The King's Rejected Lady

You Remembered?

King Elphaim understood the noble faction's sentiments, but it was understandable for Lady Victoria to seek the help of the aristocratic faction when her father would obviously abandon her. "Just like you said Lady Victoria Rozenreff, the law in this empire stated that the heir with the greater connection and power will take the seat of the inheritance. But we do not recognize the power of the crown princes from other kingdoms in the empire, you know that too, right Lady Victoria?" King Elphaim's eyes told Tori that she already lost. But for a split second, the king saw how Tori smiled slyly at him before it changed to its original sweet smiling face.

"I know, Your Majesty. That's why King Leon Monakre and Emperor Mei Lin came to this noble trial." They're my insurance should you use that law against me. I guess being two steps ahead is not a bad thing. I can already tell where Prince Corean got on his sly side.

Laughing while stroking his beard, King Leon eyed Tori with utmost curiosity. He was astonished that she bravely confronted Crown Prince Yei Lin just to bring back his lost son. No matter what her reason would be. King Leon decided to help her as he owed her a great deal.

Emperor Rei Lin, on the other hand, liked Tori's cunning strategies in bringing down Marquess Zoliel. Even her proposals about the grains and sugar astounded him that such a common item could destroy nobles and aristocrats when played wickedly. For Emperor Rei Lin, Tori was a rare gem that he intended to polish for the Ming country's benefit.

Nodding their heads as confirmation of her claim, King Elphaim was once again pushed back to the corner. To stabilize the growing empire, he needed a partnership between these two countries. With nothing to argue, the king made the obvious royal call. "I, King Elphaim, Blessed Sun of Gaia, hereby recognized the claim of Lady Victoria Rozenreff, first of her name and the eldest daughter of Duke Luwen Rozenreff. With the laws upon us, the weight of high society tilts its favor to Lady Victoria Rozenreff, making her the effective official heir of the Duchy."

"No!" Sabina shrieked like a banshee as she tried to stand up and aim for the smiling Victoria. The sullen Duke stopped her second daughter immediately. "Sabina, no."

The Duke nodded at the flustered Shena who was standing at their back the whole time. "Take her back to the estate. I will have to talk to Victoria." He knew that a royal call was something that could not be changed. He looked at his eldest daughter, who was happily smiling at the center of the aristocratic faction who went down to greet her. Walking towards Victoria, Duke Luwen interrupted the ongoing pre-celebration. "Victoria."

All eyes shifted to the newly arrived Duke. Tori snapped her attention to her father. "Father," Tori greeted the Duke sweetly.

"Let's talk for a moment, Victoria." The Duke addressed his daughter but his eyes were looking at the second prince who was standing close to Victoria.

"Of course, father." Tori led the Duke out of the courtroom, leaving her companions. She led him to the room she occupied earlier to talk privately. The entire journey toward the room was silent as they could not deny the tension. Just before they could enter the room, Tori regarded Lily, who was just waiting outside the room.

Lily's face was full of worry and fear. When she realized who she was with, her anxiety grew evident for Tori to see. "Lady Tori. Duke Rozenreff."

The Duke did not even acknowledge the handmaiden as he only looked forward. "It's alright, Lily. Just prepare us some tea and don't let anyone enter the room."

You did well, Lily.

"I understand, Lady Tori." Lily hurriedly went on her way after she showed them respect.

Without even glancing at her father, Tori opened the door for him. The Duke's emotionless face welcomed Tori as she sat in front of him.

Not wasting his precious time, the Duke started. "Why? There are so many questions in me, but my pressing concern is why are you opposing me, your father?" His eyes held betrayal from what she did and anger for her disobedience.