Love, Not Simply Duty

Seated inside the parlor, Dixie dismissed the servants and poured Prince Constantine some tea. Tapping her cup against his, she took a slow sip savoring the sweet, herby flavor. 

Looks like Felicia loves tea as much as I do. I can sense her innate hunger for it after being deprived for 4 years.

Prince Constantine's eyes were glued onto her. He wondered why this lady was not active the way Helena was. How come she did not attend mass?

The last time he had seen her was the day her mother was killed. They had briefly interacted in the hallways before the beautiful Duchess Moniqua led her daughter away to meet with the Emperor.

And that was it. Disaster struck only a few hours later.

That was five years ago, when there were zero rumors about the little lady. She had been blamed for the accident that killed her mother and effectively shut away from society. Why? Was it because she was guilty? Why did neither of her siblings ever speak of her?

At the Academy, he often inquired about the hidden, first lady. Alex always looked so cold and disgusted at the mention of Felicia. He claimed that she was a troublemaker whom nobody in the family liked being associated with. But today, his expression was noticeably different. He had looked at Felicia with affection. Did this mean that his earlier assessment was in fact not true? Or had he had a change of heart?

Prince Constantine's mother had spoken disparagingly about Lady Felicia, saying that she was unfit for the position of Crown Princess. His father, however, had told him that she was the best candidate being the daughter of the Grand Duke.

Pay no mind to the rumors, son. This was an engagement already decided upon years ago between myself and Duchess Moniqua. Keep an open mind and give Lady Felicia a chance to explain her controversy. Her mother was a very good woman, her daughter will be no different.

There was a hint of affection in the Emperor's eyes and voice when he spoke of Felicia's mother. Constantine couldn't help but wonder what their relationship was. Especially since this warmth was absent whenever he spoke of his Empress.

I've known from a young age that father and mother do not love each other. I've watched their fights. I've witnessed mother tears and bouts of insanity. I do not wish for the same. If Lady Felicia and I are to be married then it will be union built on love and respect, not simply duty.

"Your Highness, what would you like to discuss with me?" Dixie asked, pulling the prince out of his thoughts.

"I would like to better understand the bad rumors surrounding your name, my lady. As my intended bride, I need to know what kind of person I'm dealing with." Constantine stated with authority.

Dixie felt a bit nervous. This man was intimidating in a way the Duke simply wasn't. "I will answer all your questions to the best of my abilities, your grace. But if it's too personal then I will simply refrain from commenting on it."

"Fair enough." Constantine approved. "I must make one thing clear to you Lady Felicia, I value honesty more than anything. I have no patience when dealing with people who like to put on an act in order to impress me. Indeed, I despise those who deceive me into looking upon them favorably only to prove themselves unworthy later on."

He felt a bit angry as he finished his last sentence. Growing up in the palace and engaging with his father's court, Constantine has had too many experiences dealing with dishonorable people.

He was even a bit wary towards his own mother because of her spiteful nature. The only people he trusted entirely were his father and brother. He would not take this lady as his wife if he could not feel the same sense of security with her.

Dixie chuckled merrily at his sentiments. He had nearly growled out his last sentence. Uh oh! Looks like Helena will be in trouble if she tries any of her antics on him. Tyren too.

I'm very impressed. In the book, this man was a pompous airhead. There was no description of him being so reasonable. He is what Liam described him to be. Perhaps, there is hope for this empire. A reasonable man like this will lead his kingdom well, but that's only if he's surrounded by similar people. 

Helena cannot ever become his queen, she would only lead him astray with her sweet poison. Maybe, I should rethink my affections towards Liam. I can't afford to be selfish, not when I was brought here to save the kingdom. 

Becoming the empress will give me the authority I need to tackle the corruption within the church. So that is what I must do!