The Heir (A forbidden love, yet impossible to resist...)

int settlement; he reigned over the hearts and minds of those who lived here. The irony was that his office as leader was neit

r avarice but through wise investments, prudent management, and an understanding of commerce and agriculture, which are the lifeblood

s were almost standard. Richard's voice commanded weight, whether it was at a local assembly or one of the council meetings they

master of the distant sort but mingled into their number as a neighbour, a friend, even a confidant. His policies were directed toward raising the material standard of living for all, and

ial night for those times when things got normal and warm in their home but ended up being nothing but sombre. It wasn't just that Elaine's sleep was suffering, it wasn't ju

fort and understand. He knew, per usual, her mother, typically a vibrant, cheerful person, was melancholic because of a

ed beside her, Richard asked gently. Her eyes

see my grandson. Richard Montgomery hasn

wn with a career. Elaine was sad about this point because she b

mise you, you'll see your grandson soon, Mom. She assured and told hi

reassurance. Let's not sweat the small stuff that's not in o

ed. Now it did not appear quite so daunting, the room warmer for their shared conversation. He

his mother tonight, but that wouldn't solve the underlying problem. He wanted to help solve thi

ess seemed like the weight of this issue was pressing on him, but subtly, for years. Richard became

. When Edgar mused for a moment, he came with an unconventional yet old family tradition inspired solution. He reminded Richard of the annual festival

what you can do." During the Ancestors Requiem festival, choose 10 women among the attendees. He paused for effect, but, 'you

self intrigued, but sceptica

ain a fit partner.' " The tests may have been intellectual, or the ability to perform domestic chores or just socia

nstead, it wasn't about just getting a spouse, it was about the person fitting in and being accepted within the family'

ght, Edgar. Let's do this. He felt some apprehension and some hop

on and culture when he journeyed to the Ancestors Requiem festival. I wanted to save them the search for a partner an

ome together to show gratitude and pay reverence to all the Ancestors who have immortalised their lives in sacrifice for th

all 10 ladies invited to his mansion in the royal village. The ladies were

day of the festival. The lord himself also greeted them and invited them to his hom

He introduced himself to the ladies with a warm smile, his words polite but not necessarily cold and definitely without an air of fake w

stinguished mother. Richard gave his brother a solemn air, as he sent him to convey his will to the gathered ladie

ust travel to become Richard Montgomery's wife.' You have already passe

palpable feeling of exci

dividual self and determine who amongst you may carry improper sentiments or conduct,' Edga

the most highly exacting conduct. They knew the incalculable power of keeping the breaking

f ladies. She had an alluring charm in her face that drew all who beheld her, save one notable except

70% of its male population was entranced by her heart, leaving the elderly and young c

ry's. She realised the strength of feminine wiles, and plotting to dispose of all possible competition hatched a clever scheme.

ail, blackmailed her way into targeting people who dared to stand in her path. To manipulate and control her rivals she used

one of her rivals. She approached Charlotte with an innocent facade, her sweet voice and disarming appeara

de, knowing that the innocent Charlotte would be unaware of the sinister plot unfolding. With calculate

ery, knowing full well the damage it would inflict. Montgomery's reaction was swift and furio

veins. She had successfully blackmailed her competitor and ensured her downfall. Charlotte, once