---
The grand dining hall was heavy with silence after Ravier's bombshell proposal.
Dabi stared at his grandfather, his mind racing with indignation.
The idea of being used as a pawn in yet another royal ga made his blood boil.
Ravier leaned back in his chair, his face calm but resolute.
"This is not a demand, Dabi. It is an opportunity an arrangent that will benefit you and this family imnsely.
Securing your Aunt Nazu's return to you will require it. A marriage alliance strengthens our position and ensures our influence against those who oppose us."
"Influence?" Dabi's voice was sharp, cutting through the quiet. "You an control. You're asking to sacrifice my future for your politics."
"Ravier said. Does family an nothing to you?" It will benefit you Dabi.
I didn't even make decision yet, will I join your family or not. My siblings and I were alone since Dad and Mom's death.
We have no family. Suddenly you ca to our life. It hasn't been over a week yet, you are deciding my future.
Do you think I will agree with you? I am only here in this family for a visit and bring aunt Nazu back. I didn't ca here to be a pawn of you politics and power.
Ravier's expression didn't change. "This is how the royal world operates. Power is survival. Without it, we risk losing everything."
Dabi's fists clenched under the table. "And what about Nazu? Do you care about others wish, or is she just another bargaining chip?"
Ravier's eyes softened slightly. "I care deeply. That's why I'm offering you this chance.
Nazu's fate hangs in the balance, Dabi.
If you really want to take a servant from royal family you have agreed to that.
As you said, you don't want to join your family. I won't force you.
You have two options now. To take sothing you have given sothing.
Agree to the marriage take your aunt Nazu back.
Another options is to join the family take you rightful place. If you join the royal family then you have to follow the family rule.
As the your elder if I say to do sothing you have to do it. You know what I will ask you to do it right. Agree to this marriage.
In return I will give you the servant Nazu contract. You will be her employer.
I hope you know how royal and governnt create magical contract. No one can break it unless you are a saint.
Whether choice you make result will be sa.
"And that will be to marry soone I barely know?" Dabi spat, his voice rising. "This family is unbelievable." Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire
"Althea is a fine match," Ravier continued, ignoring Dabi's anger.
"Her family is Royal, and she has already expressed her willingness.
The decision ultimately rests with you, but know this: rejecting the proposal may have far reaching consequences not just for you, but for your siblings as well."
Are you threatening with my siblings.
No it's not a threat. I am just saying. Where you join the family or not. You are true air of the family leader position.
You know who want's to deal with you.
If you refuse I can't help you. It will surely be bad for you and your siblings.
The words hung in the air like a heavy fog as Ravier left the dining hall, leaving Dabi alone with his thoughts.
His siblings, Eli and Mira, sat beside him, their expressions mirroring his frustration.
As the three of them left the dining hall, Mira grabbed Dabi's arm. "You don't have to do this, Dabi.
We're fine on our own. If this is just about Nazu, we'll find another way to save her from them."
"This is ridiculous," Dabi said, pacing the room. "They think they can control everything my life, my choices. I've worked too hard to be reduced to a pawn."
"Then don't let them," Mira said firmly. "You've always found a way to outsmart people like this.
Mira's word hit hard in Dabi's mind. He finally realises what he needs too do.
Wow Mira you have grown so much. You can now even know to cheer up soone.
"I won't agree to this," Dabi said, his tone resolute. "Not without understanding the full picture.
If Althea wants to be part of this, she owes an explanation. I'll talk to her, but I'm not committing to anything."
"Good," Mira said, crossing her arms. "Because marrying soone for politics is dumb. You should marry soone you actually care about."
"And soone who can fight dragons," Eli added with a grin. "Imagine that 'Dabi, the Dragon Prince.'"
The absurdity of Eli's suggestion made Dabi laugh despite himself. "A dragon princess, huh? That's one way to avoid this ss."
Eli and Mira's antics helped lift the tension, but Dabi's mind remained focused.
He knew he needed to approach the situation carefully. A rash decision could put Aunt Nazu and his siblings in greater danger.
Dabi paused, looking at his younger siblings. Their faith in him was unshakable, and it fueled his resolve.
Mira asked, Did you make your decision. Will you get married to that laby? Dabi.
"I'm not agreeing to anything," he assured them. "But I need to understand their ga before I can beat it. Talking to Althea might give an edge."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "You think she's in on this?"
"I don't know," Dabi admitted. "But if she's willing to marry into this ss, she must have her reasons. I'll find out what they are." You both don't need to worry.
Eli smirked. "Just make sure you don't accidentally propose to her. You'd hate being a prince, Dabi."
Dabi rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Eli. I'll keep that in mind."
Their banter lightened the mood as they walked through the estate's sprawling halls. Despite the weight of the situation, Dabi felt a renewed sense of determination.
Later that evening, Althea Illyrian visit's with her parents the Asterius family state. Ravier Asterius has invited them.
Dabi received a note from Althea, requesting a private eting in one of the estate's quieter gardens.
The ssage was brief but direct, and Dabi couldn't help but admire her straightforwardness.
He arrived at the garden just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the surroundings in a warm, golden glow.
Althea Illyrian was already there, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, her expression calm but expectant.
"Thank you for coming," she said as Dabi approached.
"You wanted to talk," Dabi replied, his tone neutral. "I figured it was worth hearing you out."
Althea nodded, gesturing for him to sit on a nearby bench. "I'll be honest with you, Dabi.
I don't expect you to agree to this arrangent. But I wanted to explain my position before you make a decision."
"I'm listening," Dabi said, folding his arms.
Althea Illyrian took a deep breath. I tried but things has gone very far. I can't stop it now.
"Marrying you isn't just about politics for now. It's about survival.
My family has been ally to the Asterius family line for generations, but loyalty doesn't guarantee protection.
There are factions within the royal court that would destroy everything if given the chance. Aligning with you strengthens both our positions."
"And what about love?" Dabi asked, his tone sharp. "Does that factor into your calculations at all?"
Althea Illyrian t his gaze, her expression unflinching. I really like you Dabi. I don't know if it's love or not.
I won't lie to you Dabi. I liked you since the mont I saw you in the national raking tournant.
That's why I offered you to join my family.
So that we can beco friends and find out about my true feelings.
But I do respect you. And I believe we could build sothing aningful if not romantic, then at least a partnership based on trust."
Her honesty caught Dabi off guard. He had expected manipulation or flattery, but Althea's words left him montarily speechless.
"I don't want to be forced into anything," he said finally. "Not by Ravier, and not by you."
"I understand," Althea said. "But consider this: refusing the proposal might not just affect you.
It could put your siblings and Nazu in greater danger. I don't envy the position you're in, Dabi. But I'm willing to stand by you, whatever you decide."
Dabi stood, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. "Thank you for being honest, Althea. I need ti to think about this."
"Take all the ti you need," she said, rising as well. "I'll support your decision, whatever it may be."
As Dabi left the garden, he couldn't shake the weight of her words.
The stakes were higher than ever, and every choice he made seed to co with impossible consequences.
Back in his quarters, Dabi found a sealed letter waiting for him. The wax seal bore the mark of the Asterius family, and the handwriting was unfamiliar.
He opened it cautiously, his eyes scanning the page. The ssage was brief but chilling:
"Choose wisely. The wrong decision could cost you everything."
The cryptic warning sent a shiver down Dabi's spine. Soone was watching, and the ga was far from over.
---
Reviews
All reviews (0)