he said smiling, while kissing the back of her hand.

After he was gone, Naavah sighed. She was both relieved and excited about her future marriage with this man. Although he didn’t accept her requests directly, she found him likable and fine mannered. But then she shuddered, remembering that she hadn’t flirted with him. The thought that her cousin, Scarlett, will beat her after finding out, terrified her. Regardless, she couldn’t change the past. And in a way, she truly wished she could not to.

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