𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐬

15

The dining hall’s grand chandelier continued to cast its warm, golden glow, but the atmosphere grew thicker with every passing second. Aria sat stiffly, her fingers curling around the edges of the pristine tablecloth, her mind still trying to process the gravity of Mrs. Astor’s words.

Maliah, on the other hand, leaned back in her chair, thoroughly enjoying the absurdity of it all. Her eyes flicked from Aria’s horrified face to Mrs. Astor’s calm, unruffled demeanor, the tension amusing her far too much.

Aria finally found her voice. “I’m sorry—just to clarify—I’m supposed to seduce your grandson... because you’re afraid he might be gay?”

Mrs. Astor, with all the poise of a woman who had seen generations of nobility bend to her will, gave a small, regal nod. “Precisely, my dear. Augustus is a man of tradition, but I fear he has become... disconnected from the natural affections expected of his position. We cannot afford rumors, especially in our family. The Astor lineage, as you may know, is one of great historical significance.”

Maliah leaned forward with a wicked grin. “Ah, so it’s less about Augustus’s happiness and more about keeping the family image spotless, huh?”

Mrs. Astor’s eyes flicked over to Maliah, the barest hint of disapproval evident. “Miss Maliah, it is not merely about image. You must understand, the role Augustus is set to inherit as the head of the Astor family bears a certain... responsibility. It is his duty to produce heirs and secure the legacy of Alladora. If Augustus were to be... disinclined to pursue such a future, it would create complications of the highest order.”

Aria couldn’t help but wince at the phrasing. “So... you’re saying he can’t be gay because you need him to marry and produce children?” she asked, still not quite believing this conversation was happening.

Mrs. Astor set her teacup down with a delicate clink. “Precisely. The Astor family has carried this title for centuries. We are bound to certain obligations by tradition, and these cannot be compromised by... well, personal inclinations. If Augustus were to, let’s say, eschew these duties in favor of a lifestyle that does not align with the continuation of the family line, it would create a... significant problem for us.”

“Wow,” Maliah deadpanned, “No pressure on the guy at all.”

Aria shook her head, still baffled. “But, Mrs. Astor, times have changed. Surely, Augustus can be whoever he wants to be? He doesn’t have to follow these outdated rules just because they’ve been in place for centuries. It’s 2024. People can—*should*—live authentically, even if that doesn’t involve producing heirs or carrying on family traditions. It’s his life.”

Mrs. Astor’s expression remained unreadable, though her posture remained as stiff and proper as always. “I understand the sentiments of this... modern world, Miss Aria, but you must realize, Augustus is no ordinary man. His role is not just to live for himself but for his people, for the legacy he carries. This family has borne the weight of leadership, of tradition, and we cannot afford to deviate from it. Augustus, while an excellent young man in many respects, has not yet shown... interest in suitable women. It worries me, and thus I have brought you here to offer some... assistance in that regard.”

Aria felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “I-I really don’t think I’m the right person for this. I barely know Augustus. And if he—well, if he’s really not interested in women, then it’s not my place to try and change that.”

Mrs. Astor gave a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “You are more important than you realize, Miss Aria. Augustus needs a woman who can... guide him. Someone who can remind him of the joys of companionship, someone he might respect and find engaging. Your reputation precedes you.”