"Miss Xia Lu, I will let you realize your dreams in life - no matter what dreams they are."
The Duke's words made Xia Lu stunned on the spot.
In fact, she had encountered similar things in her short life. Because she had been very good-looking since she was a child, when she first entered the social world as a girl, there were social protégés trying to get close to her. Some of her fanatical suitors even made more "sincere" promises than this.
Of course, the only outcome they got was to be rejected mercilessly by Xia Lu.
However, the King of Rome is definitely completely different from those people. With his fame and power, as well as his special status within the Bonaparte family, even if he is not an omnipotent "wishing machine", he is not far away from it. , at least he really has the ability to make Xia Lu rise to prominence.
But, is he serious? Or is he just talking in the mood?
Could it be that His Majesty the King of Rome, who has always been known for his rationality and ruthlessness, was so easily fascinated by me that when he saw him for the second time, he was like a young man in love and said: Such an embarrassing promise?
Xia Lu couldn't believe this guess, but she was still more willing to believe the former than the guess that "the King of Rome really fell in love with her so he planned to support her without asking for anything in return."
Therefore, after she regained some sense, her first reaction was that she was unwilling to take the bait.
Maybe committing herself to His Majesty was not "shameful", but she didn't want to pay such a high price for a few promises without any binding force; moreover, Xia Lu, who was just starting out, was still filled with arrogance that didn't know the heights of the sky. She had to rely on her own ability to make a career in the world, and she didn't want people to ridicule her as just the "darling" of the King of Rome.
"Your Majesty...I'm very happy that you value me so much, but I don't think I'm worthy...ah!"
Because she was too shocked just now, Xia Lu forgot that she was still dancing, so her steps became chaotic for a while. When she was answering, she accidentally twisted her foot and almost tripped herself.
Fortunately, her dance partner was really strong and he bent down slightly to catch her. As if they had agreed upon it in advance, the two of them returned to their normal dance steps.
Bystanders also noticed the two of them whispering, but because of the noise of the music, no one knew what they were talking about, and this also gave people endless "space for imagination."
Could it be that after seeing Miss Treville, His Majesty the King of Rome fell in love again and wanted to taste authentic French desserts? More than one person thought so.
For the members of the French delegation, they were naturally very proud, because this seemed to represent the victory of France's "charm" over Austria.
Sophie, on the other hand, looked at the blond woman who was more than 20 years younger than herself with resentment. The attendants and officials around her also felt the displeasure of Her Majesty the Queen Mother at this moment, and they all fell silent, and their atmosphere became tense. I dare not go out for fear of becoming an unlucky person who will be angered.
However, the two people dancing did not know everything that was happening outside the venue. They were still immersed in the conversation with each other.
"Do you think you are not worthy of my favor?" the Duke asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty... I am still too young, and there are still too many things I don't understand, so I am not qualified to dream about anything now." Xia Lu replied euphemistically.
"Young? What's the reason for this?" The Duke curled his lips and showed a disdainful smile, "Isn't it because you are young that you are ambitious and want to trample the whole world under your feet?"
Seeing that Xia Lu was about to argue, the Duke stopped her with a look, and then continued, "There is no need to argue. Looking at your proud and aggressive look just now, I can understand everything. Since you don't even care about me,
, then you must be proud of everyone around you, your comrades, your friends, and even your current benefactor, my cousin. This is nothing, pride is a good thing, only pride can have
Only the anger of being subordinated can give you the motivation to change everything...just like me back then."
As if his words brought back some memories, the Duke raised his head slightly and saw the brilliant colors reflected by the crystal chandelier on the ceiling.
"More than twenty years ago, I... also danced here. At that time, I was much younger than you are now, and at that time, I had already made up my mind to turn this palace into a beautiful place.
To become something that belongs to me, I want to make myself the master of this country! Therefore, Miss Xia Lu, youth is never an excuse. Besides, for a careerist who is determined to be above all else, you are already considered old."
Although Xia Lu actually agreed with the words of the King of Rome in her heart, but being lectured by someone a generation older than her and calling herself old (especially since she had been embarrassed just now), Xia Lu suddenly felt a rebellious attitude in her heart, so she
He mustered up the courage to respond to the King of Rome without fear, even with a little sarcasm.
"Okay, maybe you are right, but...hum, if I were born as the sole heir of the emperor like you, instead of being born into an unlucky family, then maybe I would have been the emperor of France for a long time now.
I’m already old, so I don’t need to be taught a lesson by you!?”
Xia Lu's words did not anger the Duke, but made him laugh.
"Pfft hahaha... You are so unforgiving. Okay, Miss Xia Lu, I'm sorry, I shouldn't offend a lady's taboo - you are not old, on the contrary, you are in your prime and radiant...
"
Just as he praised, Xia Lu was dancing gracefully at this moment. Due to the amount of exercise and excitement, her fair face gradually turned red. There were also thin beads of sweat on the large areas of skin exposed on her neck, shoulders and chest. Golden beads of sweat appeared on them.
Her hair was also slightly fluttering during the dance steps, and her charm and demeanor at this moment were like the incarnation of Aphrodite.
"Then I accept your apology." Xia Lu smiled slightly and returned to her previous humility. "Your Majesty, let's get back to the topic. I am very grateful for your kind words, but I feel that I really cannot bear this responsibility.
Grace... In the final analysis, a 'miracle' that falls from the sky will definitely be accepted by an optimistic and silly girl; but for someone like me who has had a bumpy childhood, it is really a bit disappointing.
