Kira and Jared [Historical Romance]

✍Power-hungry

"Enough, son! I don't want to hear any more on this. That girl is bad luck. How many times will she kill your children before you know that the gods don't want her for you...!!". Grayson hit his hand on the desk in wrath.

"She's my wife, father. And I will not abandon her at a time of need. You should return to Verthona, I'll wait for her to heal then we shall both join you".

"Send that girl packing and marry a more befitting maiden. I have had enough of that Konlandan commoner in our home".
He gently placed his hand on Edrin's now bearded face... "Please son, think about the future of our Kingdom".

"I apologize for being such a disappointment, father but I'm not the same Edrin of old, I am different now and I love Kira to my last breath".

"That girl will be your undoing!".
Before he could control himself, his fist connected with Edrin's face. The blow forced Edrin's head to turn in the other direction.
Grayson stormed out of the room, leaving his bleeding son. He marched straight to the Empress's court where she could be seen having a meeting with her officials.

As soon as she saw the look on Grayson's face, she dismissed them all and invited him to sit with her.

"Although I am not frightened by you one bit, I grew worried when I saw the expression on your face, Grayson. What is the matter with you?"

"My son, he is still stuck to that commoner even after she killed my grandson".

"That is your family matter". She said with an uninterested look.

He drew in a deep breath and released it with as much force. "I just needed to talk to someone"

"I am busy, do not disturb me".
She got up from the table and was about to send him away.

"You promised to ally with my family, I have been waiting patiently, my Empress".

"Your son is a married man, Grayson".

"But I'm not. Please, give me your daughter's hand in marriage"

She laughed in disbelief.
"You think that I do not know about Lila?".
Grayson's eyes grew wide but he normalised them immediately.

She continued; "I will not put my daughter in harm's way just to satisfy your hunger for power, not in a million years, Grayson Vanderhall.

"I will kill Kira and convince my son to marry Princess Jo-Kwan--"

"Do not insult me more than you already have! My daughter is not a cheap piece of meat that I'd just give her away to your good-for-nothing son"

"I will not let you speak ill of my son, Empress-", They both stood there, glaring at each other. "-If you do not get my son married to Princess Jo-Kwan, I will do well to expose you and the heinous crimes you made me commit"

"You would be dragging yourself down as well. Don't be a fool!"

"Take your own advice, for your future as the imperial ruler of the southern and Western provinces. And for the lives of your daughters".

There was a long, uncomfortable silence... Uncomfortable for the Empress but satisfying for Grayson who knew what she would say next.