414 Determined To Be A Concubine
The next day, King Theron informed his mother about his decision. Esther herself had made a list of qualified candidates and chose the granddaughter of Duke Walter as the First Concubine for her husband. Clarisa Walter was not only the most beautiful maiden in the capital, she also had the strongest background as the Walter Duchy was among the wealthiest and most powerful territories in Megaris, which would prove to be strong support for the young king.
Though Esther was the incumbent Queen in charge of the royal harem, in her absence she had appointed Queen Theodora to handle this matter with the help of Lady Tyra. Everything was carried on according to the customs of the royal family.
Before the young lady of the Walter Family officially entered the royal harem, King Theron asked to see her first as he needed to clear things with her.
As summoned by the King, Lady Clarisa came to his study with the most impressive dress she had available in her wardrobe. In order to have the best first impression, she made sure she looked and acted perfectly in front of her would-be husband. Truth be told, Lady Clarisa was considered a maiden well past her prime. It was normal for daughters of nobility to be engaged with a man their families chose, and that after their coming-of-age ceremony, it would only be a matter of time before their marriage would be scheduled.
However, she had liked King Theron for a long time, and she had convinced her grandfather to decline any proposals made her way unless it came from the royal palace. She was extremely disappointed after King Theron married Esther, but she remained stubborn and kept waiting. She was happy knowing her patience bore fruit, and that she was chosen to be King Theron’s First Concubine. As long as she was with Theron Ivanov, she was fine even if she was not made queen.
“Clarisa Walter of the Walter Duchy greets His Majesty King Theron Ivanov,” she greeted with the loveliest smile she could, the one she had practised in front of the mirror for days, feeling extremely nervous in front of her future husband.
King Theron put the scroll in his hand aside and looked at her with an expressionless face. “Have a seat.”
With her gaze kept low as per the palace etiquette, she walked towards the chair and sat in it with a perfect posture.
“Lady Clarisa, I am sure you know you have been chosen to be my concubine,” he said, directly jumping to the point. His voice was calm and civil, as if he was simply discussing a work report he had read to his aide.
However, the young lady was unaware of this. With a light blush covering her lowered face, she nodded. “Yes, I am aware, Your Majesty.”
“Before you agree to it, I would like to make a few things clear. After that, if you wish to reject this arrangement, the royal family will respect your decision. I assure you on my name that no one will blame you for it, and that your reputation will not be harmed.”
In her opinion, there was no reason to reject this offer and simply nodded to what he said.
King Theron continued to speak with a nonchalant, business-like tone. “For me, this arrangement is simply to produce an heir for this kingdom. This is a transaction between you and me, and there would be nothing more than that. You will be married to me on paper, but you are not my wife. Do not expect things like love or passion or anything more from me. Being a royal concubine and future mother of the heir, you will get the best treatment in this palace and you will find none lacking in the lifestyle you have as a young lady of a ducal family. But remember your place. You are just a concubine, one who would give birth to my child, but you will be nothing more than that. Esther will always be the one sitting next to me on that throne. She will always be the queen of this kingdom and no one would ever take her place as long as I am a king.”
Her mind went blank. It was as if she could still hear his words, yet none of them registered in her brain. With her head still lowered, the young lady felt as if she was being seen by the man behind the desk not as a person, but as an item, a mere object.
‘It hurts,’ she found herself thinking.
She heard him continue speaking, though his tone was gentler, more humane this time around. “My words are callous and rude, and I believe this is far from what the young lady expects from her future husband. This is why I wish to inform you of this before you sign your life away married to a man who will never be able to give you his heart. No woman deserves that. Do not hurry to answer me. You can go back and think about it.”
Lady Clarisa snapped back to reality. Though his words were painful, she remained stubborn. She wasn’t stupid and she could see that he only has eyes for his first wife, but she wanted to hold on. She wanted to hope. As long as she didn’t give up, maybe, just maybe, she could earn herself a bit of his love.
“I accept all your conditions, Your Majesty.”
King Theron didn’t expect her to answer right away. He frowned. “Did I not make myself clear? Are you sure you will allow yourself to be reduced to having such a marriage, Lady Clarisa?”
She nodded and finally dared to look him straight in the eyes. King Theron saw the unyielding determination in those blue eyes. “I have long back given my heart to Your Majesty. Even though you won’t love me, I feel fortunate to be by your side. To be married to the one I have love, this is happiness for me. “
King Theron could see her genuine feelings for him but there was no way he could reciprocate them. For him, there would be no one but Esther.
“Fine,” was all he said. “You may now excuse yourself. My knights outside will escort you out.”
“I will take a leave then, Your Majesty,” Lady Clarisa said with a perfect curtsy.
She left the study with a heavy heart, but her eyes remained stubborn as she walked away with pride..
‘This is a choice I made for my happiness. Though His Majesty doesn’t have feelings for me, after I give birth to our child, I believe that I can earn his affection, even if a little. Theron Ivanov, I will make you look at me.’