Lucile Arian, known for her tactical talents, unyielding stubbornness, and unrivaled beauty. They say the mere look in her eyes will make anybody falter. The rumors grow, and although there might just be some truth in the gossip, it isn't all that Lucile is.
"Your majesty the Ecrian Empire's emperor has accepted your request. " The soldier notes, before being waved away by the emperor.
Lucile stares blankly at the plate in front of her on the table. "Lucile. You should be excited for this marriage. Not only will you become empress, but you will be doing our kingdom a favor." Gregory Arian, Lucile's father chimes, snapping her out of her wondering train of thought and back into reality.
"Right, father..." Lucile nods in agreement, returning to toy with the food on her plate with her fork, tuning out her father's endless lesson on how this marriage will unite the kingdoms.
"Now that he has finally accepted our proposal I can set up the arrangements. I'm sure you would like to meet your future husband soon." Elaine Arian, her mother, adds, taking a sip of her wine, and then gently setting it back onto the table.
"May I be excused?" Lucile asked standing from her chair before she was given an answer.
Belle, Lucile's maid follows close behind her, as they rush out of the room together.
"Your majesty, forgive me for speaking out of turn... But do you really want this marriage?" Belle asks, as they walk away far enough away that the emperor and empress will no longer be able to hear their words. Belle leans over to see Lucile's change in facial expression as she frowns, although keeping her walking composure.
"What I want doesn't matter. Its to expand our kingdom, and strengthen our military." Lucile answers. "I know but do you know what people are saying about him." Belle speaks, taking the lead, turning to walk backwards so she can still face Lucile.
"They say the emperor of the Ecrian Empire... Killian Hunte, he's blood thirsty, hunts for the thrill, kills for excitement, and even tortures for entertainment!" she continues her rant before Lucile could reply. "Belle you know how much I hate gossip and rumors." Lucile sighs.
Belle has a habit of learning unsightly things about people, and running with it without a second thought.
But with so many stories being spread from village to village, going from kingdom to kingdom, saying things about how brutal he is, how he has slaughtered men for saying the wrong thing in his presents, and even tortured others for less. What sort of man manages to gain such a scary reputation? Lucile couldn't help but wonder.
So many questions she may never truly get an answer to.