Ch. 83: A Strong Motive to Despise

Everything was said so matter-of-fact that I was momentarily stunned. Did he just ask me to marry him?

Me.

Married to the demon.

Huh????. . . . . . . . . What in blazes was this man thinking?!

After the initial shock, I abruptly raised causing the table to shake, "Are you out of your MIND?! What possible benefits could EVER tempt me to accept you? You are the killer of my people - The man who destroyed my home! I'd NEVER marry you . . . You're heartless, cold and cruel. Become your bride? HA! That would be the cruelest joke of the century. You want to know what I think, well I'll tell you - You're nothing but a demon who's the means of my civilization's extinction. That's what I think."

Baymun's eyes narrowed dangerously, but he remained civil as he replied, "I cannot change what was done in the past however I can do whatever necessary to rectify the present. You say your civilization is going extinct - Very well. We can have the males who were taken during the invasion brought back to Eurosia which should allow purer bloodlines -"

I clenched my jaw in anger, "And you think that'll help? How's that going to do us any good?"

With a slight look of confusion the demon questioned, "Isn't that what your race is lacking? We removed practically all sources of male genes to cause a disruption in your race's ability to repopulate. Granted it wouldn't be completely effective since you can always cross-populate with other countries, however the bloodline should become weakened . . ."

Scoffing I angrily retorted, "Are you seriously going to be dense about this? You took away our ability to procreate - Our women are barren!"

-Baymun-

Barren?

Well I had to admit this came as a shock.

True, I didn't expect to have children with Ezran, I mean she wasn't exactly the type that desired cozying up with her enemy, yet now knowing that she was barren made me reconsider my proposal.

Not that I wanted to take back the offer - No. Not in the slightest. She was the one best suited for the position, however this new development allowed me to see how ineffective my current proposal was and understand her rigid opposition in a new light.

She really believes I caused her race to become barren . . . No wonder she hates me so vehemently. To be the cause of taking away future life - That's a strong motive to despise a person.

Not given a chance to speak, Ezran continued, "Do you deny this, oh mighty-one? Tell me, does it delight you to know you took away the one thing most women long for? A chance for future life . . . Does this make you feel more powerful and omnipotent?"

She bit her lip, "You have NO IDEA what this does to a woman . . . Some of my sisters went mad from grief. It probably pleases you to know that a few of them even took their own lives after watching their daughters die. There wasn't even a thing we could do to prevent it."

Was she holding back tears?

Hellfire, I had to say something but the woman didn't stop, "I don't know what you did but your Empire created the most torturous punishment for my people. You truly outdid yourself - Congratulations for destroying my people and now mocking me by offering the title of Queen . . ."

Ezran looked down at her hands which were drawn into white-knuckled fists. If there was ever a time she wanted me dead it was now. She hated me - Loathed me more than anything in this world, yet ironically I wasn't the one to blame.

Leaning forward I softly said, "Ezran look at me."

With venomous rage she met my gaze, "Hear this now - This was not done by my hand. I led the invasion, killing your men and taking away your male children. I am a monster in your eyes - This I know. All of this is laid heavily against me but upon my word I was not privy to destroying your sisters and making you barren."

She heard me, that much I was certain - But she wouldn't accept it. With steel resolve she said emotionlessly, "It doesn't matter. I will not marry you."

Even though I was quite unaware as to why she put the blame on me, I knew better than to continue pressing her. Right now there was nothing else I could say to smooth this over into another chance at a civilized discussion. There was no other alternative except letting her witness my next appointment . . . How she'd react was yet to be determined, however I was expecting the worse.

Sighing, I leaned back knowing full well she might hate me even more in the next few minutes.

"Very well. I suppose there's nothing else we need to discuss. You can continue with your current position of training Iren and once your year is up you are free to do as you please."

I signaled for Kovin, who was in my line of sight but out of earshot, to have the servants remove our plates and bring forth the waiting party while saying, "If you'll excuse me, I have some more matters of the throne to deal with. Please accept my appreciation for taking the time to meet with me this morning."

Ezran simply scoffed in disgust while turning on her heel to speedily walk away. At that precise moment, Kovin was leading a very angry Lord Illander and sorrowful Lady Charlotte my way, with the lackey Richie following. Richie appeared quite pathetic with a disarray of clothing, messy hair, chains on his hands and feet all while being guarded by two of the strongest royal guards.

Once the party passed by Ezran, I caught Richie giving her a sheepish look of guilt. Heaven knows what horrible thoughts were brewin within that beautiful head right now for Ezran immediately stopped in her tracks, watching as the guards brought her lackey toward me. When she turned, I noticed her eyes were drawn into slits of rage; her jaw clenched tightly. It seems she would stay to witness this spectacle.

"Lord Illander of Eastborne . . . What, pray tell, was so urgent that you must meet with me this morn?" I asked tiredly. Honestly I was quite surprised he didn't con his way to my side sooner since I knew he was bound to be enraged.

Lord Illander had the decency to give a royal bow before beginning his tirade, "Crown Prince, thank you so much for meeting with me on such short notice. I'll get straight to the point - My daughter has been grievously offended! This man -" He pointed an accusatory finger at Richie, "Has the audacity to force himself on my daughter, robbing her of her precious chastity and staining her previously untainted reputation! I demand recompense for this serious affair!"

Richie immediately raised his hands (as high as they could go) in defense, "Hey! I take offense to that statement! I would NEVER rape a lady; A man like me has no reason to. Have you seen how good looking I am? Besides, SHE came on to me-"

"You insolent vile piece of vermin! How DARE YOU say my sweet innocent daughter would instigate such lewd attention? If we were in my country you'd be horse-whipped beyond recognition then castrated, bound and tossed into the lowest part of the river -"

I raised a hand in the air, "Enough. Don't forget where you are Lord Illander - This is my domain. I'll see to it that justice is served along with the appropriate punishment."

Out the corner of my eye I noticed a simmering Ezran step forward, "Your highness, may I please have a word with the accused?"

Richie immediately began shaking his head, "Umm is there any way we can forgo that request, your majesty? I would very much like to find out what sort of punishment awaits me instead - There shouldn't be any reason for the esteemed Lady Ezran to speak with me privately . . ."

I managed to silence the talkative lackey with a sharp glare. After Richie shrunk away satisfactorily, I nodded my head to allow Ezran and Richie to step to the side for a private conversation. It wasn't like he could run away with two guards and Kovin standing less than ten feet away. Besides, I was very curious to see why he'd be so adamant not to speak with her.