Wouldn’t It Be Better to Marry the Eldest Son Instead?

Flora, the beloved youngest daughter of the Shallong family. One day, her father tells her she must marry Emeric, the second son of their family’s sworn enemy. “What do you mean? By royal decree? Marrying into the Blois family?” And of all people, not the eldest son—a gentleman among gentlemen—but the second son, Emeric, notorious for his terrible temper! In deep despair, Flora sent Emeric a letter saying she couldn’t marry him. [Dear Lady Flora, I received your letter a few days ago. However, as your words were far too absurd, I am replying out of courtesy. The groom will not change. From Emeric Blois.] Leaving her with the worst first impression possible, the marriage proceeds without a hitch! ❖ At first, she thought him nothing more than another vile member of the Blois family. But when she begins to investigate the family secret that started it all, Flora and Emeric slowly begin to draw closer. “When the day comes that I can fully trust you, I’ll show you her diary then.” “You say it with remarkable poise for something you clearly mean never to show me.” “What makes you so sure?” “I’m a Shallong, and you’re a Blois.” Emeric frowned. “And why is that a problem?” “Do you really have to ask? Even children know this!” “You are Flora, and I am Emeric.” “…So you mean, we’re simply ‘us’.” His reply, strangely, struck a chord deep within her. “When the day comes that you trust me enough to call me Eric…” Emeric stopped speaking and stroked Flora’s cheek again. “I will make sure no one lays a hand on this face, on this body. No one will ever dare touch the wife of Emeric Blois.”