Emilia slept restlessly throughout the night. She would toss and turn, before becoming frustrated and started pacing the length of her chambers.
She deliberated over the Duke's words. He saw her as an obligation. The marriage was his filial duty to the Prince family and an expectation for a love match was indeed excessive on her part. Tears slipped past her cheeks which she quickly wiped away. How would she survive in a loveless marriage? Is she to raise their children in a home where there are no examples of affection?
She sighed.
The door that joined their bed chambers creaked open.
The Duke was dressed in matching silk pyjamas. His hair was mussed with sleep.
"Oh, Your Grace," Emilia mumbled.
Severus cleared his throat, not expecting that his wife would be awake in the wee hours of the morning.
"Are you unwell?"
"No, not really."
"Then, why–"
"I'm unused to having such a huge bed to myself. My Grandaunt used to sleep by me back in Rosier Residence," Emilia replied with a nostalgic smile.
"Oh."
Severus could not understand why her smile was affecting him. "I shall leave you alone," he mumbled, ready to return to his room.
What was he supposed to do?
Emilia thought it was a great opportunity to perhaps strengthen their bond. "Would you like to spend the night with me?" She blurted.
Severus' eyes widened. "Pardon?"
Her fingers curled around the fabric of her nightdress. She took a calming breath. "If you are amiable, Your Grace. I would like it if you could accompany me tonight. I would like to have my husband by my side."
Severus felt his cock stir at her words. But, he did not think she would be ready. She could still be fatigued from the trip.
"I do not think that is wise."
Disappointment flooded her features. She rapidly blinked back her tears. "Yes, of course. My apologies, Your Grace," she choked.
Severus frowned, hearing the tremble in her voice. "Are you upset?"
Emilia exhaled an incredulous snort.
"No, of course not. Why would my husband wish to spend the night with me on the same bed that was shared by dear Miss Evans? That would surely bring up some memory that has nothing to do with me. No, I am not upset. I have no right to be upset when my husband has chosen another to love yet he marries me."
Severus stared at her, shocked before it morphed to fury. He stalked towards her and held her by her shoulders.
"Who told you?!" He roared, shaking her.
Emilia refused to back down.
"Ah, so the rumours were true. Miss Evans must be waiting and bidding for the day I slipped up for her to take the role of the Duchess. "
The lines on Severus' face hardened. He grew angrier. His fingernails dug painfully into her skin. "Never mention her name in my presence," his voice turned cold.
It scared her. Angry tears streamed down her cheeks. But she was one to retaliate when afraid. "Why not? Am I reminding you of the love you cannot attain?"
Severus physically flinched. "You vile witch!" He snarled, his hand grasped around her throat.
Emilia raised her chin defiantly. If this was how her marriage would be, she would rather die tonight. "Kill me then. Miss Evans would happily take my place. You and your new Duchess could live a merry, bountiful life with children she would bear for you," she gasped as his hold tightened, threatening to cut off her oxygen. Her eyes were set aflame with a mix of anger and courage.
Severus was breathing harshly. No one had dared him the way the witch before him does. Every word she uttered had pierced and stabbed his heart. Lily Potter could never be his. She would not produce his heirs. His archenemy had taken her away from him and now he was saddled by an abhorrent witch who drove him entirely mad.
"How dare you, Rosier," Severus whispered dangerously. "I am your husband. I vowed to protect your life and here you are at my mercy. Pity. Had it not been for the Prince family, the Rosiers would have lost everything."
Severus released his grasp. He would not be his father's son. He turned and strode for his bed chambers.
Emilia collapsed on the carpeted floor in a coughing fit.
"All I asked for was a marriage filled with love. I suppose that is a futile endeavour." Her voice was hoarse.
The Duke paused.
He threw a glance over his shoulder. "The accuracy of your statement is astounding, Your Grace," his voice was laced with derision.
Then, he slammed the door shut.
The days following their row were unsettling. Neither spoke to another; neither shared a meal with the other.
The house elves were noticeably worried.
Dobby had visited Emilia the day before and explained that Miss Evans had never set foot in the Duchess' chambers. The Duke himself had forbidden anyone to enter the room except for his rightful Duchess. Miss Evans only stayed in the guest room for several days when she was ill as a courtesy before being sent home.
Bibby tended to Emilia as she sat on the verandah, taking her afternoon tea. The house elf learnt her lesson. Speak only when spoken to.
Emilia idly stirred her tea. Bibby had to cast several warming charms for the Duchess had not drunk even a sip of her tea. She was staring at the vast gardens and beyond.
"Who lives there?" She asked.
"The Grangers, Your Grace."
Emilia turned to Bibby."The Grangers? Are they from a pureblood family?"
"No, Your Grace. They are Muggleborns. They are a family of three. Little Miss Granger turned four recently."
Emilia broke into a smile. "They have a child?"
Bibby nodded. "Adorable little Hermione Granger, Your Grace. Very intelligent and polite."
"Could we invite them here? For afternoon tea?" Emilia asked, becoming a tad excited.
Bibby scratched her head. As much as she would like to please her mistress to make up for the terrible faux pas, Bibby knew it was not her place to decide.
