This Life Will Be My Last

Chapter 13 - The Crown Princesses gift to a Mistress {Part 1}

The Prince's Mistresses were not recognized as part of the Imperial Family, and her children were not recognized as prince or princess. The best that could happen was to earn favour and take the title of duke, but with no claim of succession to the Imperial Throne.

Even so, it was possible for a Mistress to carry the Crown Prince's child, and it was customary to hold a banquet. There was no wedding ceremony, however. The Mistress who would then later become a Concubine To Leonardo when he ascends To The Imperial Throne, after his Father's passing.

This would mean, then? Rosette Would be the centre of attention, a contract would be signed with the Chancellors agreement and then she would have more authority and power like she always has wanted.

The Crown prince , Leonardo coming to visit my chambers so early in the morning was unusual… It wasn't like him.

“When Is the Banquet Ceremony happening, Elisabeth?” Leonardo questioned As he glared At me, was something on his mind or someone.

“The New Years Eve Banquet?”

“Yes that one”

“I'm assuming you know the traditions and rules surrounding my lovers?”

“No, please enlighten me Leo”

I said calmly as I looked at him, as he was now standing from across my desk slightly leaning in closer as he fiddled with one of the invitations on the desk.

I stared silently at myself in the mirror that was placed on my desk.

I was prepared for Leonardo to make her his concubine...but I didn’t realise it would happen so soon, even when he's just the heir to the throne.

Judging by the timing, the ceremony might officially happen just before New Year’s Day.

“Haaa...”

A sigh emerged from deep inside me, and I felt nauseous at the thought of everyone coming up to me on New Year’s Day to talk about it. And even if they did not speak about it to my face, I was sure to hear them whispering from behind.

However, I could not ignore the fact that the Crown Prince  was taking in a concubine no matter how much I disliked it. I knew he liked this woman, I knew he cherished her… but all she will cause is trouble for the Empire.

There's no doubt about that, why did I feel sick about a decision he has made, that I'm not being forced to comply with!

“Simple,”

“Do you Plan to introduce her as an Imperial Concubine?”

“On the day of the New Years Eve Banquet”

“I plan to do so, Elisabeth” Leonardo said curtly, Before he then handed me a document, Wanting to me to sign it.

“There's going to be quite a number of guests, are you aware of that Leo?”

“I'm well aware of that, my dear”

I glanced at the document before I then looked back up at him. scanning Over the document in front of me I looked at the various words about how many benefits The Holder : “Rosette Toussaint” would get.

“!”

There was no harm to me. Really?... Leonardo's scowling gaze kept hitting my mind as he glared at me, expecting me to sign the document in front of me.

Do not tremble in front of him, I can't show him what I fear. I can't show him how much I'm scared of this.. this event i should be used to? But right now? I'm scared… terrified for what this future is, that of what this Life holds for me.