Chapter 13

Duke Birsha’s legal team scrutinized Alliyanna’s contract for three days. When they finally presented their findings, Birsha sat alone in his study, swirling amber liquid in a crystal glass.

“The contract is surprisingly sound, Your Grace,” his chief legal advisor reported. “The language is somewhat archaic in places, but legally binding. It grants you immediate authority over her as your betrothed while protecting your interests should she attempt to flee again.”

“And the delayed consummation clause?” Birsha asked, his voice deceptively casual.

“Unusual but not unprecedented. It actually strengthens the contract’s legitimacy in Imperial courts. It demonstrates mutual consent rather than coercion.”

“She’s cleverer than I gave her credit for,” he murmured to himself. The contract was indeed favorable to him in many ways—it gave him immediate access to her family’s connections and holdings, and she would assume the public role of his betrothed without delay. The physical delay was frustrating but could be managed. After all, anticipation sometimes sweetened the prize.

What troubled him was the sudden change in her demeanor. From defiant runaway to willing bride-to-be—it seemed too convenient.

Birsha’s lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “How considerate of her to be concerned with appearances.” He set down his glass with deliberate care. “Very well. Bring her in here so we can have this officially and properly documented. He announced.

Duke Birsha summoned Alliyanna to his study, where an official from the Imperial Registry waited alongside Birsha’s legal team. The room was thick with tension as Alliyanna entered, her head held high despite the gravity of the moment.

“My dear Alliyanna,” Birsha greeted her with false warmth, “your contract has met with my approval. Shall we proceed with the formalities?”

Alliyanna nodded, her expression carefully composed. “Yes, Your Grace.”

The registry official stepped forward, his ceremonial robes rustling in the silence. “We gather to witness the formal betrothal of Duke Reginald Birsha and Baroness Alliyanna Kar’Jan,” he intoned. “Both parties enter this agreement of their own free will, with full knowledge of its terms and conditions.”

The official turned to Alliyanna. “Please sign where indicated, Baroness.”

“Might I use my House of Kar’Jan Signate instead, wouldn’t that give this more political significance to the agreement.”

The registry official exchanged a glance with Duke Birsha, who nodded his approval, a calculating gleam in his eyes.

“Of course, Baroness,” the official replied. “Using your House signet would indeed add ceremonial weight to the proceedings.”

Alliyanna removed the Kar’Jan signet ring from her finger—a piece of jewelry she had managed to keep hidden during her flight. The ring bore her family’s crest, an ancient symbol of power and authority. She pressed it into the specially prepared wax seal at the bottom of the document, leaving a perfect impression of the Kar’Jan emblem.

Duke Birsha followed suit with his own ornate signet ring, the heavy gold band emblazoned with the Birsha family crest. The wax took the impression, and the contract was sealed.

“By the authority vested in me by the Imperial Registry, I pronounce the Betrothal official.” the official proclaimed.

Alliyanna then asked one question, “When should I say the party to celebrate our betrothal to be held, and who I invite, and do I have a house secretary of and few ladies in waiting to help with the preparations?”