The Tyrant Duke's Third Wife

♕PROLOGUE♕

♕♕♕

All I ever wished for was a peaceful life together with my family. That was enough for me as long as I could see them happy. I desired nothing more than their laughter filling our modest home, my younger siblings' carefree giggles, my mother's serene rest each afternoon, and the warm smile on my father's face as we greeted him with a kiss upon his return.

Simple things—small, precious moments that colored my everyday life in our little manor in the Ambrosetti Empire.

I never imagined my life would soon be on the verge of a drastic change.

"I don't know what to do, Juliana. I don't want our children to find out about this," I heard my father's strained whisper from the depths of their room. His voice, laced with quiet sobs, made me pause in my steps along the corridor.

It was the first time I'd heard him like this, and it broke my heart.

"Why did you have to borrow such an enormous amount? And from the Duke, of all people, Miguel?" My mother's voice trembled, almost breaking. I could feel the weight of her distress, and I couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing so gravely.

"I didn't want them growing up poor, nor to be ridiculed in the empire's rigid society. They already know our status as a Baron's family—what would happen if we fell even further, becoming commoners? Our children would suffer," my father's words wavered as he choked on his tears.

I could hear my mother standing up; it seemed she could no longer bear the news my father had confessed to her.

"What about Lucia? What will happen to our daughter, Miguel? She's our only girl, and you would give her to that tyrant? Have mercy!" Her voice quivered as she said my name, and I felt a pang of dread. What part did I play in this tragic tale?

"I never wanted her to be the price for the debt I took, Juliana. I did it for our children, hoping it would give them a better life. I had no idea one of them would be demanded as payment," my father replied, the agony in his voice sharp. "But if I don't give Lucia to him as his third wife, our entire family will be in grave danger."

Those words struck like a thunderbolt. At that moment, I knew what I had to do.

I turned and walked back to my room, feeling the weight of my fate settle upon me. Lying on my soft bed, I stared at the high ceiling, trying to grasp what was expected of me.

"So, this is how it all ends," I whispered, unsure how I should feel. All I knew was that I had to do this—for my family.

I always knew I would marry and leave them one day, but I never thought it would be to a man I did not love.

Worse, he was the Duke of Istvan—the so-called Tyrant, feared across the land for the coldness in his gaze and the unyielding set of his face.

And that wasn't the end of it. He already had a son, and society was full of gossip about him—rumors that thrived on the tragic deaths of his two previous wives.

The Duke was young, I knew that much—he had an almost haunting beauty. He'd been betrothed young and took up the responsibilities of Istvan at an early age, becoming a father at just eighteen. Now, he was twenty-seven.

"Only a four-year gap between us," I muttered as tears grew, knowing the future awaited me.

What else could it be?

Nothing but to become the third wife of the Duke of Istvan.

CHAPTER: 01

LUCIA's POV

♕♕♕

YEAR 1635 AMBROSETTI EMPIRE

I carefully brushed my long brown hair, letting it fall in waves to my waist before braiding it and twisting it into a loose knot on top of my head.

I glanced in the mirror, adjusting my simple dress—suitable for tending to the flowers in our garden.

"My lady, your breakfast is ready." She entered my room and placed the food on the table with barely disguised indifference.

It didn't surprise me anymore. Who would want to serve the daughter of a Baron whose wealth was fading fast?

Here in Ambrosetti, ten barons oversee each district of the empire. Among them, House Sullen stands out as the only baronial family that resides in this remote, farmland-filled region.

Our family owns fields and a mill and raises livestock—pigs, cattle, and other crops that grow on our lands. But after the recent storm, which hit our manor harder than any other estate, it has been nearly impossible for us to recover our footing in the empire's trade. For three years now, we have struggled, practically crawling our way forward, to keep my father's business alive.

Our workers and household staff have left one by one, and our manor is aging quickly, neglected, and worn from lack of care. We don't have the means to keep up with its upkeep when there are other, more pressing needs.

The crops and my three brothers' education take precedence. So, how could I harbor any bitterness toward the few remaining servants who, despite meager wages, still choose to stay and support our family?

I looked down at the meal she had prepared—a bowl of corn soup and a piece of bread. Smiling, I took my seat at the table.

When was the last time I tasted meat? Three years ago? Maybe four? I've lost count. At this point, I doubt that even the wealthiest fare could erase the taste of the endless corn soup that has become my daily sustenance.

I ate quickly, knowing I had work waiting for me in the fields. Today was the rice harvest day. If we managed to gather fifty sacks, we might finally recoup the hard-earned investment we'd put into this season's crops.

"Sis! Lucia!" My youngest brother, Laurio, called out to me, his face bright after breakfast, ready for his lessons with the tutor.

"Do your best, alright? You'll need high marks so that someday you can be the one to make this farm flourish," I encouraged him, bending slightly to meet his eyes.

"Yes, sis! Be safe in the fields!" he replied cheerfully, kissing each of my cheeks before dashing off to his tutor and giving me a cheerful wave.

I couldn't help but smile, my heart full. I'd never tire of seeing my little brother's joy, his innocence untouched by the burdens I carried. I only hoped that Lucas and Lorenzo would visit me here before I had to leave this manor for good.

Even if they don't admit the truth to me, I know there's no other way for us to escape the Duke of Istvan.

Three days have passed since I accidentally overheard my parents' conversation about him. I know they're desperately searching for any possible solution, but let's face reality—our family is impoverished, and there is no one from whom we can borrow money.

