Chapter 5

A duchess's status was considered equal in standing to the Lord Chancellor, and the only other person with a status higher than the duchess was the queen!

As soon as these words left his mouth, not only was Arthur stunned, but even Cedric was taken aback.

For a gentlewoman from an unremarkable family—who had been in the castle for barely two weeks ago—to be appointed as a duchess was simply unheard of.

"Your Majesty, you can't do that!" Arthur instinctively objected. "Lady Fletcher has neither royal blood nor come from a distinguished family. How can she be a Duchess?"

Alexander did not speak. However, Cedric, who was standing beside him, spoke up, his voice edged with sarcasm.

"Your Majesty truly remains as headstrong as ever. But Lord Stevenson, how could you or I ever presume to make decisions for His Majesty?"

"Indeed, neither of you can make decisions for me," Alexander said, glancing sideways at Cedric, whose expression immediately darkened.

Arthur wanted to say something more, but Alexander had taken me by the hand.

"Enough. You may both take your leave. I wish to have a proper conversation with the Duchess."

"Your Majesty, there is truly nothing between Lord Stevenson and me," I said as I followed behind Alexander, attempting to explain. "We grew up together, but before entering the castle, I had called it quits with him."

He merely waved his hand dismissively. "I know all about your affairs with him. Do you think I'd take just anyone in?"

I frowned, feeling a little perplexed, and finally voiced the question that had been weighing on my mind. "Your Majesty, forgive my impudence, but… you and I have not truly shared a relationship in reality. Why would you protect me like this?"

Alexander's footsteps halted. He turned around to look at me—or perhaps, he was looking through me at someone else. "You may not know this, but you look very much like my late mother."

The former Queen Mother who had passed away early?

I felt somewhat bewildered. I had seen portraits of the Queen Mother, and I did not look like her at all.

Alexander coughed twice. "When I'm by your side, I sleep very well. I rather like having you around."

So that was why. I looked at Alexander and noticed that the dark circles beneath his eyes had faded considerably. In an instant, I understood why his temper used to be so foul.

If someone couldn't sleep well all the time, how could they possibly be in a good mood?

Thus, I offered, "Your Majesty, I have some knowledge of medicine. I can check your pulse and help improve your health."

Alexander shook his head. "My health is under the care of Sir John. You need not worry."

I understood that Alexander did not fully trust me yet, so it was only natural for him to decline.

Seeing the disappointed look on my face, Alexander coughed twice to change the subject. "As for making you a duchess, you do not need to worry about what the court thinks. I have plenty of ways to make them keep their mouths shut."

I nodded, looking at Alexander with a hint of admiration.

That night, Alexander slept in my chambers once again. Perhaps because he was overly exhausted from the past few days, he slept very soundly.

Thinking about the decree that made me a duchess during the day, I felt somewhat excited. As I casually tossed and turned, my hand brushed against a patch of moisture on the bedding.

Instinctively, I brought my hand to my nose to smell it. It was… the scent of blood.

My mind went blank for an instant. Then an impossible suspicion struck me.