"Yes, I will marry you," I answered, my voice stronger than I expected.
Duke Alaric's expression didn't change, but something in his eyes seemed to lighten. He nodded once, as though my acceptance was a foregone conclusion. Before he could respond, the door burst open, revealing my father's panicked face.
"Isabella!" Baron Reginald gasped. "You cannot possibly agree to this. You don't understand what you're saying."
I straightened my spine, drawing strength from the Duke's presence. "I understand perfectly, Father. I'm accepting His Grace's proposal."
My father stepped into the room, his face flushed. "This is madness. You've barely met the man! And you—" He turned to Alaric. "What could you possibly want with her? She's damaged goods. The rumors alone would—"
"Careful, Baron," Alaric cut in, his voice deceptively soft. "That's my future wife you're insulting."
