Seduce the hero's mother (GL)

Today the palace was to host the most grandiose celebration of the past few years. The wedding of members of the imperial family was always a significant event for the country.

The servants had been on their feet since early morning — to have time to prepare everything for the day's festivities. Almost all the aristocrats of the empire were invited to the ceremony, and many of them were already waiting to begin in the main hall.

In the crown princess's chambers preparations were in full swing.

The girl was already dressed in her wedding dress. Her hair was gathered in a cascade — over which a veil would be hung. The gown itself was bespoke and had pearls casting over it. Camilla was truly the most beautiful bride in the empire.

While the princess sat at the dressing table, Douglas adorned her hair with precious stones.

— Your Highness, your beauty today knows no comparison! Ah, excuse me… Should I address you as Your Majesty already?

Camilla giggled.

— Stop it… The ceremony hasn't taken place yet.

— It doesn't matter! It won't be long now. I should get used to calling you that.

The maid's words warmed her soul. This time she didn't talk her out of it and just enjoyed the moment. Today is truly the happiest day in Camilla Fernandez's life.

— Ah, I can't wait to see Her Majesty! — she lamented.

The girl had no doubt that her appearance would cause a sensation at the upcoming ceremony. However, she was far more worried about Rachel's reaction. She would be the prettiest bride in the empire that day alone.

— Be a little patient, Princess,» Douglas quipped, «You're almost married already.

Camilla was embarrassed.

— Soon you will be the noblest lady of the Empire! — said the maid, enthusiastically. «Henceforth, all the subjects and the country will be in your hands.

Camilla smiled contentedly. She didn't need the country. It would be enough if their alliance with Her Majesty lasted as long as possible. No one else would be able to stop them.

Unless… There was only one minor problem left that was worth fixing. When that happens, Camilla will have her long-awaited peace of mind. The wretch would finally find her peace in the other world.

At that moment, a servant knocked on the door.

— Your Highness, all preparations have been made. Your guests await you in the main hall.

Camilla smiled happily and stood up.

— I'm on my way.

***

Rachel prepared for the ceremony in her chambers. Since she hated it when strangers touched her, she always dressed herself. And this time, refusing the help of servants, Rachel put on her wedding gown herself.

All sorts of things were on her mind. Including… And some anxiety. Without knowing why, she felt: that something unforeseen would happen today. And it had nothing to do with the impending wedding.

Rachel sighed, deciding she was just winding herself up. Everything had to go right.

As the girl was buttoning her sleeve cuffs, one of the servants risked disturbing her peace.

— Who is there? — she barked.

The pale boy trembled.

— Y-Your Majesty, you have a letter…

— Hmm?

— They said it was urgent.

He handed her the envelope with a trembling hand. Rachel opened it and in the same second the expression on her face changed.

— …

— Y-Your Majesty…?

Suddenly the girl began to gather herself.

— Order me to prepare a horse.

— What?! The servant was dumbfounded. Are you leaving?

Rachel did not answer, but it was obvious. She had already reached for the door and grasped the doorknob, when an agitated voice came from behind her:

— Your Majesty, what about your wedding…?

Rachel froze for a moment. Then she said coldly:

— Think of something.

— А?! — But the ceremony is about to begin!

Despite the servant's words, the girl took a decisive step forward.

***

Leriane Ashford stood at the top and the cold air blew on her face. This place was just outside of the capital and was the highest mountain in the empire. Anyone who fell from it had no chance of surviving, even with divine luck.

One accidental step and it's all over. Meanwhile, in spite of all the tension — deep down inside, the lady felt calm. One way or another today everything would be decided.

From now on there was no room for regret.

For a while the girl watched alone how from here all the houses and trees seem to be only tiny figures. Scary and fascinating at the same time.

But soon the silence was broken by the stomp of a horse. The lady did not immediately turn around when the voice of her former bride came from behind her:

— Why did you call me here?

Leriana replied casually:

— I wrote in a letter, didn't I?

— You said you had something important to tell me,» Rachel objected.

She grinned as she looked out at the expanse of nature opening from the summit. The temperature was different here than down below. Cold… But Leriana didn't feel it.

— Is that why you ran away from your wedding? — Lerian asked with a smile. Honestly: she hadn't placed all her bets on this meeting. It was entirely possible that Rachel had simply ignored her letter. But still… She came.

Rachel shook her shoulder irritably.

— I didn't run away. As soon as we're done, I'll be right back.

An even more ambiguous answer.

— Ha-ha… Whatever you say.

Leriana turned to her and looked her straight in the eyes.

— Do you still remember your promise?

The girl frowned.

— You said you would never let me go in this life.

This nonsense was starting to make Rachel irritated.

— Stop talking nonsense,» she cut out, «Just tell me why you called me.

— I was going to say it.

— What?

Leriana smiled sadly.

— Even if you don't understand, I still want to tell you. In fact… Then I lied. I never thought you were a monster.

— …

Rachel didn't move.

— I felt like I was doing the right thing then,» she sighed, «But now… I wonder how things would have turned out if I'd realized how I felt in time.

Rachel was silent, staring at her tensely.

— I'm sorry I hurt you so much…» She continued to apologize, «I'm sorry I never believed and always doubted you. I regret that now.

— …

— If we meet again in the next life… I want to be your puppy again. An idiot. Anything.

Leriana smiled sadly.

— If you really don't want to see me anymore… I won't burden you with my existence from now on.

For the first time ever, Rachel involuntarily flinched. Her pupils dilated.

— I wish you… Happiness.

The next moment, the girl took one last step toward the precipice and fell.