Fated Eclipse: The Illegitimate Princess And Her Alpha Suitors

Chapter 278: For Those With Power

Lyria’s POV

I noticed the crestfallen look on their faces — the way their shoulders sagged, the way their eyes dimmed, the way the hope that had flickered there moments before seemed to gutter like a candle in the wind. I immediately rephrased my words, choosing them with care.

”What I m-mean,” I said choosing my words carefully, ”is that I may n-not be able to g-get rid of the royal f-family entirely. I may n-not be able to d-destroy them completely. I may n-not be able to k-kill them myself. But I c-can do something. I can m-make them lose their p-power. I can help w-with such matters, p-perhaps, if it comes to it. I can be part of something larger. I can be a weapon, if needed.”

I paused, letting my words settle.

”But I wouldn’t b-be able to fully g-get rid of them on my o-own. That is n-not within my power. Not yet.”

I looked at each of them in turn, meeting their eyes.

”But I w-will try my b-best. Because, as you said, I h-hate the royal family. And I d-do have a grievance to s-settle with them for m-many things.”

For my mother, who was always being constantly ridiculed. For Patricia, who was like a second mother to me. For every scar I bore.

I drew a breath.

”However,” I continued, ”such t-talk should n-not be the concern r-right now. That is a d-discussion for another time. The question is: how do you e-expect to gain satisfaction w-without power? Without allies? Without a p-plan?”

Elara spoke up, her voice calm and measured, as though she had been waiting for this very question.

”There is a way, Your Highness.”

She paused, her gaze steady.

”There are thirteen suitors remaining in the palace. After this week ends, there will be twelve. Among those remaining, there are candidates with enough power to help us. Candidates who have their own reasons to oppose the Crown, and who might be willing to stand with you.”

I frowned, my brow furrowing.

”Have you f-forgotten that most c-candidates dislike the f-fact that I am i-illegitimate?” I asked. ”They look d-down upon me and see me as n-nothing. Why would they a-lly themselves with someone like m-me?”

Elara shook her head slowly, a knowing smile upon her face.

”You need not ally yourself with all of them, Your Highness. Only certain ones. Those who would genuinely support you. Those with power — power that even the royal family would covet. Those who see beyond your illegitimacy and recognise your worth.”

Pippa spoke up then, her voice eager.

”Baron Redwick, for one,” she said.

I frowned, confused.

”How d-does Baron Redwick possess s-such power?” I asked. ”From what I r-recall, his territory was on the v-verge of ruin at one p-point. It was the Baron who restored it. But I d-doubt he would have t-time to a-lly himself with me while also tending his t-territory. He must p-protect his people f-first. They h-have already s-suffered greatly.”

Pippa smiled, a knowing glint in her eye.

”Did you know that once, the Baron was not merely a Baron?”

I blinked, my mind reeling.

”What d-do you m-mean?”

Pippa continued, her voice steady.

”His family held a higher title before the disaster befell them. They were more than a barony. Some say it is mere rumour, but it is not — they were once a marquessate. The royal family took advantage of their weakened state. They lost land. They lost influence. They lost their standing entirely. And the Crown struck, reducing them to a barony.”

I stared at her, stunned.

”I d-did not know that.”

Pippa nodded.

”It is not common knowledge, Your Highness. And contrary to what one might assume, the Baron retains considerable power nonetheless. In this kingdom, the territory with the greatest number of scholars is Stoneford. Most nobles send their sons there for proper education. To those unaware, they look down upon the barony. But their experiments and inventions have benefited the kingdom greatly. They have benefited the royal family as well, whether the Crown will admit it or not. That is the source of his power. The royal family depends upon the barony, even as they hold themselves apart from it. They simply do not wish to acknowledge it.”

I nodded slowly, turning her words over.

If I could secure the Baron’s loyalty, I would gain considerably more power. His connections and support would prove invaluable.

Margery added, her tone thoughtful.

”Duke Thorncrest holds power as well. His family is among the oldest noble houses in the kingdom. The name alone commands respect.”

Debbie nodded. ”Were you to ally yourself with him, Your Highness, your influence would triple overnight. The royal family cannot touch him in any meaningful sense — his family has stood for generations. They are quite beyond reach.”

Elara nodded in agreement.

”That is true. There is also Duke Aurelgrave,” she said. ”Though I imagine Your Highness was already aware of that.”

I nodded slowly. It came as no surprise. I had always known Lucian possessed power. He was connected to the royal family by blood, with influence, wealth, and a territory both stable and prosperous.

Debbie spoke then.

”Earl Hawthorne holds military strength,” she said. ”His army is the largest in the kingdom. His people are loyal to him, not to the Crown. With his support, you would have swords at your back.”

My eyes widened as I realized something.

”And D-Duke Valenridge?” I asked. ”Surely he h-holds power too. The royal family a-appears to fear him, on occasion. He c-challenges them quite freely. He speaks to them as t-though they were his e-equals.”

Bridget smiled.

”That is correct, Your Highness,” she said. ”Were you to secure even three of these men as allies, you would possess the power you require. Enough to challenge the Crown. Enough to make a genuine difference.”

I nodded and then Debbie and Pippa spoke at the same moment.

”Why three?” they asked. ”Why not all?”