"... let's go to the drawing room"
"Why won't you invite me into your room? I am your husband"
"I'm afraid it's too messy to let you in"
"Open the door, Natalia"
Many would consider it sweet that her husband finally called her by her name. However, the more he said it, the more she felt the noose tightening on her neck. He was about to do something obscenely ridiculous, she could just tell. As it was better to let him have his way than fight, she opened the door for him. He walked in and surveyed the room. It was dark and cold, the moonlight the only source of light there. It wasn't messy but it didn't look like the mistress of the house was living there.
"Why haven't you complained yet? You are the mistress of the house"
"I don't consider myself the mistress of the house unless I am acknowledged by you, your grace. I do not wish to trouble anyone more than I already have"
"You are doing this on purpose, aren't you?"
"Doing what, your grace?"
"Making me feel like this. Why should I feel guilty? Why should I feel sorry for you? I didn't ask to marry you. I don't even like you. Why?"
"If it bothers you then you don't need to feel sorry for me. If you continue treating me as you have, I won't complain. Our marriage was my father's decision so I won't blame your grace for it. There is no need to feel any guilt"
"I don't believe you're such a benevolent person"
"You are right. I am not. But why should that matter? I have not done anything to go against you"
No matter how hard he thought, he couldn't hold anything against her. She had done nothing but help him, especially since he was going against the royal family. He couldn't find why he hated her so much.
"I know you love her highness so I don't need you to love me. If you need me to step down as your Queen, I would do so willingly. I already said it before. I'm your property for as long as we are married, your grace"
"You wish to escape me?" He growled, holding her by her neck. He was not gentle, close to crushing her windpipe with his bare hands. She struggled against his hold, gasping for breath. When he was satisfied, he let her go and she dropped to the ground. She coughed, using her magic to heal herself once again. She took deep breaths, trying to breathe properly once more.
"If you try leaving me, I will kill you. You cannot leave me, Natalia"
"Yes...your grace"
He stormed out of the room, slamming the door. She coughed, sighing deeply. Memories of her past life overshadowed memories of her early life. In her recollection, Fredrich wasn't always like that. He was a gentle shy child, sheltered by the love of his parents. Then, it was Natalia that hated him unreasonably. But when his father died, he began changing. They used to talk frequently but he wasn't hostile to her until he met Princess Alana. She could be considered as someone who loved the Grand Duke. Those things were now in the past.
"Just a few months left. I can hold on till then" she mumbled, pulling herself up. She collapsed on her bed, casting magic on her door before she sunk into sleep. Few days later, she was ready to leave to the capital. He didn't make any more irrational moves so she considered herself safe.
She didn't feel any apprehension about staying in his family's mansion in the capital. If the southwest was his territory, then the capital was her territory. If any of the servants dared to treat her wrongly, it wouldn't be hard to get rid of them. Even better, Wilbur wasn't going with her. He caused a ruckus when he heard he was being replaced.
"Your grace, have I done anything wrong? Why am I being replaced?"
"You're the one who suggested taking on a personal maid"
"But you rejected it"
"I thought about it again and found that I preferred a woman by my side as opposed to someone who opens the legs of every woman he meets, willing or unwilling"
"Y-You knew?"
"There isn't anything I don't know about the mansion. I am the mistress of the home after all. I'm not about to become another one of your victims. You should do well to watch your back, Wilbur"
Natalia was satisfied with the expression he showed when she said that. But she was most pleased that she was finally going to the capital on her own. It was her chance to put her final plans in place. Sebastian was making good progress in Polivia. With Amaika beside him, it wouldn't be long until she could move all the people important to her to Polivia. The title of the Duke of Graviscera was a good addition. If Sebastian were to become crown prince or even King of Polivia, the title would be passed to her. If she held that kind of title, then even Fredrich couldn't touch her. Invading Polivia was a useless resort.
The teleportation array landed them right in the Duke's Mansion in the capital. It was likely to prevent her from running to her father's house. It made her laugh. In the Capital, it was hard to chain her. She was someone who ruled the high nobility. He would need more than that to stop her.
The servants were quite courteous in welcoming her. The mansion was cleaned up and a butler was assigned to take care of her needs.
Hearing of her arrival, Count Umel was quick to arrive. He was Sebastian's trusted aide as well as their childhood friend. He was trained to be Sebastian's aide since he was a child which actually helped him to gain the title of Count at a young age.
"Natalia!" The blonde exclaimed as soon as he saw her, rushing forward to hug her. She glared at him, hitting her fan on his head. He stopped, pouting but waiting obediently.
"I am no longer Lady Natalia but Grand Duchess Natalia. You can't touch me carelessly"
"But Bastian can touch you"
"Bastian is my brother, idiot. Please sit down gently so we can talk properly"
"Aw okay" he frowned, taking his seat. He was a naughty child that grew up into a handsome adult. If he wasn't always hiding in Sebastian's shadow, he would've been pursued by the single ladies of the capital. Natalia had the thought of finding a wife for him but he was someone that would insist on following Sebastian, even if it meant abandoning his title. The two were right friends that trusted each other completely. That was why he preferred dying with Sebastian rather than betraying him.