Obey Me Now

“I will submit to you.”

His voice pierced her like the fangs of a beast, sending shivers down her spine. Amelia barely managed to steady her trembling breath, her heart pounding so fiercely it felt like it might burn. It was an intensity she had never experienced before. Not even in her love for Edrzov had she felt this kind of heat… No, she had never heard such scorching words in her entire life.

As she gazed at him, his presence consuming her, a single thought emerged in her scattered mind.

“He desires the throne this much.”

The clarity of the realization was deafening, leaving the sound of the wind hollow in her ears. Iclite, despite his own words, seemed just as tense. His throat burned from the heat of it, yet a faint relief flickered across his face as he gently tightened his hold on her hand.

“The oath is complete. Shall we head back now?” he asked, his tone lighter.

Snapping out of her trance, Amelia scrambled to return his coat.
“Y-yes, let’s. Mommy will be eager to hear everything. Oh! Here, take your coat. I’m fine without it.”

Iclite, however, simply draped the coat back over her shoulders and ensured it was snug around her. In doing so, he unintentionally pulled her into his embrace. The residual emotions swirling between them made Amelia shiver.

“Y-your Grace?”

“Keep it on. The wind is cold.”

Oddly enough, the wind didn’t feel as chilly as he claimed. In fact, it seemed to blow away from her entirely.

“It doesn’t seem that windy…”

Before she could finish her thought, Iclite made a subtle motion with his hand. The wind, which had been blowing elsewhere, suddenly shifted and gusted directly toward them. Startled, Amelia instinctively clutched his coat tighter.

“Ah, never mind. It is windy. Ha, ha!”

She was flustered. “What on earth? Why did the wind suddenly change direction?”

It reminded her of that moment on the balcony. Could he really be controlling it? But Iclite feigned ignorance, even chiding her gently.

“Even if southern winds are milder than those of the north, it’s unwise to let your guard down. You don’t want to catch a cold with your trial approaching. Taking care of yourself is also part of your skill set.”

Amelia dismissed her suspicions.
“No, it’s just a coincidence. It has to be. There’s no way magic like that is possible. The wind is unpredictable—that’s all.”

Still, being wrapped in his coat made her self-conscious, and her thoughts spiraled.
“There’s no need to go this far. Lending me your coat is more than enough; I’m really not that cold.”

“I’m doing this on purpose.”

“Pardon?”

Iclite’s voice carried an air of certainty.
“From now on, all eyes will be on us.”

“Well, yes, with such a dramatic marriage announcement…”

“You understand, don’t you? We need to appear as deeply in love as possible. Two people so madly in love that they married against all odds. That’s why you wrote in the proposal that it was love at first sight, didn’t you? To avoid suspicion from anyone who might be watching.”

Amelia nodded slowly. He was right. They needed to convince everyone that they were a couple in love, not a pair bound by a contract. While arranged marriages among nobles were common, their situation was unique. Iclite needed to become emperor, and Amelia needed to help him get there. If rumors spread that he was using Fiore’s influence to seize the throne, it would damage his fragile standing. Such whispers wouldn’t end even after he ascended, staining his reign and accusing him of insulting the five ducal families.

“The story has to be that I supported and believed in him out of love.”

Fortunately, only a handful of people knew about her past relationship with Edrzov. Being largely confined to her family estate and meeting Edrzov in secret had worked in her favor.

“Edrzov must have kept our relationship hidden to avoid any backlash if I died early.”

The man had always prioritized his reputation. Even if he suspected this marriage was a facade, he couldn’t act without evidence. Amelia understood the importance of leaving no room for doubt. Iclite seemed to read her thoughts and smiled faintly.

“Until the very end, we must be the most loving couple anyone has ever seen.”

His words, though logical, left Amelia feeling unsteady. Why did they sound so dangerous?

“Y-yes, of course.”

“Then shall we walk back with you in my arms?”

“N-no, walking like this is fine!”

And so, Amelia found herself awkwardly leaning into his embrace, much to her dismay. Iclite seemed to ponder something before suggesting, “Perhaps I should carry you like I did last time? It would look even more convincing.”

“Absolutely not! This is fine—perfect, actually! We’re not officially married yet, after all!”

The idea of being carried in front of onlookers was too much to bear. Relenting with a teasing smile, Iclite offered his hand instead.
“Then let’s at least hold hands.”

“Yes, holding hands is fine!”

Relieved at avoiding a more dramatic display, Amelia grabbed his hand—but immediately regretted it. His touch was too warm, stirring emotions she wasn’t ready to face. Flustered, she buried her face against his chest, trying to steady herself. Satisfied, Iclite murmured softly, “For now, this is enough.”

“For now?”

The words lingered ominously, but she didn’t have time to dwell on them.

“One more thing,” Iclite said, breaking the silence.

“What is it?”

