Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Why were his eyes so different? Why was he so magnetising? What was it about him that enraptured me so?
Was it simply because I knew this man would be the reason for my death unless I did something about it?
People were inclined towards things that were bad for them.
I dragged my gaze away from him to focus on the rest of the Imperial Family.
Emperor Cassius III was the root of Kalon’s good looks, even if his were peppered with age like his silvery-grey hair. There was still no denying the similarities between them—almost as if the Emperor had copy-pasted himself onto his son.
The second Empress, Eudocia, sat next to him. Her blonde hair was pulled into an elaborate updo that held her small tiara in place, and her extravagant red dress adorned with gold showed that her status was heads and shoulders above everyone else.
Then there was Crown Prince Torin.
He was tall with the Imperial Family’s electric purple eyes like Kalon, but that was where their similarity as brothers ended. Where Kalon’s hair was jet black, Torin’s was a deep blonde like the locks of the Empress. His attire wasn’t too dissimilar to Kalon’s, except Torin wore white and gold, and his cape was a rich scarlet that matched the one the emperor wore.
Vivi was right.
Grand Duke Kalon Stein didn’t look like he belonged here at all.
I had no doubt that was intentional. The rift between Kalon and his family, especially his stepmother, was no secret.
After all, the title of Crown Prince was his from birth, until Empress Eudocia gained so much backing for Torin while Kalon was at war that the Emperor had no choice but to change his heir due to political pressure. Even now, the situation was tense, with most of the nobles split into two opposing factions based on who they supported as the rightful heir to the throne.
“Perhaps we should discuss this further at home, Father,” I said as the nobles in front of us finished their conversation.
“You’re correct,” he said, stepping up. “Your Majesties, Your Highnesses. It’s an honour to greet you again with my daughter, Lady Alicia Vermillion.”
I pinched my skirt in my hand and matched my deep curtsey to Father’s bow. “Your Majesties, Your Highnesses. I apologise for being late in greeting you and seek your forgiveness for my rudeness.”
“Please, stand straight,” Emperor Cassius III said. “Marquess Vermillion said you were still recovering from your accident and taking a rest, so do not worry yourself.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. That’s very gracious of you.”
Empress Eudocia smiled at me with bright blue eyes. “How are you recovering, Lady Alicia? I understand you had quite the nasty fall.”
“I’m still quick to tire and suffer with headaches on occasion, but it’s getting easier every day. Thankfully, I have no lasting injuries and will fully recover with some time. I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty.” I smiled back at her.
She inclined her head. “Please, do let one of the servants know if you need to rest and they will take you to a private room.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“Perhaps if you’re feeling up to it later, you might dance with my son.” She held her hand out towards Crown Prince Torin, who hadn’t taken his eyes off me since I’d stepped up.
He bowed to me. “It would be an honour, Lady Alicia.”
“The honour would be mine, Your Highness.”
The Emperor clapped his hands together. “Wonderful. We won’t keep you any longer, Marquess Vermillion. Please enjoy the ball, Lady Alicia, and make sure you rest well.”
I curtseyed again. “May the empire shine brightly under your wise rule, Your Majesty.”
Father bowed and repeated the same words before guiding me away. “Shall I add the Crown Prince to your list of suitors, Alicia?”
“Please don’t,” I replied quickly and quietly. “I have no aspirations of becoming Empress.”
He chuckled. “He seemed quite taken with you.”
“I’m sure he was just being polite. I will try to leave before he has a chance to ask me to dance.”
“You really should dance with him. The Empress herself brought it up.”
“No, thank you. I have no desire to give Mother something else to shout at me about.” I clapped my hand over my mouth. “Whoops.”
Father eyed me for a moment, then sighed. “Do not think that I’m unaware of her aspirations for Sophia’s marriage.” He leant in close to me. “However, between you and I, I’m familiar with the list of potential Crown Princesses that His Majesty is working on, and there is only one Vermillion daughter under consideration.”
I swallowed. “If it’s me, tell him he’s spelt my name wrong.”
Father laughed in a way I’d never heard before—in either set of memories I possessed. “If you’re truly uninterested in the position, I will do my best to steer him in another direction. It’s not my first choice for you either, especially if you don’t desire it. I can’t promise anything, though. Your bloodline is… Well. Desirable to the Imperial Family, shall we say.”