Chapter 3: The Battlefield of Marriage

The towering gates of Valemont Manor loomed before them, their iron bars gleaming under the pale moonlight. Beyond them, the estate stretched vast and imposing, its dark stone walls whispering tales of power and war.

Seraphina clenched her fists as the carriage rolled to a stop. This would be her home now—a cage of luxury, gilded but inescapable.

A footman rushed forward to open the door. Adrian stepped out first, his tall frame casting a long shadow against the stone path. He turned, extending a hand toward her.

Seraphina hesitated. The sight of his outstretched hand should have felt like an invitation, a symbol of partnership. But to her, it was a chain disguised as courtesy.

She ignored it, stepping out on her own.

A flicker of amusement crossed Adrian's face, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned toward the grand doors of the manor. "Welcome to Valemont, my Lady."

Seraphina followed, her back straight and her head held high. If she was to be caged, she would at least do so with dignity.

The entrance hall was grand, with polished marble floors and towering chandeliers that bathed the space in golden light. A row of servants stood at attention, their eyes carefully avoiding hers.

A woman stepped forward from among them. Dressed in elegant yet simple attire, she was older, her dark hair streaked with silver.

"Lady Evernight," the woman greeted, her voice smooth but firm. "I am Lady Eleanor, the housekeeper. Should you require anything, you need only ask."

Seraphina nodded, though she doubted there would be much kindness behind the offer. She was an outsider here—a bride forced upon their master.

Eleanor turned to Adrian. "The Duchess's chambers have been prepared."

Adrian gave a brief nod before turning back to Seraphina. "You must be tired. You may rest for tonight."

It was a dismissal. A cold, efficient command.

Seraphina tilted her chin. "And you, Your Grace? Will you not fulfill your marital duties?"

A hush fell over the room. Even the servants, trained to be invisible, tensed at her words.

Adrian studied her, his silver eyes glinting with something unreadable. Then, to her surprise, he smirked. "Eager, are you?"

Seraphina took a slow step toward him, her lips curling into a smile that did not reach her eyes. "Not in the slightest. But I would not wish for my husband to neglect his responsibilities on our wedding night."

Adrian chuckled, low and dark. "Rest easy, wife. I am not in the habit of forcing what is not freely given."

Something about the way he said it sent a strange shiver down her spine.

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away, disappearing into the shadows of the manor.

Lady Eleanor gestured for Seraphina to follow. "This way, My Lady."

Seraphina hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward.

She would play the role of the obedient wife for now. But make no mistake—she had no intention of simply surviving this marriage.

She intended to win.