Alex entered Maria's bedroom and silently sat beside her. The room was dimly lit, and the shadows danced across his face, making his expression unreadable. Maria stirred, sensing someone's presence. Slowly, she opened her eyes and found Alex sitting there in the darkness.
She blinked, trying to make sense of his presence. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice soft but firm.
Alex didn't respond. He sat there, his gaze unreadable.
Maria sat up, frustration mixing with the whirlwind of emotions in her chest. "Say something, Alex! Why are you here? After everything that has happened, what do you want?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out her following words, her voice trembling with sorrow. "Your Grace… please… tell me what really happened to me. Is it true? Did we… have a child?"
Silence stretched between them. Alex exhaled deeply, his usual composed demeanor faltering for a moment. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke.
"Maria… trying to remember will only bring you pain," he said in a low voice, avoiding her gaze.
Maria clenched the sheets in frustration. "I don't care about the pain! I need to know the truth!"
Meanwhile, outside the room, Oliver had just arrived at the Marquise's mansion. He noticed the Duke's carriage still parked outside and, sensing something important was happening, he hurried inside. Just as he was about to enter Maria's room, he overheard their conversation and froze in place, pressing himself against the wall to listen.
Inside, Alex finally began speaking about Maria's past.
"After our wedding, we left for the North," Alex began, his voice distant as he recalled the memories. "It took us five days of travel through the harsh winter before we finally arrived. The entire city was blanketed in snow—it was your first time seeing snow, and you were so excited."
Maria listened intently, her heart pounding.
"In the evening, we reached the Duke's mansion. It was the second-largest estate after the royal palace," he continued. "When our carriage pulled up, all the servants and guards were lined up outside, awaiting our arrival. I stepped out first, then turned to offer you my hand. You took it without hesitation."
Maria could almost picture it—the grand mansion, the snowflakes in the air, the way the servants looked at them with curiosity and surprise.
"The servants were shocked," Alex admitted with a small chuckle. "They had only ever known me as a strict, intimidating Duke. But seeing me treat you with such care… it confused them."
Maria's lips parted slightly, surprised at his honesty.
"Inside the mansion, I called for the butler and the head maid and introduced them to you. 'They will assist you with everything,' I told you. You just nodded quietly, still taking in the grand halls of your new home."
"Then I asked the butler, 'Where is she?'"
"'The young lady has gone to the village for an inspection,' he replied. 'She will return in 2 weeks.'"
"I simply nodded and turned to you, extending my hand once more. Maria, you must be exhausted after the long journey. Let me take you to your room."
Maria followed the memory, feeling the warmth of his hand as he led her up the grand staircase to the second floor.
"This is your room from now on," I told you, gesturing to a grand chamber. "And the one beside it is mine."
Maria had stepped inside, marveling at the luxurious yet oddly familiar atmosphere.
"I remember," she whispered.
Alex continued, "After a while, I knocked on your door. When you opened it, I was standing there… holding a tray of food."
Maria's brows furrowed. "You brought me food?"
Alex cleared his throat, shifting slightly. "I thought you might be too tired to go downstairs, so I brought it to you."
Maria tilted her head and smirked. "How considerate of you, Your Grace," she teased.
She stepped aside, allowing him to enter. Alex placed the tray on the table and turned to leave, but he hesitated at the door.
Maria, sensing something, grinned mischievously. "Oh? It looks like you want to say something," she teased.
Alex remained silent, clearly debating something internally.
Feeling playful, Maria suddenly grabbed his wrist and, with surprising strength, slammed him against the wall.
"Your Grace," she purred, her face inches from his. "It's our first night as a married couple. Would you like to sleep together?"
Alex's face turned crimson.
Maria bit back a laugh, watching the normally composed Duke turn into a flustered mess.
But that wasn't the worst part.
Maria had just changed into her nightwear—a loose silk top—and in her rush, she had forgotten to tie it properly.
Alex definitely noticed. His eyes flickered away awkwardly, his ears burning red. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Maria smirked, thinking she had won this teasing battle—until, in one swift motion, Alex grabbed her, lifted her effortlessly, and placed her on the bed.
Before she could react, he yanked the blanket over her, effectively covering her completely.
Maria blinked in shock. "What the—"
"If you're done eating, just leave the tray outside," Alex mumbled, his voice stiff with embarrassment. "Someone will take it."
