Levon cursed himself.
The spies had reported a carriage arriving at Viridian House last night. But he couldn't go there. His honeymoon period kept him confined to the Rashet estate. Had Nyasia planned this? Or had she simply seen the opportunity and gone with Dorian? The truth that she had been desperate enough to ask for Dorian's help cut him deeper than anything.
He stormed into his father's study and was about to demand answers when Ezekias sharply threw a paper onto the desk.
"Read it."
Wordlessly, Levon took the paper.
'We have records that the Rashets allowed vast amounts of iron ore to a mysterious religious sect, Jade Temple. I recommend we discuss this in full detail as soon as possible.'
He glanced up.
"Who gave this?"
"The First Prince's men." Ezekias rose from his seat and walked to the window. "He is truly ambitious. Now, he wants the iron mine. I'm beginning to think he's the one connected to Elder Chem."
Levon found it difficult to jump to such a conclusion. The word "mysterious" already told him the First Prince knew the temple was nothing more than a facade.
This was clearly blackmail.
"What he's doing is a double-edged sword, Father," he replied. "If he spreads this news, would he really want the emperor to take control of the iron mine?"
Ezekias smiled. "He's the son. Wouldn't it be better for the emperor to seize the mine first—and for him to take the throne later?"
Silence reigned for a moment.
"But those contracts are illegal," Levon said. "You never signed them."
"No. But the imperial palace can't see our sincerity. His Majesty may already believe we've abandoned neutrality. The only reason the iron mine has remained in our hands is because we've stayed neutral."
On paper, at least.
In truth, over the past decades, the Rashets had been forced to take sides more often than they cared to admit. Back during the succession war decades ago—when the former emperor died suddenly—the Rashets had remained silent about the current emperor's rise to power, even though he was the son of a low-born concubine. That silence had made the other "pure" nobles resent them. They assumed the Rashets were the emperor's people.
Levon looked at him.
"Father, all the Rashet heirs who attended the wedding last night consumed poison. The kind that prevents them from having children. So—"
"Then, I'll visit the palace," Ezekias said. "I'll tell them you've uprooted the branches to rectify our sins."
"Father—"
"Don't leave the Rashet estate. It's crucial that you stay here." Ezekias's voice was firm. He turned away. "Your sister will be taken away from that man. So stay still."
Levon found himself unable to do anything.
...
KAELIAN RECEIVED news that the marquis had chosen to come to the palace after receiving his letter yesterday. He chuckled. 'What a stubborn man, Marquis Rashet. Taking that route. He's clever, truly a capable patriarch.'
"What's wrong?" Jeshun asked, slumping against the lounge sofa. He shot a reproachful glance at his sister sitting beside him. "Gia, you shouldn't be here. You should be practicing your flute for the Queen Dowager's banquet."
"Hmp!" Gia's eyes rolled. Then she looked at Kaelian who remained silent across the table. His legs crossed but his gaze seemed distracted, away from them.
"Your Highness, I think waiting for the banquet to show up might be too long. I mean, the Third Prince is getting more p—popular these days," she said with a soft, playful voice.
Kaelian considered it. If the marquis truly shows up at court today, I should seize the opportunity.
He turned to Jorgia. "You've been helpful, Gia. I may actually go to the palace today."
The siblings' jaw dropped in disbelief.
Prince Kaelian, who had not appeared in public for over a year, was finally returning to the palace.
*