Marquis Samuel Deor, was my father in this life. To me, he was the ultimate enemy. And he too displayed his animosity as I grew older.
Ever since I discovered the magical powers which had traces of existence in this world, I researched upon them and tried to covet them.
However, I had only been successful in using the power of hypnosis. According to myths, a few other families possessed their own supernatural powers.
'The Relic of Health' which I had heard father talk about, seemed to be an ancient artifact, according to history books. The search for magical artifacts was futile as none seemed to exist. But sometimes I wondered, what if someone else had gotten a hold of these? It wouldn't be good to make an enemy out of them. So all my magic related research had been done secretly.
Most of my activities, were done secretly. For example, up until recently did mother know of my business 'Wine'. Harper and Henry had begun to help me with operations a few years ago too. In the beginning, I had handled everything I did alone.
Anyways, back to my situation with father. I always had the feeling father had a secret backup plan. He didn't seem to have much care for Cardin. He rarely called in the young man for lessons on how to be the Marquis. That was why ever since I gained influence, I tailed all of fathers movements to find out whether he had an heir outside of home.
However none of my skilled watchmen had brought back any vital information. So I thought, maybe there was nothing?
Still, I couldn't be at ease. I knew the mind of my father, almost as if we shared the same psychology. I hate the bastard to death, he's the only one who keeps on standing in the way of all my plans. But, I can't deny the fact that we're too similar people.
I couldn't say I was any better than him. We were both ambitious people who would stop at nothing to get what we wanted. All our lives, was full of manipulating people to become one of our own.
'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?'
Although he seemed agitated by my threats, I could see a spark of confidence, even if it was only a glimmer, each time I spoke to him. His confidence had to stem from somewhere. He must have a backup plan. Maybe he had gotten the power of hypnosis?
I quickly shook of the thought.
'If he did, he would have killed me the moment he got back to the mansion'
The Marquis was rather impulsive. He wasn't a man of patience in any form. If he had gotten the power, he wouldn't hesitate to end me. Or has he given up on all his ambitions? Does he want to settle with his family here in the South?
"I have to find a solution. We can't stop now, when our plans are already in motion"
I recalled his words from when I was five years old. The father that I knew wasn't one to settle for less. He had plans which he had to accomplish. What were these plans? All my life, I have struggled in finding out the specifics but from the little things I have gathered, the Marquis, no, he doesn't deserve my respect for his title, father, he...seems to be part of the Empire's rebels.
The Deor name didn't seem to satisfy him enough. But still, he didn't want to throw the family away completely in case he needs support in the case of either failure or success. And he would take pride in having a son. A son, who was capable and would do all his bidding.
'Or is he now willing to settle for Cardin?'
If Cardin were to help, he'd surely make their plans fall apart. He was, well, what word, hmm, stupid. Yes. The young man was too stupid to involve himself in politics.
'And especially not a rebellion'
I truly wondered how father would act if I were to become Empress, before he can even stage a rebellion act.
'It would be nice to see him go crazy with anger. Or rather, jealousy'
Father's hate for me had stemmed from a deep jealousy. He was jealous that I possessed the Deor family power. Things like this always upset him. Imagine if I were to rule the Empire? He'd hate me even more. The fact that I would hold a seat higher than him. That I would be referred to, as a ruler of the nation. He might run mad with anger. Haha. I'm suddenly excited for my wedding with Nathan!
'Be calm Adrianna. You have some little things to finish up, before you'll become Empress'
What things? Someone like me always has a bit of some 'errands' to run before they can have their happy moment. You know, evidence to fabricate, names to destroy, deaths to cause. The usual.
I suddenly felt a light tap on my shoulder, making me, snap out of my thoughts.
"Yes?" I looked up at Henry, who's expression seemed a bit disturbed.
"Well, lady. I noticed something strange"
I turned to face him properly to watch as he spoke. "What is it?"
"It's about Paisley's mother, Lady Ashley"