CHAPTER XV: Answer

Warning: Inclusion of NSFW Contents

ALXINFIELD, Supreme Palace, Year 079 Y.D.

There should be a strange reason behind the Emperor's question, far as Ilayan can see, it is not only him that is made speechless but also the noble personages in witness. Several whispering voices and astonished gasps sound but he is too astounded to pay them any attention. Although he had come in lack of preparation, nothing in his foreseen possibilities had he predicted this coming. It is hard to reconcile with the fact that he, the great monarch, is willingly presenting his son to him; had he not realized that this is not only a grand proclamation of the seventh Prince's marriage but also an indirect favor for the third prince. This Prince Phillipe, who is now aside from him receives most of the malicious attention, has no real achievements, and only possesses influence sheerly by virtue of his royal birth. He is also aware of an unspoken truth known to everyone, that it is not only Phillipe's Ylandreaz blood that keeps his name on the succession but also the power coming from his maternal origins; the Brysons. And for years, he and the other Princes had maintained balanced advantages. Now, that the Emperor is having an intention for him, the future patriarch of the Valquistine Household and a general owning military power, to marry Rionne; be it for the Third Prince's support?

It is beyond his comprehension, for all he had learned that it will not result so simply.

Then there is the image of the Emperor from his memories; he remembers, of course, that he had not assumed a father's role to Rionne and all his royal descendants. Rionne once mocked him for his yearning for the Duke's recognition, saying that men of higher status do not lower themselves to play family with their relatives, even to their children, and the Emperor is most likely not the exception. He is a monarch who bears no affection towards his wives and children: sending his daughter to a foreign land for a purpose of cementing an advantageous alliance, and mercilessly beheading four of his concubines whom he held in bed. Yet today, before everyone's witness, he confesses his paternal worries, spouting domestic affairs like a regular father from a loving household.

Ilayan stand mute, frozen; unable to grasp the greater purpose beyond the Emperor's actions, and utterly overwhelmed by the situation. Yet he is a person who had fought in a war for three years; what else does he had developed than maintain a dignified, steady face in front of any circumstances. And so, he breathes to ponder, once, twice, and for the very last inhale he draws; there comes the answer.

He postures straight as he can and approaches the box. His footsteps echo throughout the entire hall; silencing the crowd who are most eager for his answer. With a decisive face, his arm moves, then, in all his knees he sinks. In front of the most powerful man in the realm he presents himself as humble; the scarlet ribbon lying in his open hands.

"Forgive my insolence, Your Majesty, but with all courage in my being, I ask, please grant me the hand of the Seventh Prince."

ALXINFIELD, Venningham Manor, Year 079 Y.D

It is now the fourth night since Henry XI, the Emperor, has announced the seventh prince's marriage agreement with General Ilayan of the Valquistine House. The details had long been spread at every corner of Alxinfield and extends to all of Alexin. Surprisingly, even the whole of Gedeva has celebrated the pleasant news; written in the City Mayor's letter. He was gladdened that the General who had defended them and sparked the victory over the hateful Loreiks is to have the prince for his consort.

"I send all of my congratulations to you, my Lord. Although it is unfortunate that I cannot attend your wedding day, I'll still pray to Khie'lal and Arai'lal for your prosperous marriage and for your healthy sons to come. The Seventh Prince, as to what I have heard, is not only a renowned beauty but also an intelligent person. Since the war is over, and you are only at the beginning of your life, with his assistance, I hope you live without carrying too many heavy burdens."

His words touch Ilayan's heart. Gedeva holds a heavy meaning for him, it is not only the place where he fought his first war but also the very beginning of his dream's fulfillment as a general. But, he wishes that Gedeva's response resembles the people's take on the Venningham manor. It is not within his certainty if Laya had already been informed and although, Erin has long got wind of his decision, so as, he still smiles kindly at him, performing his nightly duties as his consort at his bed. Still, he is utterly aware of his concubine's mood, which he can do nothing to solve. In front of him, Erin presents himself with dignity, it would seem an insult for him to break his façade. He had forgotten it once, but now he is completely reminded, that Erin is not fragile. All he had to do is respect his resolve.

He can also sense the rising tensions inside the household. Admiral Leonard, his good brother, for all the servants he had punished a beating and sensitive temper, has been agitated these days. Had it not beyond Ilayan's calculations that he is brewing a move that can earn his advantage. It is still fresh to him, the words of his father, that Leonard's wife, Lady Sariah, is a sister to the Fifth Prince's concubine, only that she is two ranks lower than the Prince's main wife. Perhaps, he wishes to ally with the Prince to advance his status, yet, that will not be possible without his end of exchange; the Valquistine's support. Ilayan is therefore certain that he is more desperate to oust him, the presumptive heir.

It is a fact that the abrupt marriage decision he made and the events that emerged after concerns him. Yet, there is a more pressing matter at the barracks. Maximo Walterson, the Duke of Keinfolk, has reported his attempted robbery, or assassination as to how Ilayan suspects it was. Since the beginning, he has doubted the Duke's words, and he made no secret of it during the interrogation at the Minister of Law's office earlier. He believes that the minister feels the same, only that he can't understand the reason why the case was assigned to him to investigate and not to the imperial police who should be responsible for such matters.

"You seem to have a lot in your mind, my Lord."

Ilayan raises his eyes from the reports on his study table, capturing Erin standing by the carved door. His glance shifts from him to the fat, white moon outside the open French window. It is already late.

"Is Laya already asleep?" he asks as he walks away from his seat, approaching Erin. He seems to have forgotten that he had demanded from his father a wing in the manor for him and his family. And today is the first day of their transfer.

"Long asleep," Erin says, registering a smile that most emphasizes his beauty.

"I see." There is a vivid admiration at Ilayan's gaze, and he made no restrain to hide it causing Erin's shyness. Although he is not a hedonistic person, he is still a man of youthful age, only twenty-two. It is inevitable that he can be tempted by Erin's charm, in fact, he is one of the top gorgeous faces he had seen: his delicate plum lips and gentle brows. And even though he had once bore him a son, he can still arouse his desire, especially that he had maintained his alluring figure, and now is more mature than he was three years ago.

Three years ago, he promised him happiness and swore to protect him. Yet, it seems that he had failed to fulfill any.

As they proceed to Ilayan's room, he had spoken nothing, and there is only the subtle air around their holding hands. But when they enter his chamber, which is plainly decorated with warm tapestries, cupboards, and a wide bed in soft coverlet; he gathers Erin in his arms, inhaling the fresh scent of jasmine, making him suspect that the other had just finished washing.

"I had held my words until now because I want to respect your dignity," he says.

"And you have to continue doing so, my Lord," Erin ventures, his left palm tracing Ilayan's cheek. "I am fine, and whatever I am feeling right now, I believe that it will pass."

"I see," Ilayan replies, lowering his head to meet his sweet lips. If not words, then he hopes, that his actions can console Erin.

The kiss slowly reignites the arousal he had a moment ago. Inwardly, he ponders, perhaps it is to comfort Erin, or perhaps it is for himself. But these days, he takes pleasure in making love with him. Then, there has no more time to think as a fire within him rises. The moment their mouths parted, Erin is already in bed, exposed in his nakedness.