Open Secrets of the Imperial Family

"…And that concludes the introduction of the Imperial family. Is everything clear?"

Emily stared at her teacher with blank eyes. No, everything wasn't clear. In fact, she felt that she understood even less than before!

How come Prince Finlay was second in line to the throne, if he was the first prince? Wasn't Prince Aston too young to be getting engaged, if he was the son of the current Empress, Eriya Rhosadian, who married Emperor Vinnel less than twelve years ago? Especially since Lady Daniella, his fiancée, had already turned 26 years old? And how was Emily supposed to seduce the Crown Prince, if he was still a kid?

It was as if Emily had been constantly fed conflicting information! Was the purpose of these lessons truly to educate her and prepare her for entering the Friscar Empire's high society, and not to confuse her to the point she would lose her mind?

"Then, let's move on to-" 

Her teacher, Baron Drenish, wanted to continue the lecture, but Emily raised her hand, interrupting him. "Actually, I have a few questions."

Baron Drenish paused, drawing his brows slightly. "What are they?" he asked, the tone of his voice unpleasant and dry. He didn't seem too happy about the interruption, but as his job was to educate Emily to the best of his ability, he had no choice but to explain any points she was not clear about. 

Emily was used to being treated with scarcely any cordiality, thus she was not deterred in the slightest by the baron's reaction. Acting as if she hadn't even noticed his irritation, she asked her first question. "Why isn't Prince Finlay first in line to the throne?"

Baron Drenish's frown deepened. "Although Prince Finlay is a legitimate heir, he was born of a concubine, while Prince Aston is the son of Emperor Vinnel and Empress Eriya," he reluctantly answered.

"A concubine? Wasn't taking in concubines and mistresses outlawed decades ago?"

"Imperial Concubine Reylarei is a special case. Ever since she suffered miscarriage during her first pregnancy, Empress Adphine had been of poor health, and unable to give birth to an heir. Therefore, a concubine was appointed for this purpose," the baron explained. "Lady Reylarei gave birth to Prince Finlay, who was then adopted by Empress Adphine, legitimizing his status as an heir."

"But if he's legally a son of the late empress, then shouldn't he still be the first in line?"

"He is considered second in line," Baron Drenish cut the topic without any further explanations. "Any other questions?"

"Yes, a few more, actually." Emily smiled at the baron, which made his face twitch. "How old is Prince Aston?"

"Crown Prince Aston is currently 22 years old."

"22? Isn't he the son of the current empress?"

"Yes, he is the son of Empress Eriya."

Now it was Emily's turn to furrow her brows. "Then how come he is considered a legitimate heir?" she couldn't help but ask.

If Prince Aston was 22 years old now, that meant he was already 10 by the time his mother became Empress. According to the Friscar Empire's law, he shouldn't be called a prince, or even a noble, let alone have any rights to the crown! Unless Empress Eriya also previously held the title of Imperial Concubine, and Prince Aston was adopted by Empress Adphine… But if that were to be the case, then there should be no distinction between Prince Finlay and Prince Aston's birth.

Things were clearly not adding up. However, Baron Drenish didn't seem quite willing to explain. "Prince Aston is considered a legitimate heir, first in line to the throne," he just repeated, before instantly changing the topic. "If that's all, then let's move on to-"

He wasn't able to say what he wanted to lecture Emily about next, though, as he was interrupted again, by someone else this time.

"It would be best to tell her everything," a man's voice came from behind.

"Your Highness!" Baron Drenish immediately bowed down low.

In the open door, leaning against the door frame, stood Prince Finlay. He nodded at the baron in greeting, before turning his eyes to Emily.

Following the royal etiquette, Emily stood up. "Greetings to His Highness. May the Friscar Empire forever be blessed," she said. Pinching the material of her dress, she drew her right leg back, and slightly bent her knees, elegantly bowing her head at the same time.

"Not bad." Prince Finlay looked her up and down. Then, he turned to Baron Drenish. "You can leave now. I will take it from here."

Baron Drenish didn't need to be told twice. He quickly picked up his journal and books, spread out on the desk in front of him, and bowing to the prince once more, he excused himself from the room. It was clear that he didn't want to be part of the conversation that was about to happen.

Left alone with Prince Finlay, Emily couldn't help but observe him curiously. It was the first time she met him ever since that night he broke her out of prison - throughout her whole stay at the fortress, he never showed up even once. Most likely he received updates about Emily's progress from her teachers, but he never bothered to check up on her personally. Not that Emily cared much for his company, but he was her only ticket to freedom. It would be best for her to get to know and understand him better, just for the sake of smooth cooperation.

"What I'm about to tell you is sensitive information. You should never discuss it with anyone else, regardless of the situation. If you still wish to keep your head, that is," Prince Finlay started, taking a seat behind the desk, facing Emily. "Even if you hear someone bring it up, you should remain silent, or react similarly to how Baron Drenish did. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Your Highness. But, if I may…" Emily hesitated for a moment. She had to admit she was a bit curious… But not to the point she would be willing to put herself in danger. "If that's so confidential, then perhaps it would be best if I didn't know about it?"

"No, this is something I should tell you about. While the affair between the Emperor and Empress Eriya, as well as Prince Aston's origins, is something that cannot be publicly discussed, it is still common knowledge among nobles. Young kids might not know about it, but it would be unusual for a noble lady in her twenties, even a daughter of a poor, provincial family, to be unaware. It was a huge scandal back in the day."

Prince Finlay paused for a moment, leaning back in his chair, before finally explaining, "Before Lady Eriya Wersnar became the Empress, she used to be Emperor Vinnel's mistress. Although having mistresses had been outlawed, and thus the Emperor couldn't grant her any official position, he still gave her the Crystal Palace, which was meant for Imperial Princesses. Prince Aston was born out of their affair, and grew up in the palace, although his status was that of a commoner. When Empress Adphine had died, however, the Emperor used that opportunity to marry Lady Eriya, and grant Aston the right to the throne."