The Duke's Masked Wife

Alessandra waited silently on the sidelines while Edgar continued to wreck the upstairs hallway leading to their bedroom. Only when he stood still and leaned against the wall did she move to approach him.

"Edgar," she said his name to let him know she was there. He might not have noticed during his fit of rage. "Have you calmed down now?"

"Far from it," Edgar replied still very much angry. He wouldn't be calmed until he found the person responsible for what happened to Timothy and Alfred.

"You need to warm up. You've been in the cold-"

"I do not need to do anything but find the person who did this," Edgar snapped raising his voice as he did so. He was tired of hearing about useless things when there was only one thing on his mind.

"Edgar, I understand your frustration but do not raise your voice at me. I am trying to avoid you becoming sick since it will do no good when Alfred wakes up and finds out that you have become sick. I would like the person to be found but your health and Alfred's is my priority right now," said Alessandra.

Edgar took a deep breath to settle his emotions. "I am sorry," he apologized for how his words came out to her. "I didn't mean to-"

"I know," Alessandra said before he explain what didn't need to be explained. "You almost lost someone like a father to you. It is okay for you to get angry but I just want you to know that I am trying to help you. I cannot handle Alfred's current state and then have you become ill, Edgar. Please have a warm bath and fill your stomach while we wait."

"Have you eaten?" Edgar asked as it was almost time for dinner.

Alessandra shook her head. "No, I wanted to wait until the two of you returned to eat. I don't like eating alone. I never have and never will."

"Then I will only eat if you do. Come," Edgar held out his hand for her to come to him. He closed his hand realizing the mess she would have to walk through so he walked to her instead and lifted her to take her across the mess. "I am sorry you had to witness that."

"It was alright. I have seen worse things. I could have walked on my own, Edgar. I know how to avoid the broken pieces," Alessandra replied though she enjoyed being lifted by Edgar.

"Of course, you can but I prefer to carry you," Edgar answered, not wanting to put her down.

"Your clothes are damp and your skin is cold. Go straight to the fire Edgar. I will run your bath for you," said Alessandra.

"Let me," she said when they reached their bedroom door. She turned the knob since Edgar's hands were full and pushed the door open. The room was already lit most likely from a maid who came in to prepare the room for when they would need to rest.

Edgar carefully placed Alessandra on the floor. Alessandra straightened out her dress and then looked at the clothes that were glued to Edgar because of the snow which melted. She was honestly astonished he was not yet sick but by morning there might be a difference.

To Edgar's surprise, Alessandra began to unbutton his shirt. "I hope you are not trying to tempt me in a time like this."

Alessandra paused and looked at Edgar in disbelief for having such a thought right now. "I am not. I want to get you out of these wet clothes before you are sick and I am trying my best to comfort you as your wife. I do not know if I am doing a good job. I wouldn't mind if you tease me to put yourself in a better mood. As long as your anger can disappear for the rest of the night."

"It left the moment we stepped into this room but it will return once morning comes. I am sorry for leaving you without informing you of what was going on," he apologized as he should have gone to her first instead of leaving her without a clue.

"I don't need any more apologies from you, Edgar. It is perfectly fine that you thought only of Alfred. The fact that you knew something was wrong right away and how you ran off in search of Alfred made me fall for you even more. Do not let that boost your ego," Alessandra said but she knew her words were useless.

She pushed the shirt off of Edgar's shoulder and arms ignoring the icy feeling of his skin. "Do not move. I will start a fire," she said.

"Alessandra, I am capable of helping myself. I have been in harsher weather conditions in the past-"

"But you did not have a wife who wanted to take care of you back then. It is pointless to try to stop me from aiding you, Edgar. This is my way of comforting you so please leave me be and get undressed while I try not to set my hand on fire," Alessandra said, stepping back from the small fire she created. She carefully threw wood inside from a distance. "Now the warm water."

"Have I ever told you that I enjoy your commanding side? You must do it more often," said Edgar, entertained by this rare side of her.

Alessandra walked by Edgar to go into the bathroom to start running the warm water and put soap into the tub. "I only do it when you do not listen to me. If I do it more, it means that you are either annoying or stubborn so no thank you."

"Do you plan on watching me take a bath? It would help ease my mind even more."

Alessandra took a deep breath. How had he already started to use what was happening to keep her in the bathroom like this? She stared at him as the water filled the tub. "I will not-"

"Stay with me, Alessandra. You do not have to get inside but I would like for you to be nearby. I need a distraction," Edgar explained. If he were to be alone with his thoughts, he would only get angry again and possibly head out to search for the person he desperately wanted to kill.

"Okay," Alessandra changed her mind. She didn't have anywhere to sit so she remained at the edge of the tub.  She looked away to give Edgar privacy when he started to take off his pants and shoes before stepping into the tub.

"Alessandra, we have seen each other naked more than once and yet you avert your eyes in moments like this. I would prefer if you stare at my body instead of giving me privacy," Edgar stated as he stepped into the tub. He held her left hand the moment he was seated. "Thank you for taking care of him while I was away."