Predatory Marriage - Chapter 94

The room fell silent. Ishakan stared at Leah. Her breath quickened under his sharp eyes, though she tried her best to remain impassive and ignore the panic tightening in her chest.

According to the Estian laws of succession, women could not inherit the throne. Prince Blaine was currently the only legitimate heir. But if Byun Gyeonbaek became part of the royal family by marrying Leah…

That was what Leah had told him, when she had last spoken to him. He could become king if he took her hand, and that was all she needed to say. The greed in his eyes had glowed green. In that moment, his imagination had spread wings and soared away.

But those ambitious dreams would be shattered.There was one crucial condition: their marriage would have to survive for a certain period of time before his position was legitimized. If Leah died on her first night with Byun, his right to the succession would die before it was born. All his ambitions would be in vain.

She had hidden that portion of the truth from him. Her sweet words had calmed him and distracted him. With that, she had ensured that he would not take action while the negotiations proceeded, though she couldn’t deny the possibility that things might get more complicated later on. If that time came, she could not afford to be shy or hesitant. Leah would need to be as confident as she was now, sitting before Ishakan.

“Great,” Ishakan finally said. He ran his fingers through his hair, discouraged. “I have to admit, you brought up an unexpected argument.”

Haban’s mouth was open in surprise, and Genin’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. Ishakan straightened up, no longer lounging against his seat, and smiled at Leah.

“Fine. I accept your terms and will sign the peace treaty.”

Surprise flashed briefly across Leah’s face and her eyes widened. Was it really that easy? But unfortunately for her, Ishakan was a formidable opponent.

“In addition, I request a demonstration of confidence from Estia,” he said.

Instantly, the requests he might make and the countermeasures she might suggest sprang into her mind. But Ishakan wasn’t done.

“I’ve heard that there’s nothing better than a marriage alliance to strengthen the solidarity between two countries.”

Leah blinked. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his chin propped in his hands. He looked confident and fierce, his voice seductive.

“I would like to take the royal princess of Estia for my betrothed,” he whispered. “What do you think?”

“That’s ridiculous!” shouted Finance Minister Laurent, rising from his chair. Count Valtein caught him by his clothes and pulled him back down.

Genin and Haban, standing at attention behind Ishakan, examined the Finance Minister, and then looked back at Ishakan, tension clear despite their expressionless eyes. Count Valtein understood what they were thinking, and under the table he kicked the Finance Minister as a warning.

Ishakan watched the interplay, untroubled. “Isn’t this a similar condition to yours? Comparing them, they seem exactly the same. You shouldn’t be too surprised by this.”

Extending his long fingers, he tapped the table lightly.

“Let’s end the discussion at this point for today. I don’t think we can talk things over properly under the current conditions. We need time to cool our heads and clear things up. Can you schedule a second meeting for a later date?”

Leah’s whole body tensed.

“I can…do that,” she managed.

“Then, I beg you to consider everything carefully, Princess.”

Ishakan rose. Over the course of their discussion, she had forgotten his massive figure, less noticeable while he was seated. Now, his massive form was once again revealed. Ishakan smiled down at her, looking intently at her for a moment, and then left the room.