The grand throne room of the imperial palace was filled with the murmur of nobles and courtiers as Duke Lucian knelt before the emperor and empress. His posture was one of deference, yet his voice carried an unyielding determination. 

From her place at the edge of the room, Isolde watched the scene unfold. Her heart was heavy with conflicting emotions, her mind clouded with questions. Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on Lucian, awaiting his bold request. 

“Duke Lucian,” Emperor Leonidas intoned, his sharp gaze fixed on the kneeling man. “For your loyalty in protecting Lady Isolde and bringing her safely to the capital, we have decided to reward you. Speak your wish.” 

Lucian’s voice was steady, though his head remained bowed. “Your Majesty, please forgive my insolence, but I humbly request two wishes to be granted.” 

The room erupted in a wave of scandalized whispers. 

“Two? How audacious!” 
“Greedy as ever,” muttered another noble. 

“Silence!” Leonidas’ commanding voice cut through the murmurs, his patience wearing thin. He glanced at Lucian with mild irritation. “Two wishes, Duke Lucian? Explain yourself.” 

The empress, Aerial, covered a faint smile with her delicate hand fan. “Duke Lucian, surely you realize how presumptuous this sounds? One reward is more than generous.” Her tone was sweet, but the undertone was sharp. 

Lucian raised his head slightly, his expression calm. “I apologize, Your Majesty, Your Highness. But I implore you to hear my requests before passing judgment.” 

“Speak,” Leonidas ordered tersely. 

Lucian stood, gesturing toward the doorway. “During my last expedition, I encountered someone extraordinary.” 

A tall, elegant figure stepped forward, her blonde hair gleaming like sunlight. It was the elf Isolde had glimpsed before fainting on the day of her arrival at the capital. Helen walked gracefully toward Lucian, her luminous eyes fixed downward as if avoiding the stares of the curious crowd. 

“An elf?” Leonidas leaned forward, his brow furrowing. “What of her?” 

Lucian turned to the emperor, his expression softening as he gazed at Helen. “I have fallen for this maiden, Your Majesty. I wish to take her as my wife and ask for the imperial family’s blessing.” 

The crowd erupted again, this time in shock. Even Isolde, standing quietly at the edge of the room, felt her heart drop. The feelings she had refused to acknowledge now churned painfully within her. 

Leonidas’ frown deepened. “Why seek my recognition? You could easily have gone to the high priest for such a union.” 

Lucian smiled faintly. “Because it is a marriage between two different races. Who better than Your Majesty to bless and officially recognize this bond? It symbolizes unity and trust within the empire.” 

Leonidas’ sharp gaze bore into him, suspicion flickering in his eyes. ‘What are you planning, Lucian?’ Until now, the emperor had believed Lucian was hopelessly enamored with Isolde and would stop at nothing to free her. But now, this bold request? Was it a ruse to lower the emperor’s guard or a genuine shift in strategy? 

“What is her name?” the emperor finally asked. 

“Helen,” Lucian said with a warm smile. “I found her gravely injured and took her under my care.” 

“She’s mute?” Aerial remarked, her tone edged with disdain. 

“She is, unfortunately,” Lucian said with a note of sadness, glancing at Helen, who blushed faintly under his gaze. 

Leonidas sighed, waving a hand dismissively. “Fine. I recognize your marriage. What is your second request?” 

Lucian’s demeanor grew serious. “Recently, the demons have increased their attacks near the borders. Villages are being raided, and lives are being lost. I request permission to lead an expedition to eliminate the threat.” 

Leonidas raised an eyebrow. “You just secured permission for marriage, and now you wish to leave on a campaign? Shouldn’t you spend time with your new wife?” 

Lucian bowed his head deeply. “This is for the good of the empire, Your Majesty. If the Duke does not address the threat, who will?” 

Leonidas snorted, leaning back in his chair. “And what of your wife? Will you leave her here while you march off to war?” 

“She will accompany me,” Lucian said firmly. “She is skilled in herbs and medicine. Her expertise will be invaluable on the battlefield.” 

Leonidas laughed loudly, though the sound lacked mirth. “Do as you wish. I won’t stop you from playing the hero.” 

The emperor’s gaze shifted to Isolde, who stood in the shadows, her face a mask of conflicting emotions. His smirk returned. “Ah, before I forget, I have an important announcement.” 

The room fell silent. 

“Next month, I will officially take Lady Isolde as my second wife.” His voice was smooth, calculated. “Until then, she will reside in Rose Palace and receive training under the empress.” 

The crowd murmured in approval, though Isolde felt a cold wave wash over her. Her future, once hazy, now seemed to solidify into an unyielding prison. Lucian’s face remained cold and uninterested as he bowed and took his leave while holding Helen closely.

As the emperor dismissed the court, his face turned dark and suspicious. That night loud noises could be heard from the Emperor’s room as he smashed things on the floor while screaming in agony “What is he planning!!!?? That impudent asshole!!!” he takes deep breathe trying to calm himself “has he really lost interest in Isolde? No…..it can’t be…..anyone but him….I am sure he is still after Isolde….my Isolde…..I would never let him take my Isolde again…..no…..” he murmurs to himself clenching his fist angrily.

To be continued....