MARRIED TO THE DEVIL HIMSELF

Chapter 2: The Empire's Pawn

Aurora couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as she left the ballroom. The encounter with Emperor Blackwood had left her on edge, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was playing at. She knew better than to trust him, but a part of her was drawn to the power and charisma he exuded.

As she walked through the palace corridors, she was intercepted by one of the emperor's aides. "Miss Valentina, the emperor requests your presence in his study," he said, his voice formal.

Aurora's instincts screamed at her to refuse, but she knew that wouldn't be wise. She nodded curtly and followed the aide to the emperor's study.

The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles illuminating the space. Emperor Blackwood sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed intently on her as she entered. "Ah, Miss Valentina," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'm glad you could join me. I believe we have some...business to discuss."

Aurora's heart sank as she realized what this might be about. Her father's debts, perhaps? Or some other favor the emperor wanted to extract from her family? She steeled herself for the worst. "What is it that you want, Emperor?" she asked, her voice firm.

The emperor leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "I think you'll find this proposal...interesting. You see, I've been considering the alliances between the great houses of our empire, and I've come to the conclusion that our families would benefit greatly from a union."

Aurora's eyes widened in shock. "A union?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

The emperor nodded. "Yes. A marriage between us would secure the Valentina family's debts and provide a strategic alliance between our houses. It would be...beneficial for both parties involved."

Aurora felt like she'd been punched in the gut. Marry the devil himself? She couldn't think of anything worse. But what choice did she have? Her family's fate hung in the balance, and she knew her father would do anything to save their estate.

"I'll need time to consider," she said finally, trying to keep her voice steady.

The emperor's smile grew wider. "I'm afraid time is a luxury we don't have, Miss Valentina. The empire demands swift action. I'll expect your answer by tomorrow morning. And let me make one thing clear: refusal is not an option."

Aurora's heart sank as she realized she was trapped. The emperor's words hung in the air like a challenge, and she knew she had to make a choice. Would she accept his proposal, or would she risk everything to defy him?