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Chapter 18
The Proper Duty of a Wife
Frida confessed her feelings with such a serious look that if someone else saw it, they’d think she was declaring war, not love. After quickly saying what she wanted, she blushed in embarrassment. Daniel, her dangerously charming husband, didn’t show much reaction. It hadn’t even been a month since they’d met, but he had already shaken her heart.
Daniel was used to hearing fancy love confessions, so he didn’t think much of Frida’s words. Compared to the dramatic confessions of the ladies in Shendal Castle, Frida’s words seemed simple. Those other women always said things like,
“Daniel, I love you. If I can stay by your side, I’ll give up my family, my honor, everything.”
They always talked about giving up their family, running away, or losing their name for him, just to get his attention. But they all sounded the same. Daniel thought they weren’t even creative.
Frida’s honest line stuck in his mind:
“Maybe if I knew more about you, I wouldn’t like you anymore.”
That was the first time he wanted to listen carefully.
‘Interesting,’ Daniel thought. That was all he could say about his young wife’s confession. Frida saw Daniel staying quiet and felt nervous.
“Is this… making you uncomfortable?”
“I can’t say it isn’t.”
Frida’s words were real, unlike the spoiled noble girls Daniel knew. Frida quickly shook her head.
“Oh, don’t feel pressured! I just wanted you to know how I feel.”
“If you were worried it would make me uncomfortable, you didn’t have to say it.”
“Well… I just always do things as soon as I think of them. If I wait, I might never do it at all.”
Frida felt embarrassed and bit her lip. She knew she had a bad habit of rushing into things without thinking too much. She pushed her hair behind her ear and looked up at her tall husband.
“Even though I like you, I’ll still do all the duties given to me. So you don’t have to worry, Duke.”
“Duties?”
Daniel was confused about what he was supposed to be worrying about. Frida nodded firmly, showing her determination.
“Yes. No matter why the Empress Dowager chose me, I’m the Duchess of Richard and I have the duty to carry on the family. I’ll support you and help you with everything to have a child. If you have someone else in mind, don’t mind my feelings. Just tell me.”
From the moment she heard she would marry Daniel, three years ago, Frida had made up her mind. She would focus on what she could do, not what she couldn’t. She knew she might not be able to give Daniel a child, but if he had a child, she could protect the land and title from the Empress Dowager. She dreamed of making the duchy so strong and full of people that no one could touch it.
Frida wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt. Daniel’s eyes looked at her pale hands.
He blinked a few times and then looked straight at Frida.
“How far can you go?”
“What?”
“I mean, about supporting me in having a child. I want you to know—I don’t want a mistress just to have an heir. I’m tired of being called an illegitimate child.”
Frida’s eyelashes fluttered, showing that her words came from care, not to insult him.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that…”
Daniel understood. But for some reason, he was bothered by her obvious honesty today.
“What should I do? I feel like my child should only be born from you.”
Daniel was tempted to tear off the mask of the understanding, kind husband.
“So you’ll have to do your duty as my wife. I wonder how far your support and help will go.”
Daniel played with the end of Frida’s white hair. He realized he sometimes wanted to touch it. The strand was cold. He didn’t know if the chill came from her or from himself. He let his fingers brush her lower lip.
“This far?”
Daniel saw the strange smile on his lips in her eyes. He wasn’t sure why he wanted to act this way—maybe he wanted to warn her, or maybe her words made him irritable. His fingers moved from her lips to lightly touch the edge of her dress, where her pale skin showed just a little.
“Or maybe this far?”
*
Baron Boild’s family didn’t really have any land to call their own. Most of it was sold over the years. All Baron Stefan Boild inherited was a small house near the capital Chelino and just enough land for a few servants. Luckily, the Boild family was always good at reading, writing, and speaking, so Stefan worked as a tutor for rich noble children.
He once wanted to make a name for himself, but now at forty, he had no children and nothing to leave behind. After meeting the Empress Dowager, Stefan sighed more often.
“The Duke of Richard is awake. His wife managed things while he was gone, but as you know, those girls in that family never live long. Baron Boild, I want you to look after the duchy.”
The Empress Dowager was always warm and kind on the surface.
“The Chamberlain says you’re talented, Baron. I expect a lot from you. Oh, and you were my cousin’s son’s tutor, right?”
She always acted friendly but was really waiting for him to fall into her trap.
“Come to the duchy and give me good advice from time to time. Who knows, maybe I’ll even call you to the Emperor’s side.”
Stefan thought it was all a joke. If he’d been younger, he might have believed her, but now he knew better. The job she offered was really just a place for a watchdog—and maybe even a victim.
He worried about what would happen if he went. The Duke had a reputation as a madman who’d fight any battle. Maybe as soon as he set foot in the duchy, he’d end up as food for the wolves. Why risk it? Maybe he should pretend to be sick and stay home. But the Empress Dowager wasn’t someone you could fool with a weak excuse.
Stefan’s knife scraped his plate loudly.
“Stefan…”
“Oh, sorry. Did I scare you, Matilda?”
Matilda, his wife with golden hair and green eyes, shook her head.
“No, but you look worried. You’ve been quiet all dinner.”
“It’s nothing.” Stefan reached across the table and held her hand. Matilda was still beautiful, even in her late thirties. She was the only treasure Stefan had left. He smiled so she wouldn’t worry.
“You know what I always worry about. I’m getting older, but you still look seventeen. People might think you’re my daughter!”
“Stop it.” She smiled at him and hesitated.
“Stefan, I have something to tell you.”
“What is it? Is it good news? You look happy.”
Matilda nodded shyly.
“I waited to tell you because I was worried you’d be disappointed, but the doctor said it’s safe now.”
“Doctor? Were you sick?”
Stefan dropped his knife and jumped up in concern, but Matilda just smiled and patted his hand.
“I’m pregnant, Stefan.”
*
Daniel was alone in the empty training yard, exercising his stiff arm. He caught a ball bouncing off the wall over and over. Faster and faster, but Daniel never missed.
“Tonight, can I expect you to do your proper duty as a wife?”
Suddenly, Daniel lost focus and missed the ball. He cursed under his breath.
“Why did you nod your head at that moment?!”
He remembered his wife’s answer and angrily threw his gloves on the ground.
