One Week After the Executions - Duke's Private Chambers
The Arclight Estate had transformed. New banners hung from the walls. New servants hired. New policies implemented. Marcus's corruption purged.
And in the Duke's chambers—the largest, most luxurious rooms in the estate—Draven stood with his mother.
Elise wore a deep crimson gown. The color of the Dowager Duchess. Officially recognized. Publicly honored as the Duke's mother and chief advisor.
Privately? She was so much more.
"We did it," she whispered. They stood at the window, looking out over the estate. "You're Duke. I'm officially your Duchess. And we can live together. In the same house. Openly."
"Without hiding," Draven agreed. "Without sneaking through servant passages at midnight. Without constant fear of being caught."
"Because everyone sees a dutiful son and his widowed mother." Elise turned to face him. "They have no idea their Duke fucks his own mother every night."
