Duke - Council Chamber

Draven sat at the head of the table. His table now. The Duke’s council.

Around him: newly appointed advisors. People he trusted. People who’d proven loyalty.

"The harvest reports are positive," said Lord Brennan, the new agricultural advisor. "Yields up fifteen percent from last year. Marcus’s mismanagement is being corrected."

"Good," Draven said. "And the villages he cut off?"

"Grain shipments resumed immediately, Your Grace. The people are grateful. Your approval ratings in the southern territories have jumped significantly."

"The border garrisons?" Draven looked at Commander Helena, recently promoted after Lord Commander Graves retired.

"Fully staffed and supplied. Morale is high. The bandits have been pushed back. We’re seeing the safest border in five years."

"Treasury status?"

"Recovering," said Minister Aldwin. "Marcus depleted reserves, but we’re rebuilding. Tax collection is up because people actually trust the government again. At current rates, we’ll be back to full strength in six months."

Draven nodded. This was what being Duke meant. Not just power and titles. But actual governance. Making decisions that affected thousands of lives.

"Any other business?"

"The Church sent another inquiry," Brennan said carefully. "About your... household arrangements."

Draven’s expression didn’t change. "What kind of inquiry?"

"Nothing official. Just curiosity about the Dowager Duchess Elise living in the ducal chambers. Some minor clergy asking if it’s appropriate for a Duke to house his widowed mother so prominently."

"And what did you tell them?"

"That the Dowager Duchess serves as your chief advisor. That her experience managing the estate under Duke Aldric makes her invaluable. That it’s perfectly proper for a Duke to honor his mother with a place in his household."

"Good answer."

"They also inquired about your... companions. The number of women seen entering and leaving your private chambers."

Ah. The harem. Of course the Church would eventually notice.

"And?"

"I told them that a young Duke attracting female attention is neither surprising nor inappropriate. That as long as Your Grace conducts yourself with discretion and doesn’t flaunt impropriety, it’s your private business."

"Also a good answer." Draven stood. "Keep managing the Church’s curiosity. But be clear: my private life is private. They can inquire about duchy business. Not about who I spend time with."

"Yes, Your Grace."

The meeting adjourned. Draven headed back to his study.

Being Duke was exhausting. Not the power part—that was easy. But the constant decisions. The endless reports. The political maneuvering.

He understood now why his uncle had aged so fast in the role.

Later That Afternoon - Duke’s Study

A soft knock. Different from the confident knocks of Elise or Seraphina. This one was hesitant.

"Enter."

Mara slipped inside. The healer. Dark skin. Gentle eyes. Quiet demeanor.

And completely neglected for at least a month.

"Your Grace," she said formally. "I’m sorry to bother you. I know you’re busy."

"You’re not bothering me. Come in. Close the door."

She did. But stayed near the door. Uncomfortable.

"Mara," Draven said gently. "When was the last time we talked? Really talked?"

She thought. "The week after you became Duke. You asked me to check Elise’s health. After that... I don’t think we’ve spoken more than greetings in passing."

A month. He’d neglected her for a full month.

"I’m sorry," he said.

"You’re Duke. You have responsibilities—"

"That’s not an excuse. Sit. Please."

She sat in the chair across from his desk. Hands folded in her lap. Professional. Distant.

"How are you?" he asked.

"Fine."

"Mara. Really. How are you?"

She hesitated. Then: "Lonely. Confused about my place here. Wondering if I’m still part of the harem or if I’m just... the healer you keep around."

His chest tightened. "You’re part of the harem. Always."

"It doesn’t feel that way." Her voice was soft. Not accusing. Just honest. "I see you with the others. Elise lives with you. Seraphina visits constantly. Astrid demands time and gets it. Even Lyra got a full night with you recently. But me? I’m just... here. In the background. Healing people when needed. Otherwise invisible."

"That’s not true."

"Isn’t it?" She finally met his eyes. "Draven, I care about you. I joined this harem because I wanted to be close to you. But I feel like I’m fading. Like I’m the forgotten one."

She was right. He couldn’t argue.

"I’m sorry," he said again. "You’re right. I’ve been neglecting you. Badly. That’s not fair."

"I’m not asking for equal time. I know that’s impossible with seven of us. But... something. Anything more than passing greetings."

"What do you need? Tell me. Honestly."

"Time. Like this. Talking. Just... being acknowledged. Feeling like I matter to you."

"You do matter."

"Then show me."

Fair demand.

Draven stood. Moved around the desk. Sat in the chair beside her instead of across from her.

"You’re a healer," he said. "One of the best I’ve ever met. You’ve saved lives. Including mine, more than once. You’re kind. Patient. Gentle in a world that’s harsh. And yes, you’re quiet. But that doesn’t make you invisible."

"It feels like it does."

"I know. And that’s my failure, not yours." He took her hand. "From now on, intentional time. Scheduled. Regular. Not just when I remember or when you ask. But actual planned time together."

"You said that to Lyra yesterday."

"And I meant it then too. I’m realizing I’ve been terrible at managing this. At balancing all of you fairly. So I’m changing that. Starting now."

"What does that look like?"

"One evening per week, minimum, with each of you. Rotating. Planned. That’s seven evenings accounted for. Plus spontaneous time when it works. Plus group activities when appropriate."

"That’s... very organized."

"I’m Duke. Organization is half my job." He squeezed her hand. "Will that help? Knowing you have guaranteed time?"

"Yes. That would help a lot."

"Good. Then it’s done. Starting this week. Monday is yours. Seven to midnight. We can do whatever you want. Talk. Dinner. Walk the gardens. Stay in. Whatever you need."

Mara smiled. First genuine smile he’d seen from her in weeks. "Thank you."

"Don’t thank me. This is me being a better partner. Something I should’ve been doing all along."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment.

"Can I ask you something?" Mara said.

"Anything."

"Do you love all of us equally? Or are there favorites?"

Honest question. Deserved an honest answer.

"Not equally," Draven said. "I love you all differently. Elise is... complicated. She’s my mother and my lover. That bond is unique. Seraphina was my first at the academy. That connection is special. Astrid challenges me. Lyra needs protection. Elara and Celeste are newer. And you..."

"And me?"

"You’re the one who heals me. Literally and figuratively. When everything is chaos and violence and politics, you’re the calm. The gentle reminder that not everything has to be a battle."

Her eyes glistened. "That’s... that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me."

"It’s true."

"I thought maybe I was just convenient. The healer who was there. The one who didn’t demand much."

"Never. You’re here because I want you here. Because you matter. Because losing you would hurt."

She leaned against him. He put his arm around her.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For saying that. For making time. For remembering I exist."

"Always."

They stayed like that. No agenda. No expectations. Just two people connecting.