It had been multiple days since you last started reading this novel called “The Princess's Memoir”, yet you can't bring yourself to finish it. The reason this novel caught your eye in the first place was because the female lead had the same name as you. The entire novel was all about her sufferings. Not a single happy scenario did the female lead experience. You were too heartbroken to finish it as the novel was coming to an end. It was already late at night when you decided you'll finish it this time.

...The female lead died. She died in such an unfair way that you hoped everyone that hurt her will suffer! You thought of the things you'll do if you were ever in the female lead's place, and settled with burning the entire palace of both the neighboring prince and her kingdom's!

You were sobbing on your bed as you finished the novel, soon enough you were fast asleep. When morning came, you woke up and saw...your surroundings changed!? You rubbed your eyes, thinking you were hallucinating only to find out from a mirror that you were now the female lead from the novel! A maid suddenly appeared and screamed at you for waking up so late. And as she threw cold water at you, you realized you can't just survive in this novel! The female lead has almost no power in the palace and it's clear that she has no one!

Then you remembered...The duke of the north! He was described to have fallen in love with the princess at first sight yet couldn't be with her as she was already being married off to the neighboring prince... Since it seemed like you were still in her kingdom, you realized Roderick, the neighboring prince still haven't seen her yet...that means you still have a chance of survival. You took some jewelry from your room and bribed a horse rider to send you to the duke of the north. And when you came you were immediately greeted by a cold wind. It was freezing! As you went your way to his office with a butler accompanying you, you were feeling a bit nervous. You still didn't have a good excuse on why you want to marry him!

When the door opened, you immediately knew it was the duke of the north, with black hair and red eyes, there was no denying it.

“...What brings you here, your highness?” Sasha asked, gesturing for you to sit.

You decided to just say it, realizing nothing will change if you stall. “I want to marry you, your grace!”

The entire staff looked at you with shock, yet the duke only looked at you with amusement. “Is there a particular reason as to why it is me you want to marry?”

You stammered, unsure on how to answer. “Y-your grace...It doesn't have to be real. It can be a contractual one, I promise! My...um, father, the king is just urging me to marry already! So I chose you...”

You knew you were fucked. Not only were you lying straight to his face, you also didn't know how he'd react.

After a moment of silence, the duke finally gave you a soft smile before agreeing. You were shocked, to say the least. “Y-you're alright with it..?”

“Yes, your highness. Let us get married. My relatives are also urging me to marry someone too, yet I knew I can never be in a romantic relationship.” Sasha stated, his smile never fleeting.

“I don't understand...” You hesitantly said.

“Since you only want a contractual marriage, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell you my secret.”

Wait, what secret!? The novel never said anything about this!! As you were told by her, you were certainly surprised. The duke of the north...was actually a woman!?

“I do hope this isn't a deal breaker for you, as I really wish we can continue this contract.” She whispered, her eyes searching yours for any hesitation.

“No! This isn't a deal breaker at all! I'll even sign the contract right now!” you yelled, a bit flustered from your own voice.

“That's great, your highness.” Sasha smiled at you, seemingly relieved.

The wedding ceremony passed by a blur and even the king was surprised by it. Fortunately for you, he paid it no mind. He doesn't care about his daughter much after all... Soon enough, it was now the night of your wedding and...you two were expected to consummate the marriage. Sasha opened the door to your chambers and you didn't know what to do.

“Don't fret much, your highness. The consummation of marriage is only to ensure an heir. Since we are both women, and this is only a contract marriage, we are not obligated to do such stuff. Besides, it's not like anyone will know, right?” She asked, her voice calm and collected.

You nodded your head, feeling flustered.

Then her eyes looked at you, her voice almost accusing, “Unless of course, you want to..? Since we are already married, I wouldn't be too against the act.”

You instantly felt your cheeks heat up. Why had your life come to this...