The Contract Is Deliberate

To cover up the worst scandal of her life, she entered into a contract marriage with the ‘Butcher of the Open Sea.’ Her plan was to collect a generous settlement and walk away with a divorce. But this man has no intention of terminating the contract?

* * *

“In my opinion, Miss Priestley.”

Wilhelmina Priestley, holder of the worst reputation currently in high society. His first words in response to her ‘marriage contract proposal’ were these.

“It seems you’re in need of the sort of sedative ladies in society commonly reach for these days. If you don’t happen to have any on hand, shall I have some prepared for you?”
“…If I may offer you one piece of advice, Your Highness.”

A gentle tone, a smile without thorns, and yet a hostility that came through perfectly clear.
Toward all of it, Wilhelmina said:

“Next time, you can simply ask if I’ve lost my mind. There is no need to waste your time like this.”

* * *

It was the worst possible beginning, yet in the end, the two of them board the only train on the track for the sake of their respective goals. The journey to their destination was, surprisingly, smooth sailing. But…

“There can be no divorce between us.”

On the day the contract was set to expire, a bomb went off. Inside a train that had been running without a hitch, no less, and at the hands of the very man she had considered her ally!

“It is because a serious breach has been discovered that prevents the contract from being terminated at this time.”
“What kind of nonsense are you talking about?”
“It means that one of us has failed to honor the contract.”

Wilhelmina felt that the eyes of her partner, who had been more or less perfectly reliable up until now, were glinting with something that looked strangely like madness…It gave her an odd chill. It had to be her imagination, right?

“And that person is none other than…”
“Myself.”

Apparently, it was not her imagination.

“And so, for the swift and successful fulfillment of this contract, I hereby ask that you permit me to carry out my duties as your husband.”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow what Your Highness is saying.”
“Wilhelmina, what I am saying right now is.”

Cassian smiled. The way one might look upon something a little pitiable and pathetic. The way a predator might indulge in a moment of sentiment when faced with prey far too fragile before it.

“I am saying that you and I must share a bed.”
“I beg your pardon, Your Highness. Have you gone mad?”

Half a year into the marriage. That was the only possible answer for a bride receiving her very first proposal of consummation.