raising immediate alarm. Entry to Ironwood Manor, the Duke's residence in the capital, was secured only by a sm

mory than a nobleman's home. The air was cold, smelling

. His name was Rook. He led her without a word

territories covered one wall. Grand Duke Alaric Vanderbilt stood with

or defending. The sheer force of his presence filled

oulders back. She perf

r Gr

ned. S

They swept over her, assessing, dissecting. His face was a ma

a frantic bird trapped in a cage. But

to propose a

inclined his head, a silent,

summary of her mother's dowry, a list of assets that could fund a s

isle family," she said, her voice clear. "It is enoug

his expression remained unchanged. The st

then spoke the words that ha

le. Your title. I wish to bec

of logs in the massive fireplace. She was sure he would laugh, or have

her voice a little too high. "I will not interfere in y

her's health is failing. Once she has passed peacefully, I w

thing, and asked for noth

ce was a low rumble, like

mpire," she answered honestly. "Only the Vander

ue eyes. An emotion she couldn't na

hadow fell over her, and she had

but didn't look at it. His

e any idea what it means t

th, bracing for i

mmand," he stated, his voice a flat, even tone.

d at him, utte

of her shock, Alaric Vanderbilt, the I

sal. My lawyers will