I Became the Bride of a Grand Duke Who's Obsessed with His First Love novel · Chapter 18 of 24

Chapter 18: Waived

"I am waiving Article 2," said Ansel.

He said it in his study, standing, with Bertram at the desk, holding a pen and wearing no expression at all.

I had come in for the tablecloth.

"You can't waive it," I said. "It's a mutual covenant."

"It is a fee schedule. I am the payer. I may decline to be charged."

"That's not how it works."

"Bertram."

"The Duke is correct, Your Grace," said Bertram. "A fee may be waived by the party who pays it, where the party who collects it consents."

"I don't consent."

"Then I will pay it anyway," said Ansel, "and you will find it very annoying."

I opened my mouth.

I realized that I did not want him to stop paying.

It was a stupid thing to realize in front of the steward.

Three gold for a touch was the only way I had ever been able to touch him in public and call it business.

Now I would have to do it for free, with no invoice in my hand and nothing to hide behind but my face.

"What would the new rate be?" I said.

"There is no rate. You may touch me when you like."

"That's not a rate, that's a hazard."

"I am prepared to accept the hazard."

Bertram wrote: Article 2 waived by the Duke, no refund owed. Then he blotted it and left the room, without being asked, which was the most tactful thing he had ever done.

Ansel stood there looking pleased with himself.

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