Athena's voice rose, tinged with panic. "An honor? I don't even know who this person is! How can I be married without consent?"
The director sighed, folding his hands on the desk.
"Consent is not required in such cases. This process ensures the preservation of exceptional genetic traits and the continuation of noble bloodlines. Divorce, I'm afraid, is prohibited unless under specific circumstances, such as violence or abuse."
Lawrence stood abruptly, his presence towering over the director. "This is outrageous. No one has the right to dictate her life like this."
Director Morge maintained his composure, though his tone turned firm. "Major General, I understand your concerns, but this is not a matter of opinion. It is imperial law."
Athena's mind raced. Her hands gripped the edge of her chair, knuckles white. "Who is he? Who did I supposedly marry?"
The director hesitated for a moment before pulling up a holographic display. A profile appeared, and both siblings leaned in.
The name glowed on the screen: Duke Mors Jericho.
Athena blinked. "The empire's youngest major general? The hero of the Asenus Campaign?"
Lawrence looked equally stunned but quickly recovered, his protective instincts kicking in.
"This changes nothing. Whether he's a hero or not, this is unacceptable. We'll find a way to fix this."
Director Morge gave a small, regretful shake of his head.
"I'm afraid there's nothing to fix, Major General. This marriage is as binding as any other, and it has already been recorded in the interstellar registry."
Athena slumped back in her seat, her thoughts a whirlwind.
Married? To a man she'd never met? How could she reclaim her autonomy in a galaxy where even her future was decided by the cold logic of machines?
-
Athena sat across from Duke Nathaniel in his grand office, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
The heavy oak desk between them was covered with files and data pads, but her grandfather's calm and authoritative presence eclipsed even the room's grandeur.
"Grandfather..." Athena began hesitantly.
The duke raised a hand to stop her, his expression kind but firm.
"I know, child. No one wants to discover they're married without their consent, especially when it interferes with their dreams."
Athena's throat tightened, but she nodded. "It feels... unfair. I've worked so hard to stand on my own, to prove myself, and now this..."
Even if this is not my true body, I will not deny the hard work the original has gone through.
Duke Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, his eyes softening with understanding.
"Believe me, I understand your concerns. But we cannot defy imperial law. Your grandmother and I were joined in the same way."
Athena's eyes widened. "You were?"
Is this a trend in the interstellar community?
The old duke chuckled, his gaze drifting toward a framed portrait of his wife.
"I was an admiral back then, and like most in my position, I avoided marriage. The battles against interstellar pirates were brutal, and I didn't want to leave a widow behind. But the Main Interstellar Brain decided otherwise. It assigned me a wife and preserved my genetic material without so much as a warning."
Athena leaned forward, intrigued. "What happened next?"
The duke's laughter deepened, rich with nostalgia.
"Your grandmother happened. She stormed into my life demanding answers. She had a suitor before, someone her family adored. She wasn't thrilled about being married off to a stranger, let alone an admiral always on the front lines. We fought like cats and dogs in the beginning."
Athena couldn't help but smile faintly. "And then?"
"And then we realized we were perfect for each other."
Duke Nathaniel's eyes twinkled.
"It wasn't an instant realization, mind you. It took time, effort, and countless arguments. But eventually, we fell in love. Real love, not something orchestrated by the empire."
Athena sat back, her mind reeling. The thought of her stern and commanding grandfather in a passionate, tumultuous romance was almost surreal.
The duke leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk.
"Sometimes, life throws unexpected things our way, Athena. They may seem like obstacles at first, but they can become blessings in disguise. That was my experience. But I understand if you feel differently. After all, not everyone's heart works the same way."
Athena's gaze fell to her hands. As an assassin in her previous life, she'd spent years learning to suppress emotions. Romantic love? It had been a concept as foreign to her as the stars.
"It's... complicated for me, Grandfather," she admitted softly. "Love wasn't something I was allowed to feel before. I don't even know if I can."
Duke Nathaniel reached across the desk and gently patted her hand.
"Then take your time. No one is asking you to fall in love overnight, least of all the man you've been assigned to. But don't close yourself off to the possibility, Athena. You've already endured so much. You deserve a chance to find happiness, even if it comes in an unexpected form."
Athena nodded slowly, the warmth of her grandfather's words sinking into her heart. But deep down, uncertainty still lingered.
Could someone like her, with blood-stained hands and a guarded soul, ever embrace the idea of love?
When Athena returned to her room, sorting through the flood of emotions and thoughts swirling in her mind, Duke Nathaniel was taking matters into his own hands.
In his private study, he placed a call to the Jericho family. The holographic screen projected the dignified face of General Adrien Jericho, Mors Jericho's father.
"Nathaniel," Adrien greeted with a deep, booming voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Adrien, it seems fate has decided to intertwine our families," Duke Nathaniel said with a faint smile. "I've recently discovered that my granddaughter, Athena, is married to your son, Major General Mors Jericho."
Adrien's eyes widened, his surprise quickly turning into a delighted laugh.
"Well, this is unexpected! Mors didn't mention a word. But if the Main Interstellar Brain made the match, then it must be something extraordinary."
"Indeed. Athena wasn't aware of it either until today. She's still adjusting to the idea, but I thought it best to inform you."
"Adjusting, you say?" Adrien said with a knowing smirk.
"Don't worry, Nathaniel. We'll ensure Mors gets a proper scolding for not bringing this to light sooner. I'll talk to the family, we'd love to meet our new daughter-in-law."
Nathaniel nodded, his expression softening. "Let's give them time to meet first. It's clear Athena has a lot on her mind, and I'm sure Mors does as well."