I didn't have any major complaints about the arranged marriage. It's a common occurrence in noble families, so I had vaguely assumed that one day I would become someone's wife through such an arrangement.

But to think the partner would be that Daniel Estrada.

The head of the Estrada family, the Grand Dukes of the South, and the Great Lord of vast, fertile lands—his reputation and wealth were befitting of his title.

Becoming the mistress of the South by marrying the only son of the Estrada family was like a dream, but what truly surprised me was the fact that my husband was Daniel himself.

The Star of the South, Sunshine on Earth, the Second Coming of an Angel. Every warm and beautiful word became his nickname. He was a nobleman who lived amidst everyone's praise, an idol of high society.

Wondering where on earth my father had found such a match, I boarded the carriage with a grateful heart. The journey to the Grand Ducal residence was filled more with excitement and anticipation than the gloom of a bride being sold off. To think I would see the Daniel I had only heard rumors of, and that I would be his wife!

The moment I stepped into the land of plenty, the South, a warm and gentle breeze welcomed me first. The clear coastline, sparkling under the sunlight, looked as if jewels had been scattered over blue silk. It was truly a blessed honeymoon.

Or so I thought it would be.

After promising a lifetime with a soft smile and voice on our wedding day, my husband shut himself in his room and never showed his face.

I didn't know what kept him so busy, but the lights in his room never went out day or night. I didn't know where he was called to, but after going out every day, he would return to the mansion quietly with a look of exhaustion and lock himself in his room, never coming out.

Did I expect too much from a marriage conducted like a contract without love? Should I not have judged him by rumors alone? Was the life of a Grand Duke truly that exhausting?

With the person who could answer shut away in his room, my questions only grew as time in the South passed quietly.