Chapter 14
It’s said that the first night is like a new world opening up, with stars sparkling before your eyes.
The first night with the male lead was the highlight of romance novels.
In every novel I had read, they always described how strong the male lead’s thick arms were as he held his beloved bride, how hot his body temperature felt.
As if the man beside me right now was radiating that same burning heat.
Black hair like a crow’s feathers, and dark eyes as deep as night. A man so handsome anyone would be impressed at first glance.
That very man was now on the bed with me. I was doing my best not to acknowledge that fact.
‘Calm down, Anette! Nothing must happen here! Evangeline is probably watching me from beyond the River Styx with an axe right now!’
Whoosh, whoosh. I could almost hear Evangeline’s axe slicing through the air.
Spit—like she was spitting on her hand before swinging it… ahh, no more imagination! She’s the heroine of a romance novel, after all!
Because of course, any extra who touches the heroine’s man is as good as dead.
Even if you’re already married, the moment the heroine appears, you’re supposed to step aside quietly, right?
But there was no one who touched the male lead and didn’t end up with a complicated life afterward.
‘So I just have to remain the nominal wife of Darius, have the wedding and the so-called first night, and then just sleep beside him like a friend.’
Easy, right?
‘Honestly, it’d be faster to find that original novel that might exist somewhere in this world and tear it to pieces with my bare hands. That might open a new escape route for me.’
“…Is anything uncomfortable?”
“Huh?”
What did he just say? Honestly, I’m too nervous to hear anything properly anyway.
“Is it different from what you expected now that you’re here? If there’s anything you want, I’ll make adjustments.”
“Pardon?”
“Anette.”
The moment he called my name, I immediately scooted away on the bed we were sitting on and grabbed the blanket.
Pure spinal reflex.
No axe murder from Evangeline allowed!
“I-I-I don’t think I’m ready yet! I, I actually made a special vow at the temple, and that means—!”
“I was just going to say let’s sleep. Aren’t you tired after all that moving around?”
My attempt to think up some temple vow to escape the night stopped.
“If you want something tonight,”
Darius said, avoiding my gaze.
“Then it is your right, but I would appreciate my consent as well.”
Wow. That was exactly what I wanted to say—can we rewind time a little?
Why are you the one refusing? Why are you acting like you don’t want this? I didn’t want it either! I was going to refuse too!
Do I look like I’m eager or something?!
Darius thought Anette must be disappointed.
When a man and woman married, the first night was meant to confirm the marriage.
Anette had a straightforward personality. Even though they had not known each other long, she would likely think it better to just get it over with quickly.
“Are you really not going to touch me?”
Just that question alone proved it.
“If it’s about making sure I can sleep peacefully tonight, let’s settle this clearly. I’d rather not do it either, if possible.”
Her blue eyes glanced at him coolly.
Darius felt uncomfortable. He had mostly lived among knights, and in the harsh northern lands he had rarely seen women his age.
To him, women—no, Anette—were too small and soft.
Her carefully washed skin was pale, and her hair was so smooth it was almost distracting. Everything about her made him tense.
Even sharing space with her was awkward, and now he was supposed to hold her?
‘How do married people even do this?’
Even if he was criticized for delaying marital duties, he wanted to just pretend not to notice and sleep. He was only twenty. Barely of age, yet already sold off in an arranged marriage.
“It doesn’t have to be today.”
“If you let me know when you’re ready, I’ll take that into account for my life planning…”
“Do you really want to sleep with a man you’ve only just met?”
“No.”
At his red-faced question, Anette immediately flailed backward.
Only then did Darius realize she wasn’t acting bold at all.
“I don’t.”
Her voice sounded genuinely wronged, though he didn’t notice.
“I know you’re my husband, and I know we have marital duties.”
He intended to fulfill them. He just needed time. Time to get used to sharing a bed with someone else instead of sleeping alone.
He had married Anette Fosche. That thought kept echoing in his mind now that they were lying down. Regardless of whether he wanted anything tonight, that fact alone kept repeating itself.
He now had a wife. A room that used to hold only one person’s breath now held two.
“You should visit my room often.”
Anette fiddled with her fingers as she spoke.
“I don’t want people saying the grand ducal couple doesn’t get along. For appearances, at least once a week—sleep in my room.”
Even if nothing happens. The words sounded strangely lonely to Darius.
‘She must also feel awkward, leaving her home and coming somewhere unfamiliar. Maybe she’s just acting energetic.’
Almost impulsively, Darius took her small white hand.
“…Let’s just hold hands while sleeping. Since we’re married.”
Anette’s eyes wavered.
“I’m not rejecting you. I’m not trying to shame you. I’m just… still not used to you.”
He would treat her better once they were closer.
“Won’t we let go while sleeping anyway?”
“I’ll visit your room often, as I said. I can’t promise when I’ll be ready for… that.”
Anette’s teeth clenched at his awkward phrasing.
“What do you even mean by ‘that’? No—actually, I think my dignity is something I complete myself, not something I rely on the duke for. This performative sleeping arrangement is unhealthy. I take it back. Sleep wherever you want.”
She tried to pull her hand away from his grip, clearly shocked at being rejected on the first night.
As a knight, he felt guilty for embarrassing her, but he could no longer yield.
“I won’t leave your side tonight. You won’t have to touch a cold, empty bed alone.”
He tightened his grip and turned his head away awkwardly.
Anette, watching his composed expression, felt like hitting her chest in frustration.
‘I don’t even want some random man from someone else’s house! I was going to have my real first night with someone who only looks at me!’
Amid crossed misunderstandings and unwanted conclusions, the first night of Darius and Anette came to an end.
“Did you have a comfortable first night, Your Grace? Lady Anette.”
Lady Igrit’s voice woke them up. She had come to check whether the lord and lady had properly fulfilled their marital duty.
‘…Hmm.’
“Good morning, Lady Igrit.”
As I smiled, she stepped closer to the bed and suddenly paused.
“I’m relieved to see the two of you seem so close.”
Blink, blink. Only then did I fully wake up—and noticed the strong arm wrapped around my waist.
‘I slept as far away from Darius as possible last night!’
You sneaky bastard, Darius! You said we’d only hold hands! Why is your arm around my waist?!
I had been sleeping soundly, wrapped in the firm arm of a man without even realizing it.
My effort last night—prying his hand off while he was asleep—felt utterly meaningless that morning.
“Anette?”
And then Darius, just waking up, looked flustered as soon as he saw my face.
“If you get too… enthusiastic, it might be difficult.”
His eyes wavered.
“So this is why people fear their wives…”
‘Your arm is the one clinging to me!’
I didn’t do anything!
“North should hear the laughter of children again soon. I’m pleased my wish may come true.”
Lady Igrit continued her polite remarks, unaware of my burning frustration.
“I’ll assume your people are waiting for an audience, Your Grace.”
She spoke gently.
“I’m sorry to interrupt such an affectionate morning, but I’ll have to steal the groom away. There’s a mountain of work.”
“I will be accompanying Anette to the office.”
Lady Igrit blinked.
“Your Grace, taking your new bride to the office? Isn’t that a bit harsh?”
“It is our family tradition for the bride to accompany the groom everywhere. It helps them become closer.”
“Of course, but the lady may still be tired—perhaps a tour of the castle with me would be more enjoyable…”
“I’m fine.”
I smiled brightly, as if I were excited beyond control.
‘We’re so happy, you see.’
Watching Lady Igrit reluctantly accept it was extremely satisfying.
Making people who dislike me uncomfortable was always fun.
