Nyasia had long thought about the past. The elders had lied that Maryan was the real daughter, all to hide monopolistic iron ore contracts. But the real reason the Rashets fell wasn't because of Dorian's tyranny or the elders' corruption. It was simpler than that. The clan was too afraid to take sides. Maybe her father had died of a broken heart, because he knew, in the end, he had been a coward.
"Are you aware that what you've just said is very dangerous? Taking sides is not a simple matter," Ezekias said.
He looked at her intently, as if seeing this daughter for the first time. Back then, her mother had possessed the same fiery spirit, and yet her health had declined under the stress of clan pressure.
"I will never put you in the same position your mother was in," Ezekias continued. "Do you understand?"
But there's no safe life for me, Nyasia thought. No one can save her from her fate. From being a Rashet heiress.
In the end, Ezekias reluctantly agreed to let Nyasia remain as manager of the iron ore, under his supervision. To be honest, the Duke's visit had shaken him. A man like that should never end up with Nyasia. Never. But he decided not to bring up the duke's proposal. There was no need for Nyasia to know.
...
THIRD PRINCE'S MANOR
Strangely, the duke's visit to Rashet Manor didn't gain much traction among Tenusa's nobles. Yet Derrik was frowning while listening to the latest report.
"Dorian Alexei is interested in the iron mine?" Derrik said. "Does he want financial control over it?"
"Could be," Chad Ringun replied. He was the son of the Minister of Agriculture and heir to the Ringun Marquisdom.
"But it's too risky," Derrik said.
Chad shrugged. "Well, the Rashets are one of the eight great clans. You can't just destroy them overnight like the Kissells."
"I think he's simply trapping Father into making more enemies," Derrik said stiffly. "If Father ruins the Rashets over a mere princess, he'll only become more unpopular among the nobles."
"Why does His Majesty want him to marry the princess? I still don't understand. Wouldn't that empower the empress's faction even more?"
Derrik curved his lips, lounging back as his gaze drifted to the window and the horizon beyond.
"Father's never been afraid of the First Prince. Or any of his children, really. But he's always been wary of the Varyns. Especially the current duke. That man refuses to pick a side."
That was why his father wanted the duke to marry the princess: to leash the Varyn's power. Even if the empress's faction grew stronger, it didn't matter. The empress came from a baron family. She had been chosen precisely because she would never be able to control the court.
"At least he and Kael aren't friends," Derrik said. "Mother's right. Dorian Alexei can't be underestimated. Either you make him your ally. Or he becomes your enemy."
Chad nodded.
"You just need to stay still and watch the First Prince and the duke go at it," he said. "Either way, we'll be ready if one of them decides to come after us."
...
DERRIK CAME LATER to his mother's palace. He gave her a polite greeting. Meanwhile, Consort Zeniya Luwen Aurelio shifted her gaze to him.
"You've finally remembered me."
He sighed. "I've been busy."
"I've heard Kael's been in the capital now. Just not very keen on making a public appearance," Zeniya said. "I wonder what kept him much busy. He's always somewhere else. In the south."
Derrik thought about it.
After fighting against the barbarians and receiving a reward of a southern land, the First Prince had appeared less and less in public. He was supposed to be granted the position as Head of the Calamity Management Office, but he had refused it.
Derrik scoffed faintly.
Kael wanted to appear the generous elder brother, never too eager for power. But in reality, there was another reason he was lying low. The question was: what?
"I wouldn't be surprised if there was reason behind his silence nowadays. Anyway, I expect he'll be in that banquet. He's always wanted Grandmother's support. And she dotes on him, of course."
Zeniya smiled.
"I've heard the Rashet heiress is there," she said. "I'm sure Kael will want to speak with her as well. Is it true that the she is extraordinarily beautiful? I've heard such rumors."
"Beauty is subjective. But surely a lot of people can say she is beautiful," Derrik said.
Zeniya laughed.
"It's a simple question, my dear," she said. "Anyway, be more careful this time. You may be your father's favorite, but the court still favors Kael."
...
RASHET MANOR
At the End House, Nyasia read yet another letter from a client expressing interest in buying iron ore. She set the letter down and let her gaze drift.
So far, nothing suspicious. No vast quantities requested. No one asking for an exclusive contract to monopolize the ore.
Then her thoughts wandered again.
She wondered what had happened to him.
No letters. No word at all in the past weeks. Three days after he had returned, and still—nothing.
She always grew nervous when he went silent like this. Because it meant either he was planning something utterly ridiculous, or he was about to do something that would make her angry enough to commit murder.
What the hell are you, Dorian?
*