(Chapter 3)
Clarisse Faeloria thought of Lorcan Frostborne, the man who, despite the rumors, was not as terrible as people claimed. Beneath his cold demeanor, Lorcan was actually quite kind, though his way of showing it was far from ordinary. These thoughts only made Clarisse more confused, especially as she pondered the path she should take. Should she obey her father's wishes, or should she stand firm in her decision to reject this marriage?
"Why do I have to feel conflicted at a time like this?" she murmured softly.
Clarisse shook her head, trying to push away the doubts clouding her mind. She knew that marriage was a significant decision, one that happened only once in a lifetime. If she failed in her married life, she would feel like the most unfortunate woman in the world.
"Please, Clarisse. For the sake of our family. If you marry Lorcan, our family will be seen as one of the most influential noble families. You know very well that the Duke of the North holds immense power—his forces are feared by many kingdoms," said Jonathan Faeloria, her father, his tone filled with conviction.
Jonathan continued to emphasize the importance of this opportunity. If Clarisse could win the heart of the notoriously cold Duke, it would be a great blessing for their family.
"I can see that he is interested in you, my daughter. You are our greatest hope," he added.
Clarisse hesitated as she looked at her father. "But, Father… what about an heir? Is that all you care about?"
Jonathan gave a thin smile. "Of course. You will bear a child who can become our family's successor, won't you?"
For a moment, Clarisse fell silent, realizing that behind all her father's hopes and dreams lay a grand ambition to elevate their family's status.
Eleanor Faeloria, her mother, only advised Clarisse to obey her father without much resistance. As a daughter who had always tried to be dutiful, Clarisse nodded, even though her heart was filled with uncertainty. That night, she prayed earnestly, asking for the best path to be shown to her. If Lorcan was truly her destiny, she would accept it with an open heart, hoping this burden would not be too heavy for her to bear.
Clarisse had done her best in life. She had become the top student at the Academy, even surpassing Kaelion Arvasyn, the Crown Prince of the Empire, and the popular student Caelira Duskthorn. Yet, despite all her achievements, Clarisse felt that a woman's fate was still tied to marriage and family.
"Will all my hard work end here?" she whispered, anxiety weighing down on her heart.
That afternoon, Kaelion approached Clarisse in the palace garden. His smile was as warm as ever, though he could see the traces of worry on her face.
"Clarisse, are you alright?" Kaelion asked gently.
Clarisse nodded slowly, though it was clear she was hiding a burden. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'm fine."
"Oh, come on, don't be so formal. Haven't we been friends since childhood?" Kaelion replied in a friendly tone.
Kaelion, the Crown Prince of the Empire, had been Clarisse's childhood friend for as long as she could remember. Their closeness had lasted for years, to the point that Clarisse had no hesitation in scolding Kaelion whenever he caused trouble. Kaelion always took it as a sign of her concern, despite the difference in their statuses.
"Your Highness, forgive me if I was ever too harsh on you in the past," Clarisse said regretfully.
Kaelion chuckled. "There's no need to apologize. That's exactly why my life feels more meaningful. Our friendship is one of the things I cherish most."
But before their conversation could continue, a soft yet firm voice called Kaelion's name. Caelira Duskthorn approached with graceful steps, making Clarisse feel uneasy. She quickly excused herself, and though Kaelion was reluctant, he could only nod in response.
"Your Highness, this is about the message from my father," Caelira said in a gentle but firm tone. "He is awaiting your response."
Kaelion fell silent for a moment, gazing into the distance. "Tell him I am still considering it," he replied briefly.
Their conversation ended in an awkward silence. Kaelion finally bid farewell and hurried away, leaving Caelira staring at his retreating figure, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
TO BE CONTINUED