@bubooboe No, you read it right, the Duke made a deal with Riftan so he would take the Duke's place in the Dragon Campaign and in exchange, he would offer Maxi's hand in marriage.
However, soon after their wedding night, Riftan up and left for the campaign without a word and left Maxi at Croyso Castle. Sure he sent envoys to collect her, but they were all turned down and Riftan believed it was Maxi who turned them away, not the Duke. In other words, even though it was without knowledge, he still left her there, alone, for three years, letting her marinate in her thoughts.
Strawberries are neither classified as a berry nor do they come from straws. They are liars and false to the core. Do not trust the strawberry.