Final Attempt

A Father's Wish

"Even if you are a duke you cannot onesidedly end an engagement with the royal family."

The empress was sipping her tea in the greenhouse. Surrounded by the greenery she looked picturesque. However, there was something off about this scene. The empress seated beautifully, and the duke kneeling in front of her.

The mother of the nation looked very tired. Her lavish attire and crown seemed to be weighing down on her after all these years.

With a wave of her hand she ushered all the servants out of the greenhouse.

"Your highness given our past relations, this servant begs you to let his daughter go."

The empress glanced at the still kneeling duke. She silently shook her head and lazily walked over to the brewing area. The soft clinks of the glass could be heard as she prepared another round of pretentious tea.

"Your highness..."

The empress returned to her seat with two cups of tea. The smell of rose and honey wafted in the air.

"You're making me feel ashamed duke. Sit up and speak to me."

"I dare not your excellency. I dare not."

"Duke!" The empress' eyes flashed with anger. Crossing her arms she looked at the kneeling man again. "I'll have you thrown out if you continue doing this."

At those words the duke looked up.
His eyes had watered.

The empress' expression softened. She understood how he was feeling. How could she not? She too was a parent. It's just that the situation doesn't allow her to give any leeway.
The duke stood up, but didn't sit down.
His expression had become weary.

"Your highness. Can you honestly assure me that my daughter will be safe?"

At those words the empress nearly spat out her tea.

"What is the meaning of your words duke?"
The duke finally sat down and faced the empress.

"Your highness. My daughter is unwell. I fear her love for his highness has made her sick. If she continues to stay as the crown princess I fear we may face a tragedy."

The dukes face was solemn as he said this. The empress couldn't detect deceit. She was shocked at his words.

Sick?

Recalling the bright girl, it was shocking that she was ill. Every time she came to the place she would amuse her. She was arrogant but hardworking. She had been relieved that the crown princess was more than just a spoiled noble child.

Now she was sick?

How could this be?

"How did she become ill?"

The duke tried his best to not explode right there and then. Thinking of the bastard prince, he really wanted to kill him. But that was illegal, so he refrained.

With great restraint the duke managed to speak. "Your highness, my daughter is weak willed. She cannot handle his highness' indifference any longer."

"Preposterous!" The empress snapped.

"Ilia of all people know that the empress is not a position that has the luxury of indulging in such affairs."

The empress felt a headache coming.

"I agree your highness. This is exactly why she no longer wishes to be an empress."