"Forever," I echoed, testing how the word felt on my lips. Despite having just written it myself, the reality hadn't fully settled in my mind. "Till death do us part," I murmured, reciting the traditional marriage vow.
Alaric's expression remained unreadable as he folded the contract and tucked it into his desk drawer. The finality of that simple action sent a flutter through my stomach.
"Does that concern you?" he asked, his eyes studying me carefully.
I squared my shoulders. "It's not concern exactly. More... acceptance of reality. This is truly happening."
My mind raced ahead to all the implications of a lifetime marriage. There was one complication we hadn't addressed.
"What about heirs?" I asked quietly, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "Every duke needs an heir."
Something shifted in Alaric's expression—a flicker of surprise, perhaps that I'd broached the subject so directly.
"Eventually," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not in a particular rush."
