"I believe they are exactly the kind of demands one makes of a leader who Is more accustomed to taking orders" Scarlett's words struck deep In me I couldn't react then the music faded and the dance stopped I let go of her and stepped back, keeping my composure I said "I thank you for the dance Duchess Blackwood" Scarlett replied "the pleasure Is mine your Imperial majesty....oh looks like my husband and her Imperial majesty are done too well then, I shall meet you soon... and don't forget about what I said hehe" she left with a soft chuckle, leaving me humiliated, Sofia came to me and said while looking at my face "dear are you okay your face looks red...did something happen?" I forced a smile adjusting my dress and replied "oh...It's nothing my love Just the heat of the room" after that we went back and sat on the throne then I asked "did Duke blackwood said something to you?" Sofia replied "well I asked him about the coup and what he wants.....but he said I am Impatient and should wait till the ball Is over so In the end I couldn't get anything from him" I sighed and said "I guess we have no choice but to go In blind" after the ball came to an end everyone started leaving, me and sofia went to the guest room and ordered a maid to guide Liam and Scarlett here.
As time went on I grew more anxious waiting while Sofia sat on the couch calmly the silence of the guest room was crushing a stark contrast to the earlier ballroom then the door opened, Liam and Scarlett entered the room, Liam respectful bowed while Scarlett offered a graceful curtsy I said "welcome sit down" they sat a across from us then Liam said "your Imperial majesties we appreciate your time as I mentioned before for ensuring the continued reign of the house of snow some adjustments are required" I replied "speak plainly Duke Blackwood you requested this audience to state your terms" Liam smiled and said "my terms? your majesty you seem to believe I am a lone wolf at your door, you believe that If you can satisfy me the empire remains Intact but did you wonder why Duke Ironhand, Duke Sunspear, and Duke Redstone didn't attend the ball".....I was so focused on Liam I didn't pay attention to them I looked at Liam and said "what do you mean?" Liam smirked and said "right now the three Duke's are ready with their army's because they have all pledged their swords to my cause" the air left my lungs hearing that, beside me I felt Sofia's hand clenched Into a knuckled fist, I realized that I was alone my father had held these men by their throats with sheer will and strength, I had held them with nothing but a title and the title had finally proven too light, ever since the holy empire was created the four Dukedom's had differences and fought with each other for power but I never thought they would put their differences aside and unite for power, If James hadn't betrayed me I would had some leverage In this negotiations but now this Is no longer a negotiation but a chance for me to surrender or die then Liam said "now you still have a way out of this If you agree to our terms but....It Is a price you have to pay both politically and...personally" I didn't understand what he meant by that then Liam leaned forward and said the terms
1 - house of snow can reign the empire but behind the scenes every decision will be made by the four Dukedom's.
2 - Residents of house of snow has to follow whatever order four Dukedom's gives.
3 - Imperial princess Luna will marry Duke blackwood as his second wife.
I slammed the table with my fist and shouted "this Is outrageous you ask for my sister as a trophy? You ask me to be a puppet In my own palace? I am the emperor of the holy empire I will not be your footstool" Liam didn't even flinch he leaned back, his expression cold then he replied smoothly "then you are the emperor of a graveyard, one word from me and general James will take control of the royal palace and they won't be as polite as me" the room went cold I understood I am a emperor without a empire, my gaze drifted to Scarlett she was looking at me with a smirk and her word's echoed In the back of my mind "I believe they are exactly the kind of demands one makes of a leader who Is more accustomed to taking orders..." In that moment I felt a collar around my neck and the leash was In Scarlett's hand this sent a shameful thrill through my body I felt my face heat up, not with rage but with a submissive flush I said with my hands trembling as I placed them on my lap "I..." my voice cracked "I understand the...necessity of your terms" Sofia gasped her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and betrayal she grabbed my arm and said "Alan? what are you saying?" her voice was trembling "they are threatening your sister, they are stealing your birthright" I couldn't look at her and I noticed Scarlett looking at us with her chin on her hand, her sharp eyes sparkling with delight as she watched the "the emperor and empress" crumble before her Sofia turned to Liam and Scarlett, her eyes blazing with fire she shouted "you won't get away with this the people love the house of snow they will rise up" Liam rose from his seat and replied dismissively while walking "the people follow the man with the sword her Imperial majesty and It seems your husband understands that" after saying that Liam stopped walking and turned towards us then he unbuttoned his pants and dropped them revealing his dick.