Unless each grain of rice we harvest today turns to gold, it's foolish to keep hoping for an impossible miracle.

"Good morning, Lady Lucia," the field workers greeted me. I smiled and returned their greeting.

"A good morning to you as well."

"It's such a pity," I heard one whisper. "Instead of studying how to become the proper lady of this manor, look at her—her fair hands are covered in mud."

"You're right," another replied quietly. "The Lady of House Sullen is truly beautiful. It's a shame the manor is falling apart. I wonder where I'll go to find work if that happens."

Their words echoed in my mind, weighing heavily on my heart. I could see the truth in their eyes—sympathy and worry. I knew they pitied me, the daughter of a declining house, now bound to the unforgiving soil that would determine our fate.

Ah, yes. I knew this moment would come if we couldn't find a way to solve our problems. I know that sooner or later, the people who have served our family for so long will leave us, all to preserve my father's title as a baron. Of course, they're only human, with families to support. It's unfair to expect their blood and sweat to be given for free.

My father isn't a cruel master; I know he's always cared deeply for those under his protection. That's why he clutched at the last straw and sought out the Duke of Istvan for help.

But I can't shake the questions from my mind. What if I die when I set foot in the Duke's manor? Even if I survive, how long could I endure life there? Would I get along with him and his son, who is almost the same age as my youngest brother?

Whatever fate awaits me within the Duke's domain, I will accept it if it means prosperity for our family.

Wiping the sweat from my brow, I tried to ignore the relentless heat. Even with my wide, rounded hat, it was impossible to escape the sun entirely.

"Milady! A letter has arrived for you—from Istvan!"

We all turned to look at Mary, who was practically kicking off her shoes in her haste to run. She was clutching a black envelope with a red seal—the unmistakable mark of House Istvan.

"From Istvan? Merciful heavens," I heard someone murmur, their voice a mix of fear and excitement.

I felt fear because the letter was addressed to me, and I felt excitement because it might just be the answer to all our hardships.

I quickly washed my hands and dried them on my skirt. Mary approached me, her face alight and joyful, unlike her usual sour expression when serving me.

"Milady! This might be a wedding proposal!" she exclaimed, clearly thrilled. No doubt she was eager, imagining that if I married the Duke, she'd become the personal maid of a Duchess. Serving a Duchess was one of the highest-paying positions within the empire, just below the royal family itself—a golden opportunity for someone like her from the lowest ranks.

As if I would take her with me if I were to marry the Duke! I could always find another maid who wasn't pretending to be loyal.

"I'll read this in my room," I said, trying to keep my irritation in check, and walked back to my chamber, leaving them all behind. I knew that as soon as I closed the door, they'd be talking non-stop about what this letter meant for all of us.

I could barely catch my breath as my heart raced with both dread and anticipation upon seeing the seal of House Istvan.

"This is really it, Lucia," I whispered, my gaze fixed on the emblem—a tiger with two crossed swords.

Without waiting for my parents, I carefully opened the envelope, read each word, and felt the weight of every line written on the paper.

'Dear Lady Lucia of House Sullen,

How are you? I hope you are in good health and that the troubles at your manor have been resolved.

I recently spoke with your father regarding our agreement, and I would like to inform you of the date for our wedding.

That is all. I shall await your arrival at my manor in the coming days.

The Duke of Istvan,Samael Levi Istvan.'

I rose from my seat, stunned, as the reality of his words sank in. The letter was short and straightforward, leaving no room for doubt: our marriage was set.

"What! No warning at all? He didn't even ask if I truly wanted to marry him or if we could at least discuss this together! It's infuriating! He has a date in mind while I'm still struggling to accept this fate! Arrgh! I wish I were a boy! Why is this happening to me?!"

I thought I had come to terms with my situation and that I had no other choice. But now, after seeing and reading that letter, a wave of anxiety and fear washed over me. Fear that there was no turning back, that I would soon leave this manor and live with that family.

I had thought I would have more time to consider it and prepare myself, but I never imagined the news would come so abruptly.

I glanced again at the black envelope resting on the table, and the urge to cry swelled within me, my knees growing weak. I sank onto my bed, staring blankly as a single thought circled relentlessly in my mind. I pressed my palm against my forehead, rubbing it gently as the pressure of a headache began to build.

I could hardly fathom that one day I would arrive at this moment, wishing to kneel and pray to the heavens, begging for forgiveness and pleading to be saved from my current predicament.

"This is it, Lucia! This is your destiny," I whispered, tears welling in my eyes as they began to spill down my cheeks.

TO BE CONTINUED

LUCIA

♕♕♕

The sound of heart-wrenching sobs filled the air. It was my youngest brother, Laurio, clutching my leg tightly, his tear-streaked face looking up at me with desperation. He was doing everything in his power to stop me from boarding the carriage that would take me away from him and our family starting today.

I glanced at my mother, who couldn't stop dabbing her tearful eyes with her favorite handkerchief. That handkerchief was a gift from me, something I'd given her on her birthday. Now, the thought that I might not be there to celebrate her next one felt like a sharp ache in my chest.

"Sis, please don't leave me," Laurio pleaded, his tiny voice trembling. I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. I knelt to meet him at eye level and wrapped him in a tight embrace.

"I'm not leaving you for good," I whispered, trying to soothe him as I gently stroked his back. "I'll only be away for a while. We'll see each other again soon,