"Empire's stability? I see."
Darius leaned back on his throne, voice calm—too calm.
"So me bringing my wife and child home becomes an issue for the empire's stability?"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Voices echoed in unison.
Darius nodded slowly.
"Oh, okay then. What is your opinion?"
Duke Cassian stood, smiling like a man who believed he had won something.
"I believe Your Highness should marry Lady Westwood. She is the perfect empress for the empire."
Darius blinked once.
Then twice.
Then he let out a small laugh—sharp, dangerous.
"Oh, okay then."
He stood from his throne.
"I'll step down from the throne right now. Remove all my rights to rule. I'll go to Lady Westwood, sleep with her, get her pregnant, and once she's expecting my child, I'll return to the palace and take over the throne again. Is that fine? Then I'll make her my wife. What do you say?"
"No worries, it's up to you, Your Highness," Duke Cassian replied, desperately keeping his fake smile.
