I just looked at him in confusion. Why couldn't he simply admit that he was greedy for power? Why did he need me to believe that he truly cared about me?
We talked until deep into the night. I yawned repeatedly before my father finally went straight to the point.
He said that the Archer family was so wealthy that no matter how much dowry the Frederick family gave me, it would never be enough. So, instead of returning Elyse's dowry, they would use it for mine.
See? That was what he had really wanted to say.
So, I had no grand bridal procession, no guests, no family to see me off. I was secretly carried into the Archer family's residence in a bright chair.
Even the maid accompanying me sighed in pity.
But none of them knew that I was willing to be the second wife of Draven.
...
The candles burned halfway down when Draven, my husband, finally entered the room, supported by a servant.
In a robe and black boots, he was reeking of alcohol as he collapsed onto the bed.
"Mrs. Archer, the young master is very happy tonight. He's drunk."
I had heard before that Draven was in poor health and never had alcohol. Even on the day he married my sister, he had not drunk more than a few sips.