am-books Chapter 7: Bound by Law
Chapter 7: Bound by Law
Chapter 7: Bound by Law
I need to support my brother's play. Marriage doesn't bother me much, but it came unexpectedly.
Athena's voice rose, tinged with panic. "An honor? I don't even know who this person is! How can I be married without consent?"
The director sighed, folding his hands on the desk.
The director looked helpless, which is funny.
"Consent is not required in such cases. This process ensures the preservation of exceptional genetic traits and the continuation of noble bloodlines."
Does that mean I have good genes? Would that also mean I am prone to danger? Like being subjected to experiments if noticed by evil forces?
"Can my sister divorce the person?"
"Divorce, I'm afraid, is prohibited unless under specific circumstances, such as violence or abuse."
Nah. I doubt someone can abuse me, I'm very good at draining blood.
Lawrence stood abruptly, his presence towering over the director. "This is outrageous. No one has the right to dictate her life like this."
Brother, let's stop struggling...
Director Morge maintained his composure, though his tone turned firm. "Major General, I understand your concerns, but this is not a matter of opinion. It is imperial law."
Let's play safe, brother...
Athena's thoughts moved. Her knuckles were white as she held onto the chair's edge. "Who is he? Who did I supposedly marry?"
Come on, tell me.
The director hesitated for a moment before pulling up a holographic display. A profile appeared, and both siblings leaned in.
The name glowed on the screen: Duke Mors Jericho.
Athena blinked. "The empire's youngest major general? The hero of the Sinalta Campaign?"
I saw his picture on Starnet once, he is handsome!
Lawrence looked equally stunned but quickly recovered, his protective instincts kicking in.
"This changes nothing. Whether he's a hero or not, this is unacceptable. We'll find a way to fix this."
Brother, we can't fight it.
Director Morge gave a small, regretful shake of his head.
"I'm afraid there's nothing to fix, Major General. This marriage is as binding as any other, and it has already been recorded in the interstellar registry."
Athena slumped back in her seat, her thoughts a whirlwind.
"It wasn't an instant realization, mind you. It took time, effort, and countless arguments. But eventually, we fell in love. Real love, not something orchestrated by the empire."
Athena sat back, her mind reeling. It was almost unbelievable to think of her strict and domineering grandfather in a passionate, turbulent love affair.
The duke leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk.
"Sometimes, life throws unexpected things our way, Athena. They may seem like obstacles at first, but they can become blessings in disguise."
Yes, like my death and resurrection...
"That was my experience. But I understand if you feel differently. After all, not everyone's heart works the same way."
Athena's gaze fell to her hands. As an assassin in her previous life, she'd spent years learning to suppress emotions. Romantic love? It had been a concept as foreign to her as the stars.
"It's... complicated for me, Grandfather," she admitted softly. Love wasn't something I was allowed to feel before. I don't even know if I can.
Duke Nathaniel reached across the desk and gently patted her hand.
"Then take your time. No one is asking you to fall in love overnight, least of all the man you've been assigned to. But don't close yourself off to the possibility, Athena."
I can only try.
"You've already endured so much. You deserve a chance to find happiness, even if it comes in an unexpected form."
Athena nodded slowly, the warmth of her grandfather's words sinking into her heart. But deep down, uncertainty still lingered.
Could someone like her, with blood-stained hands and a guarded soul, ever embrace the idea of love?
-
When Athena returned to her room, sorting through the flood of emotions and thoughts swirling in her mind, Duke Nathaniel was taking matters into his own hands.
In his private study, he placed a call to the Jericho family. The holographic screen projected the dignified face of General Adrien Jericho, Mors Jericho's grandfather.
"Nathaniel," Adrien greeted with a deep, booming voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Adrien, it seems fate has decided to intertwine our families," Duke Nathaniel said with a faint smile.
"I've recently discovered that my granddaughter, Athena, is married to your grandson, Major General Mors Jericho."
Adrien's eyes widened, his surprise quickly turning into a delighted laugh.
"Well, this is unexpected! Mors didn't mention a word. But if the Main Interstellar Brain made the match, then it must be something extraordinary."
"Indeed. Athena wasn't aware of it either until today. She's still adjusting to the idea, but I thought it best to inform you."
"Adjusting, you say?" Adrien said with a knowing smirk.
"Don't worry, Nathaniel. We'll ensure Mors gets a proper scolding for not bringing this to light sooner. I'll talk to the family, we'd love to meet our new granddaughter-in-law."
Nathaniel nodded, his expression softening. "Let's give them time to meet first. It's clear Athena has a lot on her mind, and I'm sure Mors does as well."