"It was necessary to come all the way to the other end of the castle to ensure he couldn’t listen in on our conversation."
Gina hummed in understanding, but Gina knew that Jason’s subordinates could still hear what they were saying even if Jason was far away, so this was pointless. Jason just wasn’t the sort of person to spy into people’s conversation without a good reason. Gina folded her hands and waited for Hesabeth to continue. In truth, Gina had no idea why she was here. Gina already knew that Hesabeth was interested in Jason, so there was a chance that this conversation had something to do with that, but at the same time, Hesabeth was one of the most unpredictable people in the Primordial Expanse, so Gina couldn’t really say that she knew exactly what Hesabeth would do next! Gina watched as Hesabeth took in a deep breath and sighed before Hesabeth finally spoke.
"I want you to know that I reduced the influence of my Bias as much as magically and physically possible for this conversation, so you do not need to worry about your decisions being influenced by outside forces. Well then, now that we have that out of the way, I suppose it’s best we simply get to the crux of the matter. I have fallen in love with Jason, and I would like you to allow me to be with him. That is all."
Gina blinked in shock, and for a long moment, she couldn’t even respond at all! Gina never in her life thought that Hesabeth would simply come out and say what she wanted like this! Hesabeth was staring right at Gina without a hint of shame or embarrassment on her face, and her hands were neatly folded on her lap in a regal manner that made her look like a Queen addressing one of her subjects! Honestly, Gina knew that she shouldn’t be surprised! Hesabeth was not the sort of woman to be shy or embarrassed about her desires, and Gina already had an idea that Hesabeth was interested in Jason! But what was even more surprising was the fact that Hesabeth was sitting here and asking Gina for permission! Hesabeth was not the sort of person to ask anyone for permission before doing anything, and Gina realised in that moment that Hesabeth had already tried everything to seduce Jason, but none of it worked!
’Jason refused all her advances, and now the only option she has is to come through me.’
Gina felt a sudden feeling of superiority rising through her heart once this thought crossed her mind, and a wide smile spread on her face as she stared down at Hesabeth! Gina knew that Jason could have easily taken Hesabeth as one of his wives without asking her, and Gina would have still accepted things because she loved Jason that much, but the fact that Jason cared about her feelings to the point where Hesabeth had to come to Gina like this made Gina love Jason all the more! Gina took in a breath as she organised her thoughts properly, and then she asked one simple question.
"Why should I?"
It was a very simple question, but Gina saw the way Hesabeth’s demeanor shifted slightly when she heard it. Hesabeth blinked in slight surprise and looked away briefly, and the hand around her fan tightened for a moment before loosening again. Hesabeth was not used to being questioned like this. Most of the things Hesabeth wanted in life had always been handed to her on a golden platter, and it wasn’t until she met Jason that things had become so complicated in her life! Hesabeth spoke up calmly.
"Did you not hear my reasoning? It is because I love him that I wish to be with him—"
"That is not enough."
Gina suddenly cut Hesabeth off before she could continue, and Hesabeth looked up in surprise as Gina stepped forward and stared her down with intensity. At that moment, Hesabeth no longer felt