Chapter 95: Pros and Cons of Royalty
Damien watched as the Annalise in her memories remained kneeling in silence with her head lowered and her eyes fixed on the floor as she listened to her father whose every word was attacking her like a sharp dagger.
’Why did you never complain when your life was full of convenience and unconditional love from every person in your life? If you never complain about the good things in your life, how come you are complaining about the first trial that you have to face?’ The Grand Duke didn’t show any sort of mercy toward his daughter.
’We are the royals of this empire, Annalise. We have our duties towards our land. The royal title or the status of the nobility have their perks but they also come with responsibilities. You just can’t have the former while running from the latter. Besides, your marriage alliance has been decided by the King, even if I’m not happy with it, none of us can go against the royal edict.’
Annalise remained silent for a while and Damien noticed how the woman’s eyes were brimming with unshed tears when she finally looked up to face her father as she spoke - ’I apologize for my misbehavior, father. I only focused on my personal feelings while ignoring the main reason behind this marriage. As the only daughter of the Grand Duke and a Princess of this empire, I have some duties, and if that means I have to marry for an alliance, I won’t complain. I’ll take my leave now. Father should also rest for a while.’
Damien watched as the woman bowed before standing up and leaving the study. A couple of scenes fluttered past his vision and then he saw her standing in the corner of a familiar hallway as she watched her mother and father arguing over the matter of her sudden marriage edict.
Her mother seemed to be arguing and complaining with the Grand Duke. She seemed to be completely opposed to the idea of her only daughter getting married to not only one but three men who were rumored to be the epitome of pure evil, leaving in a castle that was rumored to be cursed for centuries.
’Are you really going to sit in the back and watch the life of our only daughter get destroyed? You are the Grand Duke of this empire. What’s the point of such wealth, power, and status if you can’t even save your daughter and her happiness from getting destroyed?’ The Grand Duchess questioned her husband.
But just like how Grand Duke remained stoic and unmoved by the words of his daughter, he carried a similar attitude towards his wife as he spoke - ’Why are you not understanding, Madam? This is the decision of His Majesty, the royal edict. And it’s for the good of our empire. The prophecy of the High Priestess says that the Dark Lords are the only ones who can save our empire from the evil force that is trying to ruin it. How can I, the Grand Duke, be so selfish to consider my daughter’s happiness over the safety of our entire empire?’