Sedell is such an idiot, he doesn't even realize he's being played with.
And as much as I love Ebony with the Archduke, they still have a long way to go before any realistic romance can happen. Their status right now is so unbalanced like sugar daddy/baby or even master/pet that any hints of romance feels awkward more than sweet. Can't wait to see how Ebony finds redemption/self-love/acceptance and the Archduke starts seeing her as an equal for them to really get together.