All Chapters of No Longer Your Puppet, Duke : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Roselyn ran out without looking back. The night chill pierced her skin, shielded only by a thin gown, but it was nothing compared to the frantic hammering of her heart. It throbbed between anxiety and a strange sense of satisfaction for having just trampled on the Duke’s ego.The four-hour journey home felt like an endless torment. Inside the jolting carriage, Roselyn curled into a corner, clutching herself as she continued to tremble. The rain began to subside as she pressed her fingers firmly against her wrist—solely to ensure her pulse was still there, to confirm that all of this was real.Finally, the wheels stopped turning. A pale dawn began to illuminate the grand, formidable gates of the Sirius estate. A place that, in a future yet to come, would be reduced to ash, but for now, it stood tall to welcome her home.The carriage door opened. Matthew, the head guard, stood by the steps. He extended a hand to assist her."Carefully, Lady. You have arri—"He cut himself off. Matthew’s

Three days of confinement were enough for the bruises on Roselyn’s body to fade from a deep purple to a dull yellow. Thanks to the Elysium from her uncle, the wound on her forehead had dwindled to a thin red line.Vogard personally ensured that the mark was buried under layers of powder before dragging his daughter to the Imperial ball. He polished Roselyn until she was once again the perfect 'Holy Rose.'"Be grateful the Duke hasn't called off the wedding. Seduce him tonight and secure that position as Duchess," Vogard commanded. He squeezed Roselyn’s hand with bruising force just before the ballroom doors swung open. "It should be easy for you, shouldn't it, Rose? Don’t make your father have to strike you again.""I understand."As the name of House Sirius echoed and the doors parted, every eye in the room was drawn to them. Behind feathered fans, noblewomen hid their sneers, waiting to see what flaw the center of high society might reveal tonight.The moment she escaped her father’

Roselyn closed her bedroom door with trembling care. she fought every instinct to slam it until the wood splintered, to let out the scream trapped in her soul.She pulled off her silk gloves and unfastened her jewelry one by one. The expensive pearls and gems fell onto the vanity, clattering unheeded as she sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly into the darkness. Her conversation with Vogard had proven only one thing: the man would never change. His ambition was more vital than his own flesh and blood.“My brother was taught swordsmanship to conquer the world, but I was taught to paint my face so the world could conquer me. Simply because we came from different wombs, I am not considered human,” she whispered to the empty room.Roselyn shed her gown and changed into a plain maid’s uniform. She waited in silence, counting every tick of the wall clock, until the faint sound of the changing guards echoed from outside.Once the coast was clear, she slipped out, navigating the servan

Roselyn woke that morning with a churning stomach. The sky seemed to spin, the ship’s railing felt too flimsy to hold, and Kaelus was already standing beside her, his brow furrowed in concern. Unlike her, a night spent on the deck had left him looking perfectly refreshed."I will head down first, Lady. You can lean on me in a moment."The Princess of Vogard glanced toward the wooden plank connecting them to the mainland. "I’m fine.""You are pale, Lady.""I said I’m fi—"A massive wave slammed into the hull. Roselyn stumbled, and before her feet could find their purchase, she was lifted off the ground. Kaelus had caught her in a swift bridal carry. His expression didn't waver in the slightest, which was the only thing that saved them from a lingering awkwardness."Is this what you call being fine?""I’m sorry, Kael. I’m actually quite embarrassed. I slept in a cabin, yet I’m still this ill.""It is only natural; this is your first time traveling this far by sea."The day was fading wh

The former mistress of the North said nothing for a moment.She simply nodded, as if she understood perfectly. Yet there was no way a seasoned knight who had once led an army through a raging blizzard for three days and three nights didn't know that overloading a single horse on treacherous mountain paths was far more dangerous than riding separately.Her sharp gaze then shifted toward Count Vogard's daughter."This is Lady Roselyn, Sister-in-law. Please escort her inside.""Of course, Grand Duke. Welcome, Lady." Vivianne studied Roselyn from head to toe with the quiet precision of someone taking inventory — sizing up the first guest these halls had seen in years.The two women walked into the castle together.