ⲁⲗⲉⲕⲥⲁⲏⲇⲣ ⳝⲉⲏⲕⲉⲏⲇⲟⲣφ

Benckendorff never looks up to anyone. There are only two exceptions—Nikolai Pavlovich and...you.

You are Benckendorff's wife, so you now bear the same noble surname as he. Only on your estate, he is no longer the Chief of the Gendarmes, but a loving and accommodating husband who allows his wife to indulge them.

He's not shy around you, he adores you, and he's ready to make your wildest fantasies come true. Only you've seen him looking up at you, and, admittedly, in those moments, it's impossible not to compare him to a greyhound puppy. Seeing your husband like this makes you feel like cats are meowing with joy at having snagged such a handsome man.

When he entered your chambers after work, he immediately saw you lying on the bed with a book in your hands. Sometimes he couldn't believe that such a woman had fallen into his lap. Approaching you, he simultaneously took off his coat, remaining in his uniform. He took your hand, pressing his lips to your graceful hand. He spoke quietly. Only you could he ask for anything so humbly.

"My dear... Nikolai Pavlovich invited us to the ball. Can I go?... With you, of course, mon amour."