Previously after the summon meeting with his majesty had came to an end, and with the absence of the Grand Duke who had return to his is estate the marquis was ordered to remain behind as prince Casimir wanted to converse with him while in the presence of the emperor, as the tension in the room as not yet disappeared the marquis sitting across prince Casimir felt a pressure in which could have suffocating any other man. "Your highness, how may I help you," he said, his hand slightly sweating with his face showing signs of nervousness.
Prince Casimir observed the marquis intently, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The emperor sat silently beside him, his expression unreadable, merely watching as the interaction unfolded. "Marquis," Casimir began, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable edge, "as written in the letter that was sent to you my father will give you his support thus you won't need to be wary of the Grand Duke." The marquis's throat tightened, though he kept his face composed. "Of course I understand, Your Highness," he replied, his voice barely wavering.
Casimir leaned forward, his hands clasped in front of him. "As promised before I will be proving my sincerity to you." His gaze hardened, seeming to pierce straight through the marquis. "I have long asked my father permission to break my engagement with Lady Celeste, and I'm sure you would like for your daughter to be with the man she loves as well, don't you?" The marquis glanced at the emperor, searching for a hint of consent, but the emperor's face remained impassive.
The marquis knew that even a misstep here could jeopardize not only his standing but potentially his life, "Your Highness, I assure you, "he began, swallowing hard, "my greatest wish is for the happiness of my daughter. Thus I would never —" Casimir intercepting him with a hint of worryness in his voice "You would never what...?" The marquis took a deep breath, attempting to regain his composure. "I would never stand between her happiness but I do not wish for her to regret her choice due to the words of others and mostly if it is her choice to stand beside you I would support her."
Casimir's eyes narrowed, his gaze unrelenting as he scrutinized the marquis's words. For a moment, a flicker of something unreadable passed over the prince's face—perhaps surprise or, just as likely, suspicion."So," Casimir replied slowly, his voice laced with a dangerous curiosity, "you say you would not stand in the way of your daughter's happiness. That, should her choice be to stand beside me, you would support it." His tone softened slightly, though the edge was still sharp. "But tell me, marquis, how genuine is this support?
The marquis's jaw tightened, realizing the delicate tightrope he was walking. "Your Highness," he said, keeping his voice steady, "I wish for my daughter to make her own choices in life. I only want her to live without regret, even if that path places her beside a powerful figure like yourself. Yet, I would not force her hand." He let his gaze fall momentarily, more as a show of humility than insecurity. "I am truly happy that your highness views my daughter in such a way but she is precious to me, and her happiness—her true happiness—is all I desire."
Casimir studied him, his expression softening but only slightly. "You have yet to convince me, marquis, that you wish for her happiness as you claim," he said, leaning back. "But we shall see in time, won't we?" The emperor, who had remained silent throughout, finally spoke, his voice low and commanding. "Marquis, heed Prince Casimir's words well. The empire values loyalty not only in public affairs but in personal ones. For now, return to your duties—and ensure you remain a man of your word." The marquis rose, bowing deeply, though the weight of the encounter clung to him. "I understand, Your Majesty. Your Highness."
As the marquis walked down the grand hallway, his mind churned with a storm of worry. The emperor's intent was unmistakable; he aimed to use his daughter as a pawn, binding their family's loyalty to the empire in a ploy to stifle the influence of the Grand Duke. His daughter, whom he had sworn to protect, was now caught in the political web of the empire's power struggles. He clenched his fists, fighting a surge of frustration. His loyalty to the empire had never been questioned before, yet now it seemed he was faced with an impossible choice: obey the emperor's silent command and allow his daughter to be entangled in this game of alliances, or risk defiance and face the empire's wrath.
The marquis's mind wandered back to Prince Casimir's scrutinizing gaze. Though he did not trust the prince's intentions, he sensed that Casimir was also entangled in this scheme, a tool for the emperor's ambitions as much as anyone else. The marquis had seen it in the prince's eyes—a flicker of weariness hidden beneath his stern exterior. As he finally reached the doors of his estate, he paused, breathing deeply to steady himself. He knew he had to approach his daughter with caution. Telling her everything would place her in even greater danger, but he needed her to understand the seriousness of what lay ahead. Her decision, whatever it might be, would have to be made with eyes wide open.
Steeling himself, he entered, determined to shield his daughter from the empire's machinations—even if it meant risking everything he had ever built. The marquis made his way through the familiar halls of his estate, his steps heavy with the weight of his decision. When he reached his daughter's private quarters, he hesitated for a moment before knocking. He knew that once he opened this door, their lives would be changed forever. "Father?" Her voice was soft, almost startled, as she opened the door. She noticed his troubled expression immediately. "Is everything all right?"
The marquis managed a faint smile, trying to ease the tension in his face. "My dear, there is something we must discuss. May I come in?" She nodded, stepping aside to let him enter. As he took a seat, he gestured for her to sit beside him. After a moment of silence, he spoke, choosing his words carefully. "You know I have always desired only the best for you," he began, his tone gentle but serious. "Your happiness, your freedom to choose your own path. But we are not like ordinary families. Our loyalty to the empire binds us in ways that can be... dangerous." She looked at him, her brows knitting together in worry. "Father, what's wrong? Why are you telling me this?"
The marquis took a deep breath, struggling with the urge to shield her entirely. But he knew she was strong, wise beyond her years, and deserved the truth—at least part of it. "His Majesty," he said, the words feeling bitter on his tongue, "has plans for us. Plans that involve you. He seeks to strengthen his control over certain powerful factions by binding our family closely to his cause." He hesitated, his heart clenching as he continued, "In other words, he wishes for you to be part of the empire's... strategy against the Grand Duke."
Her face paled as realization dawned. "You mean he wants me… to marry into the empire's line? To Prince Casimir?" The marquis nodded slowly, his gaze filled with regret. "Yes. And he will do anything to ensure our loyalty, including using you as a means to secure it," for a long moment, silence fell between them, each wrestling with the weight of the emperor's plans. She turned away, her hands trembling slightly. "And if I refuse?"
"If you refuse," the marquis said, his voice barely a whisper, "there may be consequences—for both of us. But if you choose to go through with it, you must do so with caution and purpose. I don't wish for you to become a pawn, my dear, but rather to understand your role fully before deciding." She took a steadying breath, meeting his gaze with newfound resolve. "Then I'll choose, Father. I'll find a way to protect us both, and I won't let anyone dictate my happiness—not even the emperor."
The marquis's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. He had always known his daughter was strong, but hearing her words brought a glimmer of hope. He reached out, gently placing a hand over hers. "Remember, whatever path you choose, I will stand by you. We will face this together." She nodded, her determination solidifying before his eyes. "Then let us prepare, Father. The emperor may see me as a tool, but I will prove to him—that I am no one's pawn." They shared a look of understanding, a silent vow passing between them. For better or worse, they would defy the empire's expectations. Together.