Seduce the hero's mother (GL)

Chapter 176: Chapter 27. The Threat

One of the biggest celebrations of the year was held today at the imperial palace. The Christmas Ball drew the cream of society from all over the country.

The beautiful ladies, the gallant gentlemen, the decorations, and the food were all top notch. At the feast the guests were going to party until the wee hours of the morning.

Henry Ashford and Arthur Blanche were seated together in special seats — overlooking the entire hall. They watched from above and below, sipping expensive champagne as they went.

The guys got to know each other a few years ago and since then they have kept in touch very well. You could say they hit it off almost immediately. The whole royal court knew that the Archduke and the Crown Prince were best friends.

Even now the clinking of glasses and laughter could be heard from where they were sitting. Those around them admired the two most eligible bachelors in the empire.

Arthur Blanche was a handsome young man. He had the typical royal blue eyes and a full head of blond hair. His appearance was inferior to that of the heir to the throne, but his high status made up for it.

The friends were discussing the most exciting, and perhaps unpleasant, topic of the day.

— …So the King is forcing you to marry Princess Hilaria?

— Yes,» the crown prince sighed. «I've already tried to discuss it with my father, but he's adamant.

Luna Illaria was the princess of a neighboring kingdom. My parents have been discussing an arranged marriage between them for months — and the ceremony is due to take place in the spring. However, neither she nor the other heir was happy about it.

The current king was forcing his son to marry for political gain. How could that make him happy?

Arthur had already tried several times to change his mind, but to no avail. His father saw this union as necessary for the continued well-being of the kingdom. And what could be done about it.

Now, the lad had only one regret.

At one of the soirees, Arthur had met the only daughter of Count Ileas. Since then he could only dream of her. Except that the girl herself had never paid any attention to him, and now it was too late. Thus a relationship between them could never be.

Henry was well aware of this, for it was to him that his friend complained of all the problems. Encouragingly he patted him on the shoulder.

— It'll be fine,» he said. «Maybe in the future you'll get used to it.

— Get used to…? — Arthur grinned bitterly, «Yes… It really is what I dreamed of.

— These are the times… The state of the empire is not stable. As Crown Prince, you must be willing to sacrifice something for the sake of your subjects.

Arthur looked at him with interest.

— Such words! — Arthur chuckled. «My father would have liked those words.

— Ha-ha…» he was embarrassed.

— I suppose he'd be happy if you were crown prince instead of me.

It was no secret that the Archduke was a favorite of the royal court. Unlike his father, the current head of the Ashford family proved to be quite a capable organizer. In spite of his young age, he even gave advice to the king on how to run his affairs. The ruler himself never failed to praise him for it.

However, Arthur never envied his father's favor. For he himself considered Henry almost a brother.

— With your abilities, if you become my right hand, the empire is sure to rise.

— Your Highness, you overestimate me…! — the boy hastened to object.

— Ha-ha… Not at all. You really do deserve it.

— In that case…» The Archduke hesitated. «In that case, I swear to serve Your Highness faithfully!

— It's a bargain! — The crown prince laughed.

They clinked their glasses together and drank at once. But this joyful atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by a servant. Leaning over the crown prince, he said in his ear:

— Your Majesty is looking for you.

— Why now? — Arthur sighed disappointedly,» Henry, wait a moment. I'll be right back.

— Aye.

As soon as the crown prince left, the young man turned his attention to the hall. Everything was going on as usual. The guests were having fun and talking. Pretty soon Henry found his sister in the crowd as well.

Adeline had successfully embarked on a mission and had been dating Duke Cassius for months. Their wedding would take place very soon. Right now they were dancing like the other couples, causing the same amazement among those around them.

Until now, no one could figure out who the lady was who had become the maid of honor of the Cassius family. Fortunately, Henry never went out together with her. Thus their families could not be connected in any way.

Things remained quiet there, so Henry watched them briefly. Next, something else caught his attention. Much more interesting.

Emily Ileas stood in the middle of the hall, chatting with her guests with a polite smile. An incomparable beauty who had all eyes on her. She had glossy emerald hair gathered into braids, pale skin, and noble features. Like a porcelain statue.

Already many aristocrats of various social statuses had tried to propose to her. But Emily rejected them all. Rumor had it that she had no intention of getting married at all — to continue her father's work and devote her life to curing people.

Knowing this, few dared approach her. But Henry had a plan of his own. One way or another this woman would have to become his wife.

Drinking the last glass of champagne, the boy got up from his seat and headed toward her.

It was no use putting on a mask and playing the «good guy» role. Emily was too good at reading people. So Henry was going to show her his true nature from the start.

— Lady Ileas, may I have a word with you? — The Archduke smiled gallantly.

The girl turned around in surprise. It was the first time she had ever met Adelina's older brother.

— Your Grace…?

— No formalities. Just Henry.

The young men stepped back from the crowd. They could hear better here.

— Archduke, what did you want from me? — Emily inquired.

Henry smiled.

— Lady, what do you think of the proposal to become my consort?

Emily was surprised at first that he asked her such a question right in the forehead. Usually it took some time for people to dare to make such a step. And here at once and at the first meeting…

Embarrassed, the lady pulled her usual smile and was about to politely refuse.

Noticing this, Henry hastily interrupted:

— Don't you even want to think about it?

— Ahem… Honestly, marriage doesn't interest me,» the girl admitted.

— Not even with me?

— I'm afraid your status will make no difference in this situation.

Emily also answered him honestly and openly, and expected him to understand. At first it seemed so. The guy smiled, letting her know that he heard her opinion.

But the next second, with the same benevolent face, he said:

— What about your father?

— What?» she didn't understand.

— From what I hear, your family is now in a precarious financial position… What will Count Ileas do if things worsen?

A chill ran through Emily.

— How…» she said tremblingly, «how do you know about this?

She shared information about the current family crisis only with those closest to her. So she could not understand: how did an outsider know about it.

— It does not matter how. The main thing is that I know your weakness.

The lady clenched her fists, not knowing what to say.

— I'm afraid if this goes on like this, your father will no longer be able to cure… Moreover, the troubles may not be limited to that.

— You…» said Emily breathlessly, «are you threatening me?

— Don't be so quick,» the boy laughed, «Just a little warning for the future. Still, you mustn't forget that my power is almost as much as that of the Imperial family.

— …

— I can 'help' the Ileas family either rise or fall into the abyss. The choice is yours.

Quite unexpectedly, this man caught her off guard. In the current situation, Emily found herself truly defenseless. She could barely control the anger inside her.

Meanwhile, the smile never left the Archduke's face.

— I will ask the question again. What do you think of my proposal?