I have doubts...because I know that any gift given by fate must have a price secretly marked on it. The more free it is, the greater the price I may have to pay——"
After the little episode just now, Xia Lu had determined that the King of Rome did not have any hostility towards her, so she took advantage of the other party's good mood to make the matter clear, "Besides, Your Majesty, if you
When I returned to France according to my grandfather's request, I was your servant. You didn't need to give me any promises at all. I would go through fire and water for you without any regrets; but now the situation is completely different. Now you are already here
We have taken root in Austria and have made it clear that we will never go back, so the only person we can be loyal to is the President. If I rashly accept your kindness but disobey my true benefactor, I am afraid it will be disloyal.
It’s also unwise. You’ve gotten yourself into a lot of trouble for no reason, don’t you think?”
Wonderful.
When Xia Lu defended herself, the Duke watched her calmly while dancing.
And this answer really made him appreciate the woman in front of him even more.
She was not fooled by the pie-in-the-sky good things. After a brief period of confusion, she was able to calmly and pragmatically analyze her own situation and interests, and then reject the good intention without hesitation. Although she was the victim, she had to deal with it.
Thumbs up for her wit and decisiveness.
"That is to say, if I have no other intention and just want to help you, will it make you feel that the price is too high?" He couldn't help but smile bitterly, "Well, although this seems ridiculous, it is also
The normal state of the world... After all, we live in a world full of hypocrisy and treachery. Naive fools are not worthy of sitting at the dinner table. You have this kind of caution, but it shows that you are indeed not in vain -
—”
At this point, he suddenly changed the subject, "Think about it, if you serve me, wouldn't everything be solved? Although I can't go to France, you can stay in Austria - isn't that all?
Have you compromised our friendship as king and subject?"
Just as the Duke expected, Xia Lu's eyes suddenly became sharp, and her originally stretched body gradually became tense in an instant.
"Be careful, don't sprain your foot again." Seeing her nervous and guarded look, the Duke still took his time and even helped her adjust her dance steps, "Don't you think I can do it? I can do it now.
Write a letter to tell my cousin that I hit it off with Mademoiselle Charlotte de Treville, so I want to keep her in Austria and help her develop her career... I think, out of our family feelings,
Or out of necessity to win over Austria, he would readily agree, right?"
"But I don't agree -" Xia Lu gritted her teeth and replied. She had already noticed that under the Duke's elegant posture, there was an arrogant heart hidden. He really dared to think and do - so he also
It seems extremely dangerous because he really has this ability.
"This is not a big problem." The Duke just smiled, looking at her with even some pity in his eyes, "Now that you have come to me, I will have many ways to make you agree, some gently,
There are rough ones, and there are gentle and rough ones... In addition, your sister is a few years younger than you, and is said to be very beautiful. If you stay here and miss your family, can't I invite her over too? What do you think?
Do I have this ability?"
If Xia Lu only felt nervous and angry when she heard the previous words, when she heard the last sentence, Xia Lu's expression no longer had any habitual concealment, only a chilling expression remained.
Gaze - Unless they are a very close audience, no one would have thought that such a cute face could actually show such a creepy expression.
"If you do that...then you will definitely die." At this moment, Xia Lu never used any honorific title for the King of Rome, but faced this man with far more power than herself with the most fearless expression.
, "Maybe you can show off your power now, but you will definitely die in my hands... I swear."
"So, is this the real you? Maybe you have never shown it to others before?" The Duke responded with his still gentle smile, "I said, we are very similar... Miss Xia Lu, now
Do you understand? Your ambition is still so immature and fragile, and you still need too many things to protect yourself and your family."
Xia Lu finally came to her senses.
Only then did she realize that her skin was covered with cold sweat. She had been dancing all this time, but at this moment, she felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave.
It was just a false alarm, the King of Rome was just teasing her.
Here's the scariest thing - if he's not joking, then he can do it.
He was born into a declining aristocratic family. After twenty years of dormancy, he finally "seized the opportunity" and returned to the stage of power. He also became a trusted confidant of the president.
She originally thought that this kind of achievement could dwarf most people, and indeed it was true. But just now, in the few words of the man in front of her, she realized that even though she had climbed to this position, it turned out that her destiny was still not with her.
Under control.
It is true that as mentioned just now, he can really detain himself here by force, and then write to his cousin to ask for someone, or even "invite" his sister here - he just doesn't plan to do this.
The King of Rome was like this, so what about the other side, could Louis Bonaparte do the same? He considered himself their servant, then they could indeed control their own destiny.
Maybe it won't be too ugly, but the ups and downs are just a matter of their words now.
I have been tricked by fate since I was a child, but now, am I still trapped by fate and find it difficult to escape?
This hateful family, hateful people...
In Xia Lu's eyes, sadness, anger, helplessness and distress were intertwined, just like a glass of bitter yet sweet wine, which made the Duke extremely satisfied.
This is my own youth...
It is indeed a bad idea to tease her, but only she has ever received such an honor.
It is naturally impossible to say that he is completely unmoved when faced with such a charming woman.
However, for someone who is nearly forty years old, the Duke's energy and desire have gradually declined. Even though there is a great beauty close at hand at this moment, he does not have a particularly big impulse. Romance is just a part of his life.
Embellishment, power and prestige are his life itself.
On the contrary, he paid more attention to the "possibility" of this woman's future life, as if he were reading a book, or writing a book.
He knew that he had destroyed her pride in just a moment, but this was not his original intention. What he really wanted to do was to ignite the seeds of ambition in her heart and let her understand how many ways there were to control her destiny.
Need to go.
"I'm glad you understand all this. Considering your age, it's not too late - Miss Xia Lu." When the musicians gradually stopped playing, the Duke let go of his hand, and then nodded gracefully to Xia Lu.
Lu said goodbye, "I said, I will help you realize your wish - I admit that I am not a pleasant person, but we may have a lot of dealings in the future, so please get used to it first."