Episode 8

From the morning, he had wanted to see his father, but his father had been preoccupied with state affairs. Meanwhile, his mother, the empress, had been meeting with noble ladies who brought their daughters to present to her; for if they pleased her, they would stand a greater chance of becoming the prince's betrothed.

While waiting for his father to become available, he went to train with one of his masters. Aware of what lay ahead, he needed to be prepared for when the war began—though it would be better if, by altering the course of events, the war could be avoided. However, he doubted it would be so; the emperors of neighboring lands were ambitious individuals seeking greater power. That's why he felt compelled to eliminate them and unify those nations. He was in the midst of training when he saw the nobles exiting the palace, deducing that their meeting with the emperor had ended. He hurried to see his father; he needed to talk to him and convince him to let him marry Raven. He entered the hall just as his father was still speaking with Baron Rose, who greeted him warmly.

"Son, the baron was just telling me his daughter is quite the beauty, and I believe you two should meet. There will be a dance at his mansion—you should attend and escort Miss Daisy."

"I shall go, Father. It would be an honor to attend the dance."

The baron's smile beamed; at last, he could bring his daughter and the prince together.

"But, I'm afraid I cannot partner with Miss Rose."

The baron's smile rapidly diminished, while the emperor looked at Aiden with a hint of confusion.

"Prince, may I ask why you cannot accompany my precious daughter?"

"Yes, Aiden, it would be most rude not to escort the hostess of the event."

"Father, the reason I came is that I already have in mind the lady I wish to marry."

The baron's face fell into shadow upon hearing the prince's words. No, there could not be another woman marrying the prince—only his daughter should achieve that feat. On the other hand, the emperor was elated by the news.

"What joy! Baron, I apologize. Come, my son, tell me— who is she? The daughter of a duke? A count?"

"Excuse me, Baron Rose, may I ask you to withdraw? I wish to speak privately with my father."

The baron, seething with anger, could not refuse a request from the prince and thus left, still in shock by what he had heard. He had to find out who this girl was and remove her from the equation. Once Aiden and the emperor were alone, they took seats.

"Father, the girl has lost her family but is under the protection of Duke Brooke."

"If she has no family, it's a bit complicated. It would be better to marry a daughter from a well-known family—the Brookes are recognized, but she is not their daughter."

"Father, I want no one else; she is the girl of my dreams, beautiful and immensely talented in magic."

The emperor had never seen his son so taken with a girl, and if she was staying with the Brooke family, perhaps it wasn't so bad that she had no family of her own.

"Do you truly care for this girl?"

"Yes, Father, she has truly captivated me."

The emperor massaged his temple and let out a sigh. Perhaps it would be fine to give her a chance; after all, he wasn't too demanding, and if his son liked her, it might be difficult to sway his opinion.

"I want to meet her first. If she convinces me, I will consent to her becoming your future wife."

"Thank you, Father. I am certain she will enchant you; she is a lady of the noblest heart."

And no, he wasn't exaggerating. Raven had always been kind to everyone, even when Daisy had once scolded her for caring for people unable to pay for their treatment. At that time, he had dismissed Daisy's complaints, smitten as he was, and didn't think her words were so harmful. Now, however, he realized how selfish she truly was. He remembered that she only used her healing magic on nobility, whereas Raven utilized her knowledge of medicinal herbs to help the neediest of soldiers.

"I will arrange for her to come to the palace."

With nothing more to say, he excused himself, intent on finding servants to help him select a beautiful dress for Raven, wanting her to make a grand impression on the emperor.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***