Chapter 203: Hearts and Politics

Mira's words hung in the air, their weight crashing into the room like a tidal wave.

"Why don't you marry my sister, Lira?" she had said, her voice calm, composed. "Then, perhaps, our alliance can be as strong as steel."

Adrian's eyes widened for a brief moment before he regained his composure, though the surprise was evident in the slight tension that rippled through his body.

Of all the strategies Mira could have employed, this was one he hadn't anticipated.

Across the room, Lira's reaction was far more visceral. Her face flushed crimson as she spun toward her sister, her arms unfolding from her chest and fists clenched tightly.

"What are you talking about?!" she blurted out, her voice high-pitched with shock and disbelief. She took a step away from the wall, her posture stiff, her earlier composed demeanor now entirely shattered.

"I can't believe you're saying this!" Lira continued, her eyes wide as she stared at her older sister.

"You can't decide something this serious just like that! Without even consulting me—or our parents!"

Her voice was edged with both panic and indignation, as if Mira had crossed a line she never expected her to approach.

"And most importantly," Lira added, her tone growing sharper as she tried to pull herself back from her emotions, "we don't even know if Baron Everhart has a fiancée or not. You can't throw something like this into the air without thinking."

Mira's lips curled ever so slightly, though her expression remained calm, almost cold.

"Lira," she began, her voice carrying a subtle tone of chastisement, "this is politics, not a romantic fairytale. Decisions like this aren't always about feelings or even family. They are about alliances, power, and survival in a world where hesitation could be our downfall. Marriages amongst nobles are rarely about love."

Lira clenched her jaw, her hands trembling slightly at her sides.

Her loyalty to her family had always been her driving force, but this—this was a step she hadn't considered, and it was one that felt far too sudden, far too calculated for her comfort.

While she was grateful to Adrian, and might have a little interest in him, it didn't mean she wanted to marry him right now, without properly knowing him.

Adrian, meanwhile, remained silent, his mind racing. He had wanted Lira for her unique ability.

It was a strategic interest—nothing more, nothing less. While he didn't mind making Lira his women, marrying her would be out of his consideration for now.

That was an entirely different proposition, one that carried more weight than any temporary alliance.

He knew Mira's suggestion wasn't without merit. Marrying Lira would cement a bond between the Everhart and Blackthorn families, granting him the influence he needed to further his goals.

But marriage was not something he had been contemplating—not now, not like this.

Still, Adrian understood the intricacies of noble politics better than most.

He knew that what Mira was proposing could strengthen his position significantly, especially with Vortigern's shadow looming ever closer.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice measured but carrying an undertone of tension.

"Lady Mira, your proposal… is unexpected." He glanced at Lira, whose gaze was still burning into her sister, before returning his focus to Mira.

"While I understand the political advantage of such a union, I do not take the matter of marriage lightly. It is not something I can decide on in the heat of a single conversation."

Mira's eyes flickered with interest. "Of course, Baron Everhart," she replied smoothly, her tone never wavering.

"I wouldn't expect you to make such a decision immediately. But I believe it's something worth considering. Especially given the potential benefits for both of our families."

Lira shot her sister another glare, but her hands relaxed slightly. She couldn't deny that Mira's logic was sound—at least, in the cold, calculating world of noble politics.

Still, the idea of being used as a bargaining chip in such a way left a sour taste in her mouth.

Adrian took a step forward, his posture relaxed yet commanding as he addressed both sisters.

"Let me be clear," he began, his voice firm. "While I have no current fiancée, I am in relationship with more than one women. Although I understand there are advantages with marriage with Lady Lira. But I will not be coerced into making such a decision without serious thought. This is not something that should be rushed. I have to discuss with my women and besides I will also like to take into consideration lady Lira's feeling as well."

Mira inclined her head, her expression calm and unreadable. "Naturally. I only ask that you consider it, Baron Everhart. As I said, this is not a decision to be made lightly. But time is not always a luxury we have."

Lira looked down, her chest still heaving slightly from her earlier outburst.

She had no intention of allowing herself to be pushed into a marriage without her consent, but at the same time, she couldn't shake the weight of the political reality she found herself in.

The silence returned, the tension in the room hanging thickly in the air. Adrian studied both women carefully, his thoughts once again spinning in quiet contemplation.

He had no desire to marry Lira—at least, not yet. But he couldn't dismiss the proposal entirely. Mira had set the stage, and now, the pieces had begun to move.

"Very well," Adrian finally said, his voice calm but resolute. "I will consider your offer. But understand this—my decision will not be rushed. I will have to take my women's feelings into consideration as well."

Mira nodded, satisfied for now. Lira, however, remained silent, her eyes filled with a mixture of conflict and uncertainty.

The heavy silence lingered for a moment longer, with Mira's composed expression and Lira's stormy gaze locked in a quiet exchange.

Adrian had skillfully maneuvered through the sudden proposal, but the atmosphere remained tense.

Sensing the need to shift the mood, Adrian cleared his throat, stepping forward as he motioned toward a small table near the window where light from the rising sun began to spill in.

"Perhaps we should continue discussing this over breakfast," he suggested, his voice calm yet inviting. "It would give us a chance to go over everything more thoroughly."