And with that, he bolted out of the room.
Maria lay there, stunned for a moment. Then, realization dawned on her.
She sat up slowly and turned toward the mirror.
Her eyes widened in horror.
Her top was completely loose.
Her face turned red in an instant.
"HE SAW EVERYTHING?!"
She screamed into her pillow, kicking her legs in frustration.
"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! What was I thinking?!" she groaned, burying her face.
Meanwhile, outside the room, Alex stood in the hallway, back against the wall, exhaling sharply. His ears were still burning, and his hands were slightly trembling.
"That woman…" he muttered under his breath.
He clenched his fist and marched toward his room, determined never to let his guard down again.
Little did he know… that was only the beginning of Maria's relentless teasing?
Maria could not stop thinking about last night.
The realization that Alex had seen everything made her want to crawl into a hole and never come out. But at the same time…
She had never seen him that flustered before.
And that was hilarious.
So, like any mischievous wife, she decided to push his buttons again.
Maria woke up feeling way too smug for her own good.
She stretched lazily, remembering how Alex had run out of her room like a scared rabbit.
"Ah, that was so fun," she giggled, kicking her blanket off.
Now, she had a new goal in life—making the Duke blush as much as possible.
With that thought, she threw on a soft, elegant dress that showed just enough collarbone to be dangerous and headed downstairs for breakfast.
The grand dining hall was already set, and Alex was sitting at the table, reading a document. He looked as composed as ever… but Maria knew better.
As soon as he saw her enter, his fingers tensed around the paper.
Maria smirked.
"Good morning, Your Grace," she said sweetly, taking a seat beside him instead of across from him.
Alex immediately looked suspicious.
"Good morning… Maria," he replied cautiously.
Maria picked up a spoon and leaned closer—too close.
Alex inhaled sharply.
"Are you feeling well today, Your Grace?" she asked, resting her chin on her hand.
"I'm fine," he answered too quickly.
Maria's smirk widened. Oh, this was going to be fun.
She casually reached for the butter knife, purposely brushing her fingers against his.
Alex tensed.
Maria blinked innocently. "Oh my, did I startle you?"
Alex set his jaw, refusing to react.
Seeing that he was trying so hard to remain composed, Maria decided to raise the stakes.
She took a bite of the soft, golden croissant and let out a satisfied hum.
"Mmm, this is delicious," she sighed dramatically, closing her eyes. "So buttery… so soft…"
She peeked at Alex through her lashes.
His ears were turning pink.
She almost cackled.
"Would you like a bite?" she asked, picking up another croissant and holding it up to his lips.
Alex froze.
For five whole seconds, he did not move.
Maria bit her lip to keep from laughing. Was the Duke of the North actually panicking over a croissant?!
Finally, he grabbed her wrist.
Maria's breath hitched slightly.
"Maria," Alex said in a low voice, leaning in dangerously close.
Her teasing smile faltered.
"Y-Yes?" she stammered.
His silver eyes locked onto hers, and for the first time, Maria felt like she might be the one losing.
"You think you can fluster me so easily?" he murmured.
Maria swallowed. "W-What do you mean?"
Without breaking eye contact, Alex leaned forward and took a bite—straight from her hand.
Maria stopped breathing.
The feeling of his warm lips brushing against her fingers sent a shockwave through her entire system.
She yanked her hand back, her face turning bright red.
Alex chewed calmly, his usual composure fully restored.
"You're right," he said smoothly, wiping his lips with a napkin. "It is delicious."
Maria wanted to scream.
Her whole plan had backfired.
"You…!" she spluttered, pointing an accusing finger at him.
Alex simply sipped his tea, completely unbothered.
Maria glared. "I will get you back for this."
He smirked. "I look forward to it, Madam."
And just like that, Maria realized that her husband was more dangerous than she thought.
The Duke and Duchess of the North were hosting their first grand ball.
Nobles from all over the kingdom had gathered, eager to witness the mysterious Duke's new wife—the woman who had somehow tamed the Ice Duke.
The ballroom was breathtaking. Chandeliers glittered above like frozen constellations, casting golden light over the polished marble floors. Servants weaved through the crowd with trays of champagne, and musicians played a soft, elegant melody.
