When I return to my room, in the afternoon, I find the Duke sitting on my sofa and leisurely drinking tea.
«What are you doing here?» I utter, surprised. Who let the Duke in?
Well, it's a stupid question. Who wouldn't let the Duke in, other than me?
«I'm waiting for my Duchess. We haven't slept together in a while...»
«It's early, you're supposed to visit me in two days,» I comment, walking towards the dressing table. The maids start to untie the laces and free me from this heavy dress. When the corset is removed, I take a deep breath. Finally!
«We agreed on once a week, my dear. Not every seven days.»
True, but back then I thought he didn't like me. And I was busy thinking of a way to save my neck and creating a social life. It turns out that marriage partners don't share the bed that often, here in the Empire. It usually happens once a month, and that time is perfect for the small tricks Duchess Prim told me about.
