Barbaria.
That's what people call this place. The largest kingdom which located in the north of the Earthcoal continent. Two eagles with the bodies of lions flanking a golden shield is the emblem of this kingdom. A place where evil is ingrained. The strong are getting stronger, while the weak are getting poorer.
Position is always based on strength. Noble titles were not only reserved for the King's comrades, but also those who had the advantages and potential to win over Barbaria on the battlefield. If someone don't have the ability and power, be prepared to work harder to survive.
However, this situation is very beneficial for those who have been born into famous families. Including Narius Dalcom. The title of Marquess was passed down to him as the first child. Life is full of wealth and food, but for him there is still something lacking, namely power.
Narius Dalcom was willing to sacrifice his daughter to marry Duke Leon Winterson, the leader of the kingdom's main army who was known to be cold and arrogant. He believed that Duke Winterson would eventually become the King of Barbaria after overthrowing the Crown Prince. It wasn't impossible, because the King had considered Duke Winterson as his own son.
The problem is that the person who was forced into an arranged marriage was me. Virenzia, the only daughter in the Dalcom family. Our family is known for archery and equestrian skills. Since childhood I was educated like a son, practicing swordsmanship and horse riding. Accustomed to obeying, of course I could not refuse my father's request and had to follow this arranged marriage.
Until finally I married a man with a heart of stone. No more calling Zia, because they called me "Duchess Winterson". Unfortunately, I became a wife that almost everyone in the Winterson residence ignored. Even the Duke wouldn't allow me to leave for a second from his residence. Duchess Winterson is just a name due to the fact that I have never attended any high-ranking gatherings or celebrations at the palace. I'm just a hostess acting as a display.
The mysterious Duke Winterson even worse, likes to look down on people, including me, his wife. Our marriage was nothing more than a political marriage that ended in sadness. What's the point of living in a big, luxurious house without freedom? I feel dead after undergoing this marriage.
However, my life began to become colorful when I met Prince Alpha De Barbaria—The Crown Prince— at the place of worship of the gods. It was Duke Winterson's first time letting me out of the house. Of course after pleading with tears and getting some censure.
It was undeniable, after that I fell in love with the Crown Prince because his figure was so perfect and caring. We always met at the same place and the reason I went to the that place was to pray. From then on I was determined to help the Crown Prince from my husband and father's evil plans. However, while preparing to leave the Winterson residence, the Duke caught me and handed me a wine.
I know he put something in the drink. Deadly poison. Yes, he didn't hesitate to kill his wife after learning of my affair with the Crown Prince. The blood cry in front of him meant nothing.
"I don't regret it ..." My last words sounded so haughty and sure.
I already know that Duke Winterson is heartless, so I don't think there's any need to apologize for all these mistakes. That black haired man with the perfect body tortured me more. Without hesitation I then took a sip of the poison that was served with both hands gripped by one of the guards. Before long, my head hit the cold floor, drooping helplessly.
"You'll regret it later."
I still remember the last words from him. Before the view starts to blacken and....
"Miss! Miss is awake!"
I felt my head hit the ground, then violently pulled back when I heard a woman's cry. If described it might be like having an accident where my carriage rolled over and over again. Even worse I think, because the dizziness settles for a while.
As soon as I opened my eyes, I found that my body had woken up on a familiar bed. In a daze. My whole body aches and is almost stiff, it's hard to move.
The purplish gray walls and purple curtains adorned the large window beside the bed with ivory sheets. A painting of a girl with long black hair holding a bow hangs across the bed. There's no mistaking it, this was my room before, before becoming a Duchess. My room at the Dalcom residence.
Unknowingly a scream came out of my mouth. The problem with this head seems to be spinning non-stop. At the same time, several girls in simple plain dresses came into my room. Their expressions were the same as the maids who had been standing by the bed for a long time, stunned almost gawking.
"I'll tell the Marquess." One of them then rushed outside.
"W-what happened?" Suddenly I glanced at the waiter who was standing near me, still with a confused face. Why did I suddenly wake up here again?
"You have been unconscious for almost a week, Miss." A woman with curly brown hair approached me. She is Milli, my babysitter since my mother died.
"One week?" I mumbled in disbelief.
After feeling my neck, my irises widened on their own. What happened to me? I remember taking a sip of the drink that Duke Winterson had given me and after that my throat felt as if it had been caught in a thorn from the inside.
The maids then started whispering, but it was clear to me that they were worried about me. It's weird. Why am I suddenly at Daddy's house? My irises circulate fast. There were lilies and a dresser full of my favorite fragrance.
Gosh, this is impossible.
"Miss?" I was still silent and just shook my head when Milli called me again.
"Don't worry, Miss, your engagement has been postponed until you recover," Milli continued with the widest smile.
"Engagement?" These eyes narrowed once more.
What do you mean by engagement to Duke Winterson? I'm obviously married to that demon. I was about to smile, but then my eyes caught a mini vase engraved with a lion's head beside the bed. It was the thing Duke Winterson gave me that I broke a few years ago by accident.
Wait, am I dreaming?
Or could it be…
I went back to past, when I wasn't married to Duke Winterson?!