I think Rayna is smarter than she seems. She knows all the aristo tea - seating chart etc. I'm going to bet she got pregnant on purpose so her knight would "have to" marry her.
She also knows that Ares hates tears and scenes. So the bring him back scene in the office.
I think the "I feel alive" means he's been so bored since the war. So protecting his lady is something interesting to do. Gives him a purpose.
I love that he's sure she doesn't have feelings.
Someone's got to spoil me!!!
I can see many places this is going- she has to go home to recover, or the prince rescues her but doesn't trust her in the candidate dorm, or she's sick???
The uncle could testify that he exchanged letters with her dead husband that the husband wasn't planning to consummate the marriage. Hence, it could be annulled.
If it's annulled she's not the countess. Jeremy is the count. And can't be punished.