Chapter 15: A Dangerous Proposition
Ravenswood Manor – Duke Alexander’s Study
The room was dimly lit, the scent of old books and burning wood filling the air.
A large desk stood near the fireplace, covered in scattered documents and sealed letters.
Lucia sat in one of the high-backed chairs, her hands gripping the pendant Alexander had returned to her.
Across from her, the Duke poured himself a glass of dark amber liquid, his movements slow and deliberate.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
You brought me here, and yet, you refuse to explain why.
Alexander took a sip of his drink before setting it down.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
I thought you would have figured it out by now.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
All I know is that my parents are dead and that you seem to know far more than you should. So tell me, Your Grace, why are you so interested in me?
Alexander leaned back in his chair, studying her.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
You are an anomaly, Lady Lucia.
She stiffened. Lady Lucia.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
...
The way he said her name carried weight—an unspoken acknowledgment of the truth she had yet to fully accept.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Two years ago, the Marquess’s entire family perished in a fire… or so we were led to believe.
Lucia’s grip on her pendant tightened.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(whispers) You thought I was dead too?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Everyone did. Your body was never found, but it was assumed you burned with the rest of the household.
So that’s why no one had come looking for her.
Because they had already buried her in their minds.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(softly) And yet, here I am.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Yes. And now the question is… how did you survive?
Lucia looked down, trying to piece together her fragmented memories.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I don’t know. I remember riding into the night. The storm. The cliff. Then… nothing.
A long silence stretched between them.
Finally, Alexander sighed, setting his drink aside.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Lucia, what I’m about to tell you cannot leave this room.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Go on.
He stood and walked to his desk, retrieving a folded piece of parchment.
Unfolding it, he placed it before her.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
This is a list of some noblemen who were involved in your father’s downfall.
Her eyes scanned the names.
Some were familiar, others not.
And then—
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
My aunt...
Her name was there. Clear as day.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(whispers) No… that can’t be…
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
I’m afraid it is. Your father’s sister was among those who plotted against him.
Her aunt—the woman who had once cradled her as a child—had played a role in her parents’ deaths?
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Why?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Greed. Power. Revenge. Pick any of them, and it would be enough.
Lucia shook her head, unable to comprehend it.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I need proof.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
That’s exactly what I’m trying to find.
He leaned forward, his expression serious.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
I have a proposition, Lucia.
She met his gaze, heart pounding.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Marry me.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
What?!
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
It’s the only way to keep you safe while we investigate. If they learn you’re alive, they’ll try to silence you for good. As my wife, you will be untouchable.
Lucia stared at him, stunned.
A marriage of convenience.
And yet, something in Alexander’s eyes made her wonder—
Was this purely for protection?
Or was there something more beneath the surface?
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