Maria stood at the top of the grand staircase, gazing at the sea of elegantly dressed guests below. Her gown was a masterpiece—deep red silk, with delicate embroidery and off-the-shoulder sleeves that left just enough skin bare to be scandalous.
She smiled.
Tonight, she would win.
Alex, standing beside her in a finely tailored black suit, noticed her smirk and immediately grew suspicious.
"What are you plotting?" he asked, offering her his arm.
Maria batted her lashes. "Why, Your Grace, whatever do you mean?"
Alex narrowed his eyes but said nothing as they descended the stairs together.
The moment they reached the ballroom floor, all eyes were on them.
Some whispered in awe. Others are in shock.
"Is that truly the Duke?"
"Good heavens, he looks so… handsome tonight!"
"And look at the Duchess! No wonder he married her—she's absolutely radiant!"
Maria held back a giggle. She could feel Alex's discomfort under all the attention, though he remained perfectly composed.
Oh, she was going to enjoy this.
The music shifted, and the Master of Ceremonies announced, "To honor the Duke and Duchess's union, a dance!"
The crowd erupted in applause.
Maria turned to Alex, her eyes twinkling. "Shall we?"
Alex hesitated for a fraction of a second.
She smirked. That was all the confirmation she needed.
"Oh no, Your Grace," she whispered playfully, lacing her fingers with his, "don't tell me you're nervous?"
Alex sighed, realizing he had no way out. She was challenging him—and he was never one to back down from a challenge.
"Of course not," he replied smoothly, leading her to the center of the ballroom.
As the music began, Alex placed a hand on her waist while she rested hers lightly on his shoulder. The warmth of his touch sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.
Maria was used to teasing him, but why did it suddenly feel like she was the one being flustered?
The dance started slowly. A simple waltz. But Maria had no intention of keeping it that way.
She leaned in slightly, her breath warm against his ear.
"You know, Your Grace," she whispered, "for someone so feared, you're surprisingly gentle when you hold me."
Alex's grip tightened ever so slightly.
Maria bit back a grin. Oh? Did that get to him?
She decided to push further.
She moved closer—dangerously close. Their chests nearly brushed.
Alex inhaled sharply.
"Maria…" he warned.
Maria pretended to be oblivious. "Yes?"
Alex suddenly spun her.
She barely had time to react before he pulled her back into him—this time, even closer than before.
Now she was the one caught off guard.
Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up at him.
His silver eyes were locked onto hers, unreadable. The entire ballroom had disappeared.
Maria swallowed.
Oh no. This backfired. Again.
Alex smirked. "For someone so mischievous, you're surprisingly easy to fluster."
Maria's face turned bright red.
The dance ended with one final dramatic twirl, and before Maria could even process what had happened, the crowd erupted into cheers.
Alex gracefully stepped back and bowed. "Thank you for the dance, Madam."
Maria stood frozen.
Had she just been defeated at her own game?
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"This isn't over," she muttered.
Alex simply smiled, taking her hand once more. "I certainly hope not."
And as they walked off the dance floor, Maria swore she saw amusement flicker in his eyes.
Maria did not forget.
Oh no, she had every single detail of that ballroom burned into her memory.
Alex had embarrassed her. In public. In front of hundreds of nobles.
And now?
It was payback time.
The next morning, Maria found the perfect opportunity.
The Duke trained every morning at sunrise in the courtyard. He never missed a session.
And today, she would be joining him.
Maria strode into the training grounds wearing pants. Not a gown. Not a dress.Pants.
The knights stopped sparring. The butlers paused. Even the birds in the trees seemed to go silent.
She smirked. Perfect.
Alex, standing at the center of the courtyard with his sword in hand, raised an eyebrow.
"Maria?" His tone was calm, but she could see the slight tension in his shoulders.
She loved it.
"Your Grace," she said sweetly, "I would like a lesson."
Alex blinked. "A lesson?"
"Yes." She stepped forward, picking up one of the wooden practice swords. "You humiliated me last night, and I think it's only fair that I… learn how to defend myself."
One of the knights coughed. Another hid a grin.
The Duke sighed, rubbing his temples. "Maria—"
"Are you scared?" she tilted her head.
Silence.
Then, a dangerous glint appeared in his silver eyes.
"…Fine."
He walked toward her, towering over her as he reached for her sword. "Let me adjust your grip."
The moment his fingers touched hers, Maria felt a spark shoot through her.
