Luther never loved me

CHAPTER 7

Two days later, Laura came to me with two letters from Lucien. One was for me, informing me that he'd gotten leads on who ordered my attack and then asking about my well being, and the other was a letter of recommendation for the coachman and his family. In the letter to me, Lucien informed me that he'd instructed his men to deal with them how I saw fit. After they accomplished their mission, they were to accompany the coachman and his family back to the North – as they couldn't stay, to my disgruntlement. Uncle saw it as an insult that the banner men of another house was in his territory due to the failure of our family banner men. From what I've heard and seen, their training had increased drastically. 

I've also taken the initiative of handling most of the family affairs as the heir of the House. My uncle had been surprised when I had walked into what was once my father's study and told him I wanted to handle some of the family's affair. He had removed his glasses, dropping it gently on the desk, and asked why the change of heart. I'd never showed interest in handling the family matters, even though I've had the required training to do so. I simply told him that it was a good thing for me to start handling the family's affair seeing as soon I'd be handling most of the Empire's affairs after my marriage into the royal family – which wasn't lie. I'd be marrying Lucien as agreed and with him being in the seat of power, I'd be the Empress. Uncle had hummed in thought, looking at me with a look in his eyes that I couldn't described – but said look had a cold shiver crawling down my spine. Uncle had relented and handed over some documents to me and since then I'd been joining him in his study. 

Alan had been confused when he found out about my new interest. I'd assured him that I just wanted to keep myself busy, because unlike him, I just only had social visits and books to keep myself occupied. He waved me off, stating with a bright grin that with me distracting uncle, the old man won't nag at him to take his job as future lord of the house seriously. I just chuckled at him, flickering a plump grape at him in tease – which he dodge perfectly. Alan had always wanted to become a Knight, even in the previous timeline, so being a Lord would hinder that. I plan to ensure that Lucien support me in keeping my position as the heir and future Lady of the house, and when we've given birth to the heir to the throne, our second child would inherit the Velcro family seat. I wanted Alan to live a life free of burden. 

I was currently writing a letter for Luther as I contemplated what I wanted Lucien's men to do. My mind was torn between killing them or getting them as my supporters via blackmail. The blackmail plan was good but humans tend to lose their fear overtime and them turning against me in the future would be to my detriment. 

"Laura." I called my friend over, dropping the quill into the ink pot. She came over to my desk, giving me a small bow. "Lucien informed me in his letter that the Byron family were the ones who paid our banner men to have me killed. I've made up my mind on my punishment and I need your help."

"How may I serve you, my Lady?" Laura placed her hand on her chest.

"I want you, Vice, Dan and Founder to infiltrate them and every dirt you have on them. I'll use their downfall as a distraction from the fact that I'd be breaking off things with Luther. The Empire will be more interested in the fall of one of the Emperor's trusted advisors. And I want it done before the end of the week, as Vice, Dan, Founder and Lam would be leaving for the North with old man Carl."

"It will be done, my Lady." 

I folded the letter now that the ink on the paper was dried, placed it inside the envelope and sealed it with the family's seal – and then handed it over to Laura. 

"I want this delivered to Luther tomorrow morning. Do not wait for a reply." I stood up from my desk and walked over to my bed. I was already in my nightwear.

"If I may ask, my Lady, is this wise?" Laura asked with a soft voice, causing me to pause in my steps. "What changed?"

I turned around to face her. "I grew up and the shroud of love fell from my eyes. Luther never loved me and will never. All the families in the capital have heard what had happened during my trip, some offering their well wishes to me, but not once had Luther came to me or sent a letter to ask how I was fairing. I don't blame him for not loving me, after all, we were forced to be together since we were little. But I'm tired, Laura. I'm tried of trying. I'm tired of being the only one trying to make this engagement work. And most importantly, I'm tired of being by the side of a weak walked man who can't stand up for himself. The Empress is his puppeteer and I rather die than marry a weak spine Alpha who will not defend me."

"My Lady..." Laura walked over to me and pulled me into a gentle hug. "My primary mission is to see you happy and content to the best of my ability, and if setting yourself free from the Crown Prince would make you happy, I'll do what is necessary." She then laid a kiss on my forehead. "Good night, Lisa."

I gave her a soft smile. "Goodnight." I watched her walk out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts.