Empire's Swords

There were nine kingdoms in the empire with Alluryure being one of them on the west coast, and there was energy given off from the earth where people had sensitivity to the mana and could use it for power and strength that was channeled through specially made swords by a rare metal found deep in the confines of caves and the ground created by the best of the blacksmiths in the whole empire.

Most sword masters were powerful generals and leaders in the military and generally employed in that field. However, it was great hope to see that Maximillian had shown an aptitude for becoming a sword master since he could be of use to the kingdom. Despite being so, he still didn't have a large support base because of the rumors circulating his family and lineage, making him and his estate become isolated in protecting his lands and his alone.

He still patrolled along the walls of Alluryure, keeping the peace with other antsy kingdoms wanting to expand their lands. It was somewhat a prestigious duty that the king of Alluryure entrusted Maximillian with, but otherwise, he wasn't seen as an approachable nor agreeable man despite no one wanting to reach out to him and truly confirming the trivial remarks that ran along the side of undermining the hard work that Maximillian had put in from day one.

Still, Maximillian shouldn't be her betrothed. Her head was swarmed with screaming thoughts of denial, but she needed to steel herself from the worries that tremored through her body. There was no reason that her family would need to ally with the Latimer House. Her family was more than well off, yet she would soon be the next duchess of the House of Latimer.

Gwen couldn't see herself being a person of such authority. She had planned to live a comfortable life as she had never chased the dreams of a lavish one, but Gwen knew it was a good match considering the ties her father had with the young duke.

The duke had never contemplated the thought of marriage considering he was busy with maintaining the border peace for many years and not a high society which made many ladies back off despite the title of a future duchess being tempting.

To think he would take a wife now was more surprising. He surely must had have a reason to take a bride now. She hadn't heard any news of the duke searching for a bride which raised more concerns.

Gwen placed on a smile to her parents which was so fake they shook their heads before turning slightly and whispering to one another. Her mother shook her head adamantly with a frown, but her father tightened his grip on the hand that lay on the golden throne.

"When is the date?" Gwen asked lightly. "The wedding date?"

Theresa grimaced as if she was also pained like her daughter. "I'm so sorry to say, darling, but there won't be a marriage ceremony. Paperwork will be sent to the high priest tomorrow at noon."

"Tomorrow?" Gwen exclaimed. "That soon?"

"It was the terms," Alexei replied. "There will be attendants sent by Max arriving in the after as well to prepare for your travels to the Latimer estate."

Gwen zeroed in on her mother's guilty stare. "Mother, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I was so excited to let you know, Gwendolyn. However, there are still many concerns unbeknownst to you. Maximillian has been on a mission for five months and will not yet be returning."

Gwen gasped. No wonder they didn't want to let them know about the sham of a marriage! She was going to be his wife without ever meeting him while he was sacrificing his life away. It didn't seem right on her part to take over the estate while he was gone nor the fact that he was thousands of miles away doing what most nobles would never do.

"Mother... Father..." Gwen's voice broke.

Alexei closed his eyes and sighed. "I apologize for the late notice, Gwen. I sincerely know this will be a good match. Please trust your father."

"I do," Gwen answered. "But..." She didn't have any other words to fill in the blanks. It was already said and done. Gwen took in a deep breath and slowly nodded. She was going to have to swallow the hard truth of reality. She blew out another breath with a soft hiss. "Okay."

"I will send the message now then," her father softly said.

Gwen looked up and smiled to comfort her father for a split second when his face hesitated. She wouldn't disappoint her parents since they held so much hope for her. She will have to do well. "Okay."

"You are all dismissed," Alexei murmured.

Her brothers bowed once more, and Gwen dipped low into a curtsy. She would need to start packing her items at that moment. She didn't have much time and couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that she would leave her family in a few hours.

Her maids, Lauren and Avery had been with her since she could walk and were close in her heart. Her first memories were of them chasing her through the courtyards.

She hoped that she could bring them along but would ask later when the news had settled over the mansion which wouldn't take long. Within an hour, the news will have even escaped the estate and into the heart of Alluryure, the city of Clandestine where the king of Alluryure resided.

Her father was quite an ally to the king and made his acquaintance through the troublesome young duke when he lost his parents in a boating accident to cross the sea to the next kingdom in hopes of getting a trade route opened between the two kingdoms.

The king couldn't use Maximillian as a pawn due to the child's headstrong nature. Gwen felt for the injustice that he had suffered, but that wasn't the problem at hand at the moment. She was about to get shipped off and married without having no idea of the ways of the world.