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My blood started to boil from this humiliation, and I fought to stay on my feet, refusing to let the pain and pressure break me. This is far from over.

If not for Samael's intervention, I might have been crushed by the sheer force of Elysia's mana.

"Mother!" Samael's voice cut through the tension, sharp and authoritative. "This is not the way to handle this."

"Samael," Elysia said, her tone softening slightly as she addressed her son. "You understand the gravity of her proposal, don't you? She asks you to forsake your family name, the Ashwood legacy."

Samael nodded, his expression grave. "I do, Mother. But we need to discuss this calmly. Lady Eveline came here with a proposal, and while it might not have been presented in the best manner, it deserves consideration."

I looked at Samael, my gratitude evident in my eyes. He was my only ally in this room, and I needed his support to navigate this delicate situation.

But this monster is in a different mood entirely...

"I think I should make a visit to your distinguished Clearwater family," She said those words as if my family was just a bug right under her thumb to be crushed at her whim.

Frankly, if the stories of elders in the family are anything to go by, it is the truth. She, the strongest mage of the kingdom did annihilated many families who made the mistake of becoming her enemy.

My face took on a horrified expression as I grasped the full extent of Elysia's unspoken threat. The implication of Elysia's "visit" was clear: it was not merely a social call but a declaration of potential destruction. Everyone in the kingdom knows not to provoke this living storm, especially when her family is concerned. Panic welled up inside me.

The room fell into a heavy silence as I struggled to regain my composure. My face once assured and resolute, was now a mask of fear and resignation. I opened my mouth to speak but seemed to find her voice faltering.

"Lady Elysia." I began, My voice trembling slightly. "I... I didn't intend for this situation to escalate so dramatically. My father and I are prepared to discuss alternative solutions and negotiate terms that accommodate your family's concerns."

Lady Elysia's gaze remained icy, her mana pressure still palpable but slightly tempered. "Let me be clear: Any attempt to separate my beloved from me will be met with the full force of my wrath. My family and I have endured much, and we will not accept any form of disrespect or coercion.

If the Clearwater family wishes to proceed with this alliance, they must be prepared to engage with us on equal terms and acknowledge the full weight of our strength and dignity."

I swallowed hard, my eyes darting between Elysia and Samael. "Of course, Lady Elysia. I assure you, that we only seek a partnership that is mutually beneficial and respectful of all parties involved. We will reconsider our proposal and seek a more balanced approach that respects the Ashwood family's standing."

Elysia's expression softened, though her eyes remained vigilant. "Good. Remember, it is not merely about political advantages but also about honoring the bonds that come with such an alliance. Our family's honor and integrity are non-negotiable."

With that, the intense pressure in the room began to recede, though the atmosphere remained tense. I, though visibly shaken, attempted to regain my composure. "Thank you for your understanding, Lady Elysia. I will relay your concerns to my father and arrange for a follow-up meeting to discuss revised terms."

Samael stepped forward, offering a reassuring smile. "I appreciate your willingness to adapt, Lady Eveline. It's important that we find a way forward that aligns with both our families' interests and values."

ADAPT?! My beautiful Arse!!! CAN'T YOU SEE MY WHOLE FAMILY IS THREATENED TO BE ANNIHILATED HERE?

But I nodded gratefully, my demeanor reflecting both relief and apprehension. "Thank you, Lord Samael. I look forward to our continued discussions."

"Thank you for your 'hospitality'." I immediately turned and took my leave as I crossed the doorframe of the exit, I literally ran and climbed my carriage as my good-for-nothing escorts ran after me.

Once inside the carriage, my composure crumbled. The adrenaline from the encounter with Elysia Ashwood left my hands trembling and my heart racing. The reality of her veiled threat weighed heavily on me, and the prospect of her visiting my family sent a chill down my spine.

The carriage ride back to the Clearwater estate was a blur, the familiar landscape passing by unnoticed as my mind raced with plans and contingencies. I needed to speak with my father immediately. We had underestimated the Ashwoods' resolve, particularly Elysia's, and this mistake could cost us dearly.

As the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Clearwater estate, I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. Panicking wouldn't help; I needed to be clear-headed and strategic. I stepped out of the carriage, my steps hurried as I made my way to my father's study.

"Father," I called as I pushed open the door, finding him at his desk, surrounded by stacks of documents and letters.

"Eveline," he looked up, concern etching his features as he saw the urgency in my expression. "What happened? AND WHAT'S WITH THIS E WHO DID THIS!!!"

"Father, please, calm down," I urged, though my voice trembled. I hadn't realized until now that there was blood on my hands, a reminder of Elysia's overwhelming power. "It was Lady Elysia. She... she made it clear that our proposal was unacceptable and issued a veiled threat against our family."

My father's face darkened with fury, his hands balling into fists. "That woman dares to threaten us? After everything we've done to secure this alliance?"

I nodded, my fear giving way to a grim determination. "We can't afford to provoke her further. We need to rethink our approach, and find a way to placate her without compromising our position."

Father took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "You're right. We can't act rashly. We need to be strategic. Tell me everything that happened."

I recounted the entire encounter, from Elysia's initial display of power to Samael's intervention and the final moments of our conversation. My father's expression grew more serious with each detail.

"Elysia is not someone we can challenge directly," he said finally. "We need to find a way to appeal to her sense of honor and integrity. Perhaps we can offer a different kind of alliance, one that strengthens both our families without requiring Samael to forsake his name."

"But how?" I asked, frustration evident in my voice. "What could we possibly offer that would satisfy her?"

"Lady Eveline, may I suggest an alternative," a voice spoke from the doorway. It was our trusted advisor, Lord Benedict, who had been listening quietly.

"Please, go ahead," my father said, motioning for Benedict to enter.

"Lady Elysia values family above all else," Benedict began. "What if we proposed a union that acknowledges and respects both family names? A partnership that does not require Samael to give up his heritage but instead celebrates the union of two powerful houses."

"Go on," my father said, intrigued.

"What if instead of demanding Lord Samael to forsake his family, We give our Lady Eveline to their family adapting their name and title? This way, the Ashwoods will not feel threatened or disrespected, and it would show that we are willing to honor their legacy by strengthening it with our own."

My father considered Benedict's words carefully. "You propose we marry Eveline into the Ashwood family, ensuring she adopts their name and customs?"

"Yes," Benedict replied. "This would demonstrate our respect for their heritage and our willingness to integrate our families. Additionally, we could offer a significant dowry or joint venture that benefits both families, solidifying the alliance."

I felt a surge of mixed emotions. While the idea of becoming an Ashwood and the potential benefits of such an alliance were promising, the thought of leaving my family and the uncertainty of my future weighed heavily on me.

"Eveline, what do you think?" my father asked, turning his gaze to me.

"I... I see the logic in Lord Benedict's proposal," I began, choosing my words carefully. "If it can ensure peace and strengthen our position without provoking Lady Elysia's wrath, then it is worth considering. However, we must negotiate terms that also protect our family's interests and ensure my well-being."

"Of course," my father said, nodding. "We will make sure the terms are favorable and fair. Benedict, draft a proposal outlining this new arrangement. We will present it to the Ashwoods and see if it meets their approval."

"Yes, my lord," Benedict replied, bowing slightly before leaving the room.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. This was a significant step, and while it carried risks, it also presented an opportunity to build a stronger alliance with the Ashwoods. I just hoped that Lady Elysia and Samael would see the value in this new proposal and agree to it.

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

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