Episode 14

With the King

Following the withdrawal and "refusal" by the duke, the king was left somewhat irked, disbelieving that the duke would turn down a union with his son, placing forth that absurd condition.

He was the most significant figure in the realm after him, for he would be the future king. There wasn't a more suitable suitor for his (the duke's) daughter than his own son, yet he had been denied.

What vexed him most was that he couldn't compel the duke because, even in power and strength, the duke was his superior. He preferred him as an ally rather than a foe, and what better way than through an engagement. Such an alliance would bind their families and bestow upon the kingdom the strength it lacked to excel among the other realms.

With this thought, the king summoned his son. There was something he had to convey, and it was of paramount importance.

He was aware that he had suggested to the duke not to persuade his daughter, and it was expected that he wouldn't either, but he was unwilling to relinquish this chance.

By this union, he would cease to be the weakest among the five kingdoms that comprised the empire.

"Good day, father, you sought my presence?"

The young man stated as he entered his father's office; moments before he had been "chatting with a maiden" only to be interrupted, a rare occurrence.

The king beheld him with severity, and the prince was puzzled by it.

Frederick: "Foolish lad, when will you cease your dalliances? You could have at least wiped your mouth before coming."

The prince brushed his hand across his lips, realizing he had lipstick on them.

"Sorry father, it won't happen again."

Frederick: "It had better not, else I might crown one of your brothers as the heir-apparent."

"I apologize, father. I will be more mindful from now on."

Frederick: "You'd best be. Now, back to the matter at hand, I summoned you because I've found you a fiancee."

"But father..."

Frederick: "Be silent and listen. It's Duke Sebastian's daughter. She's a most beautiful young woman, and in a few days, her debutante ball will be held. I want you to court her, to appear smitten at first sight. Our future depends on it. He is the second most powerful man in the empire, just below the emperor. Your union with her will guarantee our rise in power and stave off any threats of invasion from neighboring kingdoms."

"Fine father, I understand but..."

The king knew of his son's escapades, his fondness for women mirroring his own. After all, he was a man with a total of seven concubines.

Frederick: "I know, first secure her, then you can start your harem and include any concubines you want."

"Alright father, I will do as you say, and become the most besotted man in the kingdom."

Frederick: "sigh just keep your trousers on, don't ruin everything, Fernando."

Fernando: "And if it's about her, may I? Father?"

Frederick: "If she permits it, that's fine, it would make the commitment easier."

After their conversation, the king and the prince shared drinks, toasting to their newfound objective. Once finished, the prince departed to resume what he had started before the interruption.

In the Duchy

The physician arrived, thankfully the burns were minor, all thanks to Sol's healing power. No one could believe her recovery was so swift.

They would say it wasn't much, but a burn, insignificant as it may appear, always takes days to heal.

Following the examination, the duke descended, appearing like a bull ready to charge at its prey.

Sandra: "Father, it was an accident, truly, she was running, I swear."

Sandra and Maricela trembled, Sebastian's expression resembling a serial killer's.

Sebastian: "Maricela, what kind of upbringing are you giving your daughter? This isn't the first time, and what a coincidence that they're always accidents where Sol is at fault. It seems my daughter is a fool who doesn't know how to walk."

Maricela: "My love, it truly was an accident. She came rushing down and couldn't stop in time, but don't worry, I'll discipline them."

Sebastian: "Discipline them? I'm not asking you to discipline Sol, I know my daughter. I have provided her with the finest education for a reason. See to it that your daughter is taught or I'll send them both away."

Both women paled, first at the duke's harsh tone, then at the threat of being sent away.

Maricela: "I understand, my love. It won't happen again."

Sebastian: "Stop calling me 'my love'. Address me by my title, Duke."

Maricela clenched her skirt's sides and replied.

Maricela: "I will... Duke."

Cursed man, he must remember everything and knows we never married. At least, not with his consent. How foolish I was to not give him the potion and become complacent. Now, I must find a way to do it or end him. That way, she could own everything.

The duke turned and made his way to his working chamber, recalling on his walk that he needed to warn his daughter about the king's intentions. He had no plans to comply with the king's request. He would persuade his daughter. Should she ever wed, it would be for love, even if it meant marrying a mere commoner; after all, they had the power and wealth. But it would not be anytime soon; he hoped his daughter would marry when she reached fifty. At this thought, he remembered certain events from another life which he did not recall, but which nonetheless felt oddly familiar, though it was not Sol he saw.

A headache struck him. Perhaps stress was the culprit, considering what had transpired these past months.

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