“You looked stunning tonight.”

His unexpected compliment left Amelia’s mind reeling. By the time she regained her composure, the wind had shifted once more, now blowing far away from them.

The next morning, the fallout from the previous night’s banquet was palpable. As Amelia prepared to leave for her new accommodations, every servant’s gaze seemed to follow her. None dared to whisper openly, but their eyes spoke volumes, none of it flattering.

“Miss, all your belongings have been sent ahead,” said Mommy, her faithful maid.

“Thank you, Mommy.”

Now officially a candidate for the Fiore family headship, Amelia would reside at Honess Palace, close to the training grounds, until the trial. Upon arriving, she was greeted by Kate, the head steward. Mommy bowed instinctively, while Amelia met Kate’s gaze with subtle tension.

“Lady Amelia Cesaret, welcome,” Kate said.

“We didn’t have the chance to properly meet at the banquet, Kate,” Amelia replied.

“A mere servant? Who in Fiore doesn’t know who you are?”

Kate, the head steward, had served the Fiore family for decades—no other servant had been in their service longer. He was a living archive of the family’s history. His impeccable posture, perfectly groomed white hair, precisely trimmed mustache, and spotless monocle all spoke to his fastidious nature. Without wasting words, Kate offered Amelia another polite bow.

“Then please, make yourself comfortable during your stay. While you are here, Mami will be at your service.”

His voice turned cold as he emphasized the word stay.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Amelia mused. “In other words, don’t make this place your home.”

Kate was openly expressing what others hinted at with their eyes. He was clearly displeased that the upcoming trial, a matter of great importance, had become the subject of gossip.

“He must believe there’s no way I’ll become the head of the family.”

Amelia responded with a composed smile.
“As expected, you are no mere servant.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll treat this place like my home while I’m here.”

Kate’s eyebrow twitched slightly, but he said nothing and excused himself. Mami approached Amelia with a worried expression.

“I’m so sorry, my lady. Steward Kate is a strict man who never strays from the rules…”

“It’s fine. I didn’t expect a warm welcome. This is just how it has to be for now.”

“But, my lady… Everyone’s talking about you. I think Lady Messarina has been spreading rumors. People are saying you can’t use firearms…”

“So, I’ve become the hottest topic at the ladies’ salons?”

“My lady!”

Mami’s concern deepened at Amelia’s casual attitude. While Amelia could laugh off being called the peculiar young lady who married the monstrous duke, the trial was a different matter entirely.

“What are you going to do?”

Mami hated the thought of Amelia becoming a laughingstock. However, Amelia remained calm.

“I’ve already said I’ll take the trial fairly.”

“My lady…”

“First, I need to see His Grace. He mentioned introducing me to someone. Besides, I have something to ask him as well. By the way, Mami, you were incredible last night. I was stunned by His Grace’s transformation.”

Mami blushed, clearly proud of herself.
“I was surprised, too! Not just his physique, but his appearance! You were right, he does have a wild charm.”

At Mami’s words, Amelia couldn’t help but recall the peculiar feelings from the night before, her cheeks reddening.

“Surely, I won’t see him shirtless again, right?”

Though he claimed it was a habit, surely, he would stop. He had to stop.

To Amelia’s relief, Iclite was fully dressed when they met again. Beside him stood an equally striking man with a slightly dazed expression.

“This is my personal guard and the commander of the Clio Ducal Knights, Cahill Weill.”

Amelia nodded and extended her hand in greeting, as was customary for a noblewoman.
“I’m Amelia Cesaret. I look forward to working with you.”

Still processing the situation, Cahill hesitated before taking her hand. Just as he leaned forward to kiss the back of it, Iclite swiftly grabbed Amelia’s hand away.

Cahill was stunned, while Amelia looked at Iclite in confusion.
“Your Grace?”

“Enough introductions. Is that a violet?”

“A violet?”

Iclite led Amelia to a window, gesturing to a purple flower blooming on the sill.

“Oh! A flower’s blooming here! It’s not a violet, but it’s lovely.”

“So, it’s not.”

“Do you like flowers, Your Grace? Even wild ones like this?”

Iclite turned to her, his gaze soft, and whispered, “Yes. I like them. Very much.”

Amelia’s heart skipped a beat at his gentle tone.

“W-what’s this? Why is my heart racing?”

From a distance, Cahill watched the exchange, struggling to believe what he was seeing.

“Is His Grace… jealous?”

Before coming here, Cahill had been briefed on everything. Yet even now, he found it hard to believe.

“His Grace wants the throne? And he married the Cesaret Countess for it? They’re supposed to be using each other?”

But this… didn’t look like using. If anything, His Grace seemed unwilling to leave her side for even a moment.

“He wouldn’t even let me kiss her hand! And now he’s taken her away over some nonsense about flowers!”

Initially, Cahill hadn’t recognized her. But now, it clicked. She was the woman he’d helped rescue in the mountains.

“What’s their connection? How did His Grace end up marrying the Cesaret countess?”

Just then, there was a knock, and Mami entered the room.

“Miss, a letter has arrived.”

At Mami’s words, Amelia froze momentarily before turning her back naturally.
“Excuse me for a moment.”

As soon as Amelia left, Iclite promptly removed his coat.

“Southern clothing is always so tight and suffocating. I need to get used to it…”

“You don’t need to get used to anything,” Cahill interjected sharply. “Your Grace must return to the North immediately.”

“I will return, eventually. For now, go ahead and manage things there. I’ll visit after the wedding, depending on the situation.”

“That’s not what I mean!” Cahill burst out, dropping to his knees in front of Iclite with a serious expression.
“If His Majesty finds out, he won’t let this go. You, of all people, know exactly what it means for the Grand Duke to be in the South!”

Iclite’s expression remained indifferent, unfazed by Cahill’s outburst.
“I know. It’ll be noisy and chaotic, which is why I intended to stay in the North my whole life.”

“Then why—!”

“But now, I’ve found something worth staying for.”

Cahill’s heart sank at the unexpected admission. His voice trembled with urgency.
“Your Grace, please reconsider. The throne? The imperial palace terrifies you! After how they treated you, how could you—because of her?!”

“I told you to watch your tongue, Cahill.”

Iclite’s face darkened, his voice sharp enough to silence Cahill instantly.
“She is my wife-to-be and the future head of the Fiore family.”

Cahill swallowed hard, the weight of Iclite’s declaration sinking in. It wasn’t just about breaking an old taboo—this woman was important to him.

“I’ve already made my choice. I’m staying by her side. I won’t let anything take her away from me.”

“Your Grace…”

For a moment, the chill in Iclite’s eyes melted, and his lips curved into a faint, wistful smile.
“She’s the first to make me want something. Now that I’ve had a taste, I can’t bear to look away.”

The word desire struck Cahill like a blow. Iclite had lived his life detached, existing merely for the sake of existence. Now, that same man spoke of desire—and it was for her.

“There’s no stopping him. What’s frightening is what will happen because of this newfound ambition. No one knows where it might lead.”

All Cahill could do was hope that Iclite’s power wouldn’t spiral out of control. Above all, he prayed the imperial family wouldn’t catch wind of this.

Outside, Amelia extended her hand.
“Do you have it?”

Mami retrieved a letter from her pocket.
“Yes, it’s from the Cesaret estate.”

“No one noticed, right?”

“Not a soul. You prepared everything perfectly.”

“Thank you, Mami.”

Amelia stared at the letter with trembling eyes.

“It’s here.”

The letter from her father, who must have heard about the events of the banquet. With tense fingers, she opened it. However, as she read, her expression hardened, only to soften into a hollow laugh.

“So, he’s truly discarded me.”

“My lady?”

The letter contained neither anger nor reproach. Just a single sentence: ‘Don’t return until it’s resolved.’

No reaction at all. Not even anger. Amelia clenched the letter tightly before letting out a resolute sigh, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

“If he wants it resolved, I’ll resolve it—starting with becoming the head of the Fiore family.”

Despite his frustrations, Cahill returned to the North as instructed. Iclite understood Cahill’s concerns all too well. The North was his sanctuary, and the thought of returning to the imperial palace filled him with dread. Those memories still gnawed at his soul.

But now…

“I have to become emperor. It’s the only way to live peacefully, without constantly looking over my shoulder.”

If life was going to be messy anyway, it didn’t seem so bad to let it be upended because of her.

“In fact, I’m looking forward to it.”

He could handle everything—except one thing. Her heart. That fragile heart of hers that could stop at any moment.

“If I could give her my heart… if I could die in her place…”

A dark intensity flickered in Iclite’s gaze.
“If there’s a way, no matter what it takes, I’ll find it.”

Just then, Amelia returned, catching him mid-thought.
“Your Grace, I need to ask—oh!”

She froze in place, startled to see him shirtless again. Iclite quickly slipped his coat back on, his expression shifting from cold determination to sheepishness.
“I apologize. I thought you weren’t back yet.”

Amelia, her face flushed bright red, stammered as she forced herself to meet his eyes.
“Your Grace! Even if it’s a habit, you need to dress properly!”

“Yes, I’ll make sure to during the day.”

“During the day? You need to dress properly at night too!”

“Where do I even begin teaching him proper etiquette?!”

“What is it you needed, my lady?”

Amelia composed herself, her tone turning serious.
“I need to ask a favor. It’s a rather difficult request…”

“I’ll do it.”

“Wait, shouldn’t you hear what it is first—”

“There’s no need. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”

In Iclite’s world, refusing Amelia’s requests simply wasn’t an option. Not ever.