It hung over him like a sword of Damocles, poised to cut through the very foundations of his lineage, leaving nothing but ruins in its wake. The weight of her influence felt as heavy as a mountain, pressing down on him, threatening to crush all he held dear.
Since she was only asking for Christina as a hostage, George could infer that she had already made whatever concessions she had been willing to make.
Giving up Christina was the only way to get her off the back of the entire Elizabeth family. Otherwise, she just might use her authority to wipe out Elizabeth family from its namesake city.
George panicked as he cursed the moment that he decided to accept the status of Marquis. He had willingly given away his freedom for a rise in status. If only he hadn't latched on to the Royal family, Christina would never have come onto their radar, and she could still spend her life the way she wanted without any interference.
