Chapter 10 His Vial
Dimitri’s gaze darkened for a second, but he kept his smile on. "That sounds like a good idea. Which of your daughters do you intend to betroth to him?"
Frederik leaned forward, stroking his beard. "My seventh. She was born just last spring, just a few months older than your son, I believe. A perfect match, don’t you think? Two pureblood heirs. It would unite Sunmere and Eldenria like never before."
Kaelith’s tiny fingers curled into a fist. ’Perfect match, my foot,’ he sneered inwardly. ’Another pawn for your twisted game of empires?’
The emperor’s voice rang with false pride, "Then it’s settled. When they come of age, they shall be wed. May this betrothal bring lasting peace and strength to both empires."
The crowd clapped politely, unaware of the cold calculation behind each word. Kaelith’s eyes never left his father.
’You’re sealing my future like it’s a business contract. Fine. But when the day comes... I’ll be the one writing the terms.’
"Then it’s settled," Dimitri said, his voice firm, loud enough for nearby nobles to hear. "The future bond between Eldenria and Sunmere begins with our children."
Kaelith’s chest tightened as his mother’s arm instinctively wrapped closer around him. He could feel her heartbeat speed up, but her face remained expressionless and regal. She didn’t speak, but he knew, she was just as furious.
’Why isn’t White Lotus saying anything? Is she going to watch her only son betrothed to the Sunmere, those dirty mages?’
Kaelith stared daggers at his father. ’I wish he would fall down and down. Damn this! If only White Lotus didn’t seal my powers, I would have burned everyone to ashes already.’
Dimitri stood slowly, brushing off his coat and walking forward toward the edge of the high platform, where his voice could be projected.