The Veil of Darkness
Chapter 95: Pros and Cons of Royalty

Chapter 95: Pros and Cons of Royalty

Damien watched as the Annalise in her memories remained kneeling in silence with her head lowered and her eyes fixed on the floor as she listened to her father whose every word was attacking her like a sharp dagger.

’Why did you never complain when your life was full of convenience and unconditional love from every person in your life? If you never complain about the good things in your life, how come you are complaining about the first trial that you have to face?’ The Grand Duke didn’t show any sort of mercy toward his daughter.

’We are the royals of this empire, Annalise. We have our duties towards our land. The royal title or the status of the nobility have their perks but they also come with responsibilities. You just can’t have the former while running from the latter. Besides, your marriage alliance has been decided by the King, even if I’m not happy with it, none of us can go against the royal edict.’

Annalise remained silent for a while and Damien noticed how the woman’s eyes were brimming with unshed tears when she finally looked up to face her father as she spoke - ’I apologize for my misbehavior, father. I only focused on my personal feelings while ignoring the main reason behind this marriage. As the only daughter of the Grand Duke and a Princess of this empire, I have some duties, and if that means I have to marry for an alliance, I won’t complain. I’ll take my leave now. Father should also rest for a while.’

Damien watched as the woman bowed before standing up and leaving the study. A couple of scenes fluttered past his vision and then he saw her standing in the corner of a familiar hallway as she watched her mother and father arguing over the matter of her sudden marriage edict.

Her mother seemed to be arguing and complaining with the Grand Duke. She seemed to be completely opposed to the idea of her only daughter getting married to not only one but three men who were rumored to be the epitome of pure evil, leaving in a castle that was rumored to be cursed for centuries.

’Are you really going to sit in the back and watch the life of our only daughter get destroyed? You are the Grand Duke of this empire. What’s the point of such wealth, power, and status if you can’t even save your daughter and her happiness from getting destroyed?’ The Grand Duchess questioned her husband.

But just like how Grand Duke remained stoic and unmoved by the words of his daughter, he carried a similar attitude towards his wife as he spoke - ’Why are you not understanding, Madam? This is the decision of His Majesty, the royal edict. And it’s for the good of our empire. The prophecy of the High Priestess says that the Dark Lords are the only ones who can save our empire from the evil force that is trying to ruin it. How can I, the Grand Duke, be so selfish to consider my daughter’s happiness over the safety of our entire empire?’

’But what about our daughter? You are ready to save the empire. His majesty is there to save the empire. The High Priestess, the Dark Lords, and even the entire royal army are there to save this empire but what about our daughter? Who’s going to save her?’ The Grand Duchess screamed at the top of her lungs as she shook her husband’s arm as if to get some sense in him.

’Don’t you know the rumors about the Dark Lords? They are said to be the evilest, they have been living here for nearly five hundred years, no one has ever seen them, no one knows their name, and they live in that cursed castle. Are we really going to let our daughter get married to people like them? Will we ever get to see her again once she will leave? Do you want me to lose my daughter because of your love and duties for your nation?’

Damien felt his own heart breaking as he watched Annalise crying while hiding in the shadows of the hallway as her mother poured her heart out while trying her best to request her husband to save their daughter from the marriage.

But no matter how hard the Grand Duchess tried, it was unable to change the mind of the Grand Duke. He seemed to be in pain too, it was evident in his aged eyes but he seemed determined to put his empire and people first instead of his personal matters or feelings.

The scene changed again and this time, Damien saw Annalise sitting in front of the huge window of her bed-chamber as she gazed at the night sky which was filled with dark clouds as a storm was brewing outside. She just sat there in silence with a blank expression on her face as she tried to come to terms with the new truth of her life.

The scene changed again and it was finally the night of the wedding. Annalise was sitting inside her bed-chamber dressed in a beautiful white wedding gown and adorned in exquisite jewelry and other accessories.

Damien could hardly take his eyes off the woman as she looked so pretty he started hating himself for missing the wedding ceremony. He and his brothers missed probably one of the most beautiful moments of their lives that night by missing the ceremony. She was looking breathtaking, almost like a goddess who descended from the heavens just to grace the mere mortals with her presence.

His attention was finally pulled away from her when the door of the bed-chamber opened and none other than the King entered, a scene that was quite shocking to be seen.

Annalise hurriedly stood up and bowed to greet the King who immediately stopped her. ’No need for such formalities, Princess Annalise. I’m here because I have something important to tell you.’