Principality of Belka
Lake Edelwasser
Herzog Klaus Ferdinant
The heavy wooden doors of Herzog Klaus Ferdinand's sleek, modern office swung open with a soft click, and a young aide hurried inside, visibly shaken. Klaus, seated behind a massive glass desk that overlooked the skyline of a bustling Erusean city, raised his head from a financial report detailing his company's latest defense contract. The towering figure of the Herzog, CEO of one of Belka's largest defense firms, exuded power and control. The aide's sudden appearance was an unwelcome disturbance.
"Klaus," the aide stammered, using his employer's first name, as was permitted only by the closest of associates. "There's news… urgent news."
Klaus set down the sleek silver pen in his hand and leaned back in his chair, eyeing the aide with measured calm. He had built his empire on precision and control, and any deviation from order irked him. "What news could possibly warrant such urgency?" he asked, his tone clipped and businesslike.
The aide shifted on his feet, clearly struggling with how to deliver the message. "It's about Princess Rosa Cossette D'Elise…"
At the mention of Rosa's name, Klaus's brow furrowed. Rosa had always been a sensitive subject for him, even though he had carefully separated his personal feelings from the cool-headed businessman he had become. "What about her?"
The aide swallowed hard, clearly bracing himself. "She's pregnant, Your Grace."
Klaus froze. For a long moment, the room was utterly silent, the hum of the city outside fading into the background. The words hit him like a physical blow—Rosa, pregnant. His fiancée, the woman who was supposed to stand by his side in a union that would cement his already growing influence in both Belka and Erusea. A partnership that would have given him control not just in industry but in the halls of power as well.
Now, that future was collapsing before his eyes.
"What did you just say?" Klaus's voice was low, icy, as if daring the aide to repeat the words.
The aide, clearly unnerved by Klaus's reaction, pressed on. "Princess Rosa… she is pregnant. The news is starting to spread through the palace and among certain Erusean circles."
Klaus rose slowly from his chair, his tall frame towering over the aide, his fists clenched at his sides. His mind raced, torn between fury and disbelief. Rosa—his Rosa—was carrying another man's child. It felt like a personal betrayal, despite their engagement being largely a political arrangement. But Klaus had grown attached to her, drawn to her beauty and grace. And more importantly, their union had been meticulously planned as part of his broader strategy to control the post-Lighthouse War landscape in Erusea.
"How long has this been known?" Klaus demanded, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and something deeper—hurt.
"Just recently, Your Grace," the aide stammered. "The rumors have only just begun circulating, but it won't be long before they spread further. The palace is buzzing, and there are whispers about the father… but nothing has been confirmed yet."
Klaus turned his back to the aide, staring out of the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. Below, the city that had been ravaged by the Lighthouse War was being rebuilt—largely through the contracts and efforts of his defense company. His partnerships with Erusea, forged in the aftermath of the war, had solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in both Belka and Erusea. His deals with the Erusean government had been delicate, but fruitful—rebuilding military infrastructure while also keeping an eye on Osea's diminishing presence in the region.
And now this.
If news of Rosa's pregnancy became public, it would not only affect their personal relationship but could jeopardize the delicate political and business connections he had painstakingly forged. His influence within Erusea's upper echelons could crumble, especially if the father turned out to be someone important—or worse, a rival.
"And the father?" Klaus asked, his voice dangerously calm. "Who is he?"
The aide hesitated, clearly unsure. "There are… suspicions, Your Grace. But no one has been able to confirm the identity yet. The princess has been extremely private."
Klaus's jaw tightened as a bitter taste filled his mouth. Rosa had always been careful, even secretive at times. He had admired that about her—her ability to navigate the political currents of Erusea with grace. But this secrecy, this betrayal, felt like a dagger in the back.
"Damn it," Klaus muttered, running a hand through his hair. He could feel the walls closing in. If this got out, it would affect more than just his engagement—it could unravel everything he had worked for, both in Belka and Erusea.
The aide stood silently, waiting for Klaus's orders, sensing the storm brewing beneath his composed exterior.
Klaus turned sharply, his expression hardening. "This news must not leave the palace. Do you understand me?" His voice was a cold command. "We cannot allow this to spread."
The aide nodded quickly, relieved to have direction. "Yes, Your Grace. I'll see to it immediately."
Klaus stepped forward, his voice lowering to a deadly whisper. "And I want to know who the father is. Quietly. No mistakes, no gossip. If there's even a whisper that reaches the wrong ears, there will be consequences."
The aide swallowed, knowing full well the weight of Klaus's words. "Understood, Your Grace."
As the aide left the room, Klaus turned back to the window, his mind spinning. This wasn't just about Rosa anymore. It was about the empire he had built, the power he had amassed through careful alliances with Erusea, a country still reeling from the war. The post-Lighthouse War world was fragile, and any scandal involving him or his betrothed could have devastating consequences.
His heart pounded with a mixture of betrayal and fury. He hadn't loved Rosa—not in the traditional sense—but she had been his. And now she was carrying someone else's child.
"Whoever this man is," Klaus muttered to himself, his fists tightening, "he'll regret crossing me."
This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
A/N:
Hey lads. Sorry for not posting this long. I have lost complete motivation to continue to write this story until now. The problem now is, I have to pick up where I left and begin reshaping the already written Chapters 26 through 28 so they fit the lore here.
This here is just a sneak peak on what's to come for the forseable future. Hehe... things getting spicy