Crazy Duke and Fallen Queen

I've just finished showing all my enterprises and ideas for the future.

Alexander listens with attention, reading every single number I point at. Even if it must be boring, he doesn't snort or lose focus.

He seems pleased about the outcomes of my businesses, but he doesn't dare to just open his mouth and praise me. He knows something must be going on, and his patience is so heart-warming.

Now that the money is already on the table, I can spend some time talking about non-quantifiable and more abstract kinds of richnesses and values.

«And, finally,» I sigh. «I have a lot of skills you already know of.»

«Are you competing for a job?» he inquires.

«More or less.» I shrug. Competing isn't the right word, as there aren't other candidates. And it's not even clear what job I'm trying to catch.

I mean, I wouldn't need all this talking to convince Alexander to employ me in the administration or as an advisor.

«I know your abilities; you can skin that part,» he says, in fact.

«I just want to remind you that I'm not just competent in administration. I have a broad knowledge I will refine in the next years, studying from the books already in Kyre. And printing other books that could be of help. And I'm patient, fair, and tend to consider the outcomes before making a decision. Not in every matter, to be sincere, but it usually works out.»

I might have overdone it. I don't have all of these qualities at a desirable level, but I need some boosting to reach my goal. I need to look like the most desirable party in Kyre.

«All right, you convinced me,» Alexander chuckles. «How much is your salary?»

«Wait a moment,» I pout. He's thinking too fast. And he's having a lot of fun in this improvised job interview.

«Yes, my love!» he exclaims, joining his hands in the front and leaving his chin on them.

«Other than my competence, I also have a title.»

«A title?»

Now, he is amazed. It's not easy, ah? Yet, I managed to surprise the mighty Lord of Kyre. It's already an achievement.

«I was knighted by his majesty,» I explain. «There wasn't any ceremony, but here is the document attesting my title as Dame Kyre.»

«Your surname hasn't been updated. You'll need a surname, by the way.»

Rulers in Polis don't have one. Not even a dynasty name. Well, there has been a single dynasty during the last half millennium, so there wasn't any chance to get confused... But still...

I can't take my mother's surname. It would be senseless, dangerous, and it would make me remember some people I'd gladly forget.

On the other hand, I don't feel like making up a new surname just because. In Ethiro, I do need one.

«Can I keep it?» I inquire, bowing my head. «Can I keep your surname?»

«Yes, you can,» Alexander voices. «And there's a very easy way to keep it... Annulling the divorce.»

«I can't do that.»

He snorts, bothered.

«I understand,» he accepts. «You can continue being Theodora Kyre.»

This will link us together for the rest of time. I bite my lower lip to avoid showing just like this how much it means for me.

«Thank you!» I exclaim. «There's just another thing for today, and I'll let you return to your official duties.»

«What is it?»

«I know I've betrayed you and that you won't trust me so easily. But I wanted us to choose each other. Like yesterday, right? So, I'm here to propose to you.»

I take out a ring from the pouch and leave it at the centre of the table. I surprise my dearest for the second time in this conversation.

«Alexander Kyre, do you want to marry me?»

I wait for a second, analysing his expressions and dumbfounded face.

I know, right? I'm such a riddle. Even to myself.

«You don't have to answer now. I will wait,» I add.

«Wait?» he adds.

«I will work hard to prove to you how much I'm worth. This is just my starting point. What I would bring to you if we were married.»

«But why?» he scoffs. «I don't need all of this: I love you!»

«I want to contribute,» I explain. «Not just to be a parasite. And I want you to choose me. By your free will.»

«And you had to divorce just so you could ask?»

«Yes.»

«I understand.»

«Do you?»

«Yes, Thea. I do understand what's going on. And I will think about it when you're not nearby, so I won't be influenced by your presence. I'll consider it from all points of view and then come to accept...»

«And then decide,» I correct him. Even though... I'm glad he's playing along. «Meanwhile, I'll do my best to make you accept.»

«Are you going to woo me?»

«Yes, of course!» I exclaim. «Keep the ring; it's safer with you.»

It's the copy of the one I had on my hand before taking it off yesterday. I spent quite a lot because I needed it in a hurry.

I couldn't even leave my own to the goldsmith because it had to stay on my hand. Kyre doesn't have a nuptial ring for the Lord. If Alexander accepts, the future generations will have one.

And I paid for it with my hard work. It makes it feel even more valuable.

«I'll now take my leave, my Lord,» I say while getting up.

I turn back just once while reaching the door to see Alexander's aloof expression.

It's a pretence. I can tell because his eyes shine like never before. His happiness must be contagious because my heart skips a beat and starts doing acrobatics in my chest.

Before getting out, I curtsey.

I've never done this. Alexander clenches the armrests and opens his mouth to scold me.

Yet, I close the door and run away. My giggle resonates in the hallway, but I can't stop because I'm an idiot.