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.