Chapter 12

Alliyanna spent days crafting the new wedding contract making sure to specify that the wedding ceremony occur within 90 days specifically asking for her own suite of rooms and that she would not allow any intimate relations until the night of the official ceremony. and that both parties would agree that this was an official betrothal, and she would assume all wifely duties immediately with the exceptions noted and running the household would become her domain immediately. She ran the bare text though a legal AI to create and ironclad contract.

The next morning, Alliyanna requested an audience with Duke Birsha. Dressed in an elegant gown provided by the estate staff, she sat in his opulent study, her posture perfect, her expression serene despite the nervous flutter in her stomach.

“Duke Birsha,” she began, her voice steady, “I’ve had time to reflect on my situation. My behavior has been ... unbecoming for someone of my station.”

Birsha’s eyebrows rose slightly, surprise and suspicion warring in his expression. “Indeed? And what conclusion have you reached during this reflection?”

Alliyanna lowered her eyes demurely. “I recognize now that my father arranged our match with my best interests at heart. Running away was childish and impulsive.” She looked up, meeting his gaze with carefully constructed sincerity. “I wish to honor my father’s agreement and fulfill my duty.”

But we both know that the contract you had with my father was unenforceable. It’s simply not legal and the Imperial Senate, if they saw it would punish you severely for trying to enforce a contract written to bind a 13 year old minor female to a 40 year old male well it might be severe. so, I have constructed an entirely legal contract, now that I am of age that I would like to replace it with.

Birsha’s eyes narrowed, his fingers drumming against the polished surface of his desk. “You seem to have developed quite an expertise in contract law during your brief time in my library,” he observed, his voice dangerously soft.

Alliyanna maintained her composure, though her heart hammered in her chest. “My father ensured I received a thorough education in all matters pertaining to governance and diplomacy, Your Grace. Contract law was a significant component of my studies.”

Birsha leaned back in his chair, studying her with calculating eyes. “And what exactly does this new contract of yours propose?”

Alliyanna slid the document across the desk. “It simply formalizes our arrangement in a way that would withstand Imperial scrutiny. The terms are quite favorable to you, Your Grace. I would assume all wifely duties immediately managing your household, representing you at social functions, supporting. your interests publicly. The only stipulation is that our ... physical union would be delayed until the official ceremony.” She paused, then added softly, “I believe a proper wedding would enhance your standing in society, rather than a hasty private arrangement.”

Birsha picked up the document, his eyes scanning the contents swiftly. A slow smile spread across his face. “How considerate of you to be concerned with my social standing,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “And this arrangement would benefit you how, exactly?”

Alliyanna met his gaze steadily. “It would allow me time to adjust to my new position and responsibilities. To learn what pleases you, and how I might best serve as your duchess.”

Birsha studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he set the contract down. “I’ll have my legal advisors review this. Until then, you may continue to enjoy the limited freedoms I’ve granted you.”

Alliyanna bowed her head respectfully. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

As she left his study, escorted by Lieutenant Vashin, Alliyanna maintained her composure, but internally, she was calculating her next moves. She would need allies within the estate if her plan was to succeed.

“Lieutenant,” she said softly as they walked, “might I visit the gardens again today? The fresh air does wonders for my spirits.”

Vashin nodded. “Of course, Baroness.”

In the gardens, Alliyanna wandered among the exotic blooms, seemingly admiring their beauty while actually surveying the estate’s security measures. Guards and their rotations and the numbers of them were all important, as well as the cameras and other surveillance methods that were employed. she sat by the fountain with the shade tree and the naked woman statue and started to meditate she knew her range for telepathic thought was not far reaching. But she decided to see just how far away she could “hear” in her mind.