"It is not known for a Pureblood to invite a Muggleborn family, Your Grace. But, Bibby should ask Dobby."
Emilia's smile faltered. She nodded quietly.
"Yes, of course. I'm sorry."
"You may invite them," a deep, baritone voice interrupted.
Bibby bowed and immediately disapparated to prepare an invitation for the Grangers.
Emilia swivelled around and was met with the Duke. He looked dreadful.
"Your Grace," Emilia greeted quietly.
He nodded tersely before his eyes travelled to the expanse of her neck. There was obvious purpling and his fingerprints were a stark contrast against her pale skin.
He winced, stepping closer to her.
"Could you – could you accompany me to my office?"
She looked puzzled. "Excuse me?"
"Your bruises. I… please," Severus beseeched. He let out his hand. The dark circles under his eyes were prominent when he stood in front of her. He looked pained and terrified.
"Certainly, Your Grace," Emilia mumbled, letting her fingers slip into his palm.
He was in a rush, pulling her fast into his office before letting her sit comfortably on his armchair. Emilia grew more uneasy as she observed the Duke muttering to himself as he searched vials after vials in his potion cabinet.
When Severus finally found what he was looking for, he hurried to her and knelt in front of her.
"Your Grace!" Emilia exclaimed, rising to pull him up.
"Let me. Let me do this."
"But, Your Grace –"
"Please!" He pleaded in an anguished voice.
Emilia sat back down on the chair. Her brows lowered into a worried frown. She had never seen him speak or act in such a manner.
"Th–thank you," he muttered before unstoppering the vial filled with blue liquid. He poured a substantial amount on his hand, rubbing his palms together to gather heat before looking up to Emilia.
"This might hurt," he warned.
Emilia nodded. "It will be fine."
Severus pressed his fingers firmly against her neck before his thumbs followed a circular pattern, massaging the bruise.
Emilia squeezed her eyes shut as the pain intensified down her neck. She let out a small groan, her fingers curled around his wrist.
"Just a little more, Emilia," Severus murmured.
Her eyes snapped open, meeting his darkened gaze. The pain was forgotten. He had called her by her name and it sounded lovely.
"It is done," he said softly, his head hung shamefully. The black lank of his hair covered his face.
Emilia was uncertain how to react in the face of her vulnerable husband. "Your Grace?"
"I…I was exceedingly rough the other night. I hurt you physically and maim you with my words. My conduct has been abysmal. I am truly sorry."
Emilia tentatively touched his cheek before tucking his hair behind his ear.
Severus stiffened up. No one except his mother had touched him so delicately.
"Have you eaten today, My Lord?"
He shook his head. "I have no taste for food."
Emilia gently brushed her thumb against his cheekbone. "Would you care to join me? For an afternoon tea with the Grangers?"
"I shouldn't intrude," he mumbled, not meeting her gaze.
"I am incomplete without my Duke," Emilia reminded kindly.
He glanced up at her. She was smiling softly.
"I…"
"I should make up for my own blunders as well. I understand that I've overreacted, my lord," Emilia said quietly.
The Duke took hold of her hands. His dark eyes were unyielding.
"This isn't your fault. I am to blame. I reacted harshly."
"I provoked you."
"Be that as it may, I am your husband; your protector. You've done nothing to warrant such abuse," he affirmed.
"What of Miss Evans?" Emilia muttered. She dropped her gaze to her knees.
Severus gently took hold of her chin, tipping it up. "Lady Potter," he corrected.
Realisation dawned upon Emilia. Her eyes widened. "She… she's married. I didn't know."
Severus nodded. "She is. She belongs to someone else now."
Emilia smiled cordially. She could detect the pain in his tone. "I understand you're disappointed, Your Grace. I am not someone you want as Duchess but –"
Severus shook his head. Taking hold of her hands, placing them on his heart.
"You belong to me. You're my Duchess. The mother of my future heirs. You will be treated with respect, be cherished and honoured as an equal in this relationship. I will never lay my hands on you. Ever. I will not be my father. This is my promise to you, my Duchess," he murmured with such sincerity that Emilia's heart melted.
She felt her throat dry. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes.
"Will you forgive me, Emilia?"
Emilia nodded. Tears slipped down her cheeks. "Yes…yes."
Severus breathed out in relief. His thumbs swept the tears away. "Do not cry. What will Miss Granger think when she sees the beautiful Duchess in tears?"
Emilia breathed a soft laugh. "You're teasing me, Your Grace."
A smirk graced the Duke's lips, making him all the more attractive. "I only speak the truth, my Duchess."
Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were coloured pink. Severus thought she looked particularly captivating. He cupped her face before bringing his lips to hers. He pressed firmly, allowing her to retract should she wished.
When she made no intention to move, Severus brushed her lips with his, before lightly sliding his tongue across her bottom lips.
Emilia's breath hitched. Her eyes fluttered closed. She let her lips fall open, emitting a soft moan. Severus was eager to deepen the kiss but a pop of apparation startled the couple.
Emilia pulled away quickly, embarrassed. Severus looked peeved, he turned around.
Dobby had his head bowed subserviently. "Dobby did not mean to disturb, Your Grace. But, the Grangers have arrived."