Chapter 45: The Marines

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I still didn’t know if this was real or a video game or if that distinction mattered. But I knew that this world definitely ran on video game logic. Because as soon as the confrontation was over, Leon arrived with his marines.

When Lynn saw Leon, she ran to him.

“Leon! You came for me!”

Lynn clung to Leon as he directed his men. When there was a quiet moment, Leon looked at her and said, “I expect you will wish to return to your house.”

Lynn shrank into herself, “I am a widow of the royal family of Hyperborea. I will be returned to my husband’s family, and they will select another male family member for me to marry.”

“No,” Leon said, “You married under false pretenses. As Duke I am annulling this marriage. You were never married in the eyes of the law. As such, House Octavian is still your house and your family. And I suspect they will need a baroness shortly. So, this is fortunate.”

“Annulled? You mean I can marry who I choose?”

“I do. And I may have a suggestion in that respect.” Leon said, “That is, if you want my suggestions. If they are welcome. I don’t want to assume, after all. I would never wish to presume on a lady’s behalf.”

Lynn grinned ear to ear, “I think I know who you mean. And if I’m right, I accept without reservation.”

Amy glowed as she watched Lynn and Leon.

“Did he propose to her?” I asked.

“I suspect as close as Leon can come to such a thing.” Fiona answered.

“That was so sweet.” Amy gushed.

“Well now we must end this. Ren, are you prepared?” Fiona asked.

“No, but let’s do it.”

“Do what?” Amy asked.

“Bring the evidence of father and uncle’s treason to House Octavian. Expose the plot. And bring an end to all this.” I said.

“Why are you unsure?”

“I only know one way to get any of us into House Octavian. Well, only one that will get my father to assemble the lords and ladies of House Octavian. And I’m not looking forward to it.”

“What are you going to do?” Amy asked.

“After tonight, you won’t be my dirty little secret.”


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