Chapter 13 – My Empress

Lord Arthur cleared his throat. “You are correct, Your Majesty. Unless my sister will find a groom, who would not mind.” he answered, not bothering to sugarcoat the truth because after all, that’s just how it is for the women of Durham because of the monastic teachings of the church that have greatly influenced the culture and law. The law may be harsh but it is still the law.

“Is there anyone like that here besides me? That knight who’s been eyeing her for a while now will maybe still accept her but is he influential enough to make large scale differences to your land?”

Eve’s face turned red hearing him as a realization suddenly hit her. “Do you have someone tailing me around all this time?!” she burst out, not minding anymore of the consequences.

Arsene looked at her blankly, not minding her angst a bit. “Yes. That was the first thing I did when I ascended the throne.”

She could only shake her head in disbelief as she’s truly loss for words. It’s incredulous how he just admitted it without batting an eye.

The emperor reached for a parchment and quill lying on the lord’s table and started scribbling. The other two waited patiently in silence and after what it seems feel like forever, Arsene dropped the quill then moved the paper in front of Lord Arthur. She cannot read the contents of his writing but she was able to recognize his neat penmanship from a distance.

“Those are what I offer in exchange of Lady Guinevere Calypso’s hand in marriage. On top of those things, I also intend to give a title of a duke to the Lord of Versailles should you agree to this, and go to Forsythia for the wedding.”

A lot of surprising things have been happening but Eve can’t still feign her emotions. A title of duke? A powerful position next to the royals? She wanted to slam his head on the table!

Eve could notice how his brother is struggling with the mess. After all, aside from being the duke, the things Arsene are offering are way beyond his wildest imagination it could be like a dream. Three hundred thousand florin which could last a couple or maybe even more generation of his family, one hundred rolls of Mulberry Silk, which is the most expensive silk in the world, a land in the south of Forsythia, should he accept the duke title, and even military aid from the empire should Versailles found itself in conflict with other lands. King Weadon won’t even give Versailles more than enough he sees fit, yet an emperor of a foreign country is sitting in front of him, readily giving these things like these are just few pennies in exchange of marriage.

Just how far will the emperor go for his sister?

Lord Arthur put down the parchment carefully and looked at Arsene emotionlessly. Just this morning, he was eager to cut the emperor’s throat when he told him about him and Eve sharing an intimate moment on bed thinking that he forced her but now, he doesn’t know exactly what is the sensible thing to do. The dowry is more than enough for Versailles to flourish but he can’t find it in his heart to just accept it recklessly especially that Eve is against the idea of marriage. The lord knows very well that his sister does not intend to marry even though there are nobles out there who’s been constantly expressing their interest to her. He doesn’t want to make her feel like she’s being sold off to even though marrying her off could also mean helping Versailles.

“Your Majesty. If you will allow it, is it alright if I will be discussing this with my sister first?” Lord Arthur finally said after a few minutes of just looking down at the paper. Although he still doesn’t know what exactly he should tell her.

“I can wait. Not just too long though, because in a few days I have to go already. And when I do, I’ll make sure to bring my empress with me.”

The door then burst open and it revealed a man with a pair of golden colored eyes identical to Eve. The way he looks right now is basically telling everyone that he had an eventful night before. His hair is unkempt, and some buttons of his tunic are loose, revealing his chest. If it isn’t for the emperor, Lord Arthur could’ve reprimanded him already for looking like a male prostitute.

“It’s been a while, Alexandro.” Arsene started but the man called Alexandro just stared at him, not even acting surprise to see him.

But eventually, he then smirked then extended a hand to the emperor.

“You really made it, huh? The last time we saw each other you told me that you will seize the throne and you made it. I must say I am impressed but not surprised.”

Eve just silently watched the interaction between the two. She’s been itching to talk with her brother already and these two acting cozily with each other just throws her off.

Alexandro then glanced at her direction. He narrowed his eyes at her and even walked to her closer to make sure his eyes aren’t playing tricks on him. He poked the red spot on the side of Eve’s neck with his index finger.

“What in the hell?” when she realized what he meant, her eyes widened as she threw dagger looks at Arsene who just shrugged his shoulders. Alexandro was about to throw a punch towards the emperor but Eve quickly grabbed him.

Arsene narrowed his eyes at him. “Your sister can tell you that we both wanted it. But if you do not believe me, call a doctor to conduct a test on her to check if I really forced her.”

“You’ve been out for a few days, Sir Calypso. Why not stay here with your sister as we are going to discuss something urgently.” Lord Arthur said, intervening in the situation.

Thankfully because of that, his twin brother has already calmed down. Arsene then bowed his head.

“I will be leaving so the three of you can talk among yourselves,” he then turned on his back but when he was about to reach for the doorknob, he looked back at her.

“After this, let’s talk. You can choose a place you are comfortable with, just send someone over to tell me. I will be on the grounds.”