She swallowed.
No. No getting distracted.
Alex's voice was smooth as he spoke. "You need to hold it like this—"
Snap.
Maria, without warning, swung her sword at him.
Alex barely dodged. His eyes widened.
"Oh," Maria grinned. "That was an accident."
Alex exhaled slowly, as if praying for patience.
"Alright, then. If that's how you want to play…"
Before she could react, Alex lunged.
Maria yelped, blocking at the last second. The force reverberated up her arms.
She stepped back.
"Getting nervous?" Alex teased.
Maria's grip tightened. Oh, it was ON.
For the next ten minutes, they sparred.
Maria was fast, but Alex was faster. Every time she attacked, he dodged with effortless grace, countering just enough to keep her on edge.
And then…
It happened.
Maria faked left, then spun right—but her foot caught on a loose stone.
She stumbled—
And before she could fall, Alex grabbed her by the waist.
A firm, warm grip. Close.
Maria froze.
Their faces were inches apart.
His silver eyes studied hers. His breath was warm against her skin.
Oh.
Oh no.
Maria could feel her heartbeat in her throat.
And then…
Alex smirked.
"Are you blushing, Madam?"
Maria shoved him away.
"I AM NOT."
Alex laughed. Out loud. The Duke of the North actually laughed.
Maria stomped her foot. "I hate you."
"No, you don't," he said smoothly, tossing his sword aside.
Maria glared. "Revenge. I will have revenge."
Alex grinned. "I look forward to it."
And as Maria stormed off—face burning, heart **pounding—**she knew this was far from over.
Maria had one goal tonight.
Find out the Duke's weaknesses.
After that humiliating sparring session, she needed leverage. A secret. Something she could use against that arrogant, smirking Duke.
And she knew exactly where to look.
It was past midnight when Maria slipped into Alex's study.
The air was thick with the scent of leather, ink, and something distinctly him. Moonlight streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across towering bookshelves and a massive oak desk.
Maria moved quickly.
She skimmed through the papers, searching for anything scandalous.
A love letter? A secret diary? A document that says 'Duke Alexander Luxembourg is secretly weak to cuddles'?
Nothing.
Maria huffed, frustrated.
And then—
A deep voice broke the silence.
"Looking for something, Maria?"
Her heart STOPPED.
Maria turned slowly.
Alex leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching her with amusement.
Her brain screamed: LIE. LIE IMMEDIATELY.
"I—I was just admiring the bookshelves," she blurted. "So… tall."
He raised an eyebrow.
Maria cleared her throat. "And impressive. Like you. I mean—NO. Not like you. I meant—"
Alex stepped closer.
Maria instinctively backed up—only to hit the desk.
She swallowed hard.
He was too close.
Too warm.
Too—
"Ahem."
Maria and Alex froze.
A figure stood at the door, arms folded.
Elisha Luxembourg.
The acting Duchess of the North.
Alex's younger sister.
And judging by her raised eyebrow and unimpressed stare…
She had seen EVERYTHING
Meet Elisha Luxembourg
The Ice Queen in Human Form. Elisha is poised, calculating, and sharp-witted. She rarely smiles, but when she does, it's usually at someone's misfortune. Unshakable and Unimpressed. Walks into a war zone? Unfazed. Catches her brother practically pinning Maria to a desk? Sips her tea. The True Power of the North. While Alex is the Duke, Elisha manages everything. **Politics, trade, negotiations—**she handles them all flawlessly. Deadly Sarcasm. Can end you with one sentence. Example: "Maria, if you plan to seduce my brother, at least lock the door." Overprotective Sister. She loves Alex (though she will never admit it). Only SHE is allowed to bully him.
Maria wanted to die.
Elisha simply sighed, tilting her head.
"…Should I come back later?"
Maria squeaked, "NO!"
Alex, still annoyingly calm, simply smirked. "What do you want, Elisha?"
Elisha exhaled, stepping inside.
"The delegation from the South is arriving tomorrow," she said. "And if Maria is going to represent the North, she should be briefed properly."
Maria blinked. "Wait, what?"
Elisha turned to her, eyes sharp.
"You're my brother's wife now," she said, studying Maria like a puzzle to be solved. "Which means you have responsibilities."
Maria suddenly had a very bad feeling.
Elisha's smirk was just like Alex's.
This was not over.