Chapter 16: An Unthinkable Agreement
Ravenswood Manor – Duke Alexander’s Study
Lucia’s pulse thundered in her ears.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
You want me to marry you?
She could barely believe the words leaving her mouth.
Alexander remained composed, his sharp gaze locked on her.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
It is the best solution.
Lucia let out a humorless laugh, standing abruptly.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
That is absurd!
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Is it?
His calm, calculated tone only infuriated her more.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
You think marrying a stranger will magically solve all my problems?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Not magically. Strategically.
Lucia exhaled sharply, pacing.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
There has to be another way.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
There isn’t. If word gets out that you’re alive, your enemies will come for you.
Lucia clenched her fists.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
So I should just become your wife and hide behind your title?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
It will give you protection. Power. And most importantly, access to the people who conspired against your father.
Marrying him would place her within high society, where she could listen, observe, and uncover the truth.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
You want justice, don’t you?
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
This is madness...
Alexander stood, stepping closer.
His presence was overwhelming, his voice softer now.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
It's survival.
Lucia turned away, staring at the fire crackling in the hearth.
A life of marriage to a man she barely knew.
It was a dangerous gamble.
But wasn’t her whole life already a game of survival?
She took a deep breath and turned back to him.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
If I agree...
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I want something in return.
A glint of amusement flickered in his eyes.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
And what would that be?
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
The truth.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
No more secrets, no more vague answers. If I am to be your wife, you will tell me everything you know about my parents, their enemies, and why you were investigating them in the first place.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Agreed.
Lucia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Then I will marry you, Your Grace.
A dangerous smirk crossed his lips.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Then it seems we have an arrangement, Lady Ravenswood.
Her stomach twisted at the name.
She was stepping into the unknown.
And she had no idea if she would make it out alive.
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