1 Prologue

"Are the territories in Eslavia enough to compensate for my mistake, Duke Arsheid?", the Count nervously asked.

The man in his late 50's with a big rounded belly and dressed in lavish clothing, Duke Arsheid raised his head.

"I don't think it will suffice Count Raolden. Of course, if you compensate me with your mine at the East Flank, I might reconsider."

The Count shook his head. No, it wasn't possible for that mine is his household's major source of income and what his clan was acknowledged for.

However he could not refute the Duke for he was higher in status and had a close relationship with the King. He was, in fact, the King's brother-in-law.

If he tried to go against him he would also make the King his enemy. Imagine making the most powerful person in the entire nation your enemy, it was extremely absurd.

Seeing the Count's reluctance, the Duke used this opportunity to reveal his true intentions. The Duke cleared his throat.

"Well, that reminds me. How is your daughter fairing,by the way. It is rumoured that this Count's daughter was a remarkable beauty."

With the mention of his daughter the Marquis's eyes quivered. The Duke laughed exaggeratedly as if he was joking.

"Rumours spread, you know. I thought it was an exaggeration. Some even said when men see her in the streets, they would fall prey and even kissed the ground where she stepped on."

The Count's complexion suddenly paled. He looked at the Duke in horror. Not his precious daughter.

His daughter Dahlia is known for her outstanding beauty. It is true that many men tried to woo her, even with her young age.

She was barely 16. It wasn't even legal for her to marry yet. Despite this, many already expressed their interest in marriage.

However the Count did not allow it. She was still young and he wanted her daughter to have the freedom to choose.

The Count suddenly had a bad premonition. 'My poor daughter.'

He immediately objected the idea. Fine. If it takes him to give up the mine in order to protect his daughter then he's willing to accept the loss.

"I beg your pardon Duke. I do not allow my daughter to be involved in this mess."

"Marquis, you are not in the position to refuse. Remember, it is your fault that you fell into this mess. If you'd like I shall tell the King what you've done,"

The Duke slightly raised his brows then leaned back relaxly on the cushion.

"Having a secret meeting with the opposition, and wishing to overthrow him.", he chuckled before continuing.

"Remember that can account for treason, a grave sin not only to the kingdom but to the King as well. Once the King hears of this, not only you but your precious daughter will also receive punishment."

The Duke calmly said while sipping the wine in his fat hands. Deep down he was overjoyed. He was very excited seeing that the Count is left with no choice.

The truth is he was very eager in marrying the Count's daughter. He was recently divorced for a reason he only knew of.

The Count's daughter, Dahlia, captured the heart's of men that lay their sight upon her. He, of course, wasn't an exception. Ever since he caught a glimpse of her when she attended one of the balls held in the capital, he was deeply enthralled. As a result, he became obsessed and overwhelmed with lust.

He couldn't wait to get a taste of her. Considering how young she is, she was definitely a virgin. ' I'll have her satisfy me. Nothing is tastier than a delicate young fruit.'

The Count who was unaware with the Duke's obsession for his daughter was easily caught in a trap that the Duke devised, taking advantage of his connection to the King.

The Count making his final decision stood up. "Well, if the mine at East Flank is what you wish for then I shall give it to you as the compensation."

The Duke put down the cup he was holding and looked up to the Count.

"I just realized, the mine isn't quite... enough."

"I beg your pardon?" The count couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

"Maybe marriage between our family will suffice. As much as our family will benefit from your household, you'll also benefit from ours."

"So you plan to marry my daughter to one of your sons, is that it? Im very sorry but I do not–"

The Duke cut him off from finishing his speech.

"Not really. I plan on marrying your daughter, myself."

The count upon hearing his incredulous remark, stomped his foot and retorted.

"That is ridiculous! You expect me to have my underage daughter marry a man who is even older than her father?! That is preposterous! How—"

The Duke once again cut him off. He was gravely offended by the Count's choice of words. They were basically insults.

"Remember Count Raolden. You are in no position to bargain with me. May I remind yet again that once the King learns of your treachery, your whole family will be executed. You won't even have a choice and just watch all that you cherish burn before your eyes."

The Count's expression sank. 'No. This can't be.'

" Since I've made my decision. I shall take my leave."

The Duke stood up and nodded before leaving. The Count still baffled from their previous argument failed to notice his departure. He slumped down his shoulders and fell on the cushioned chair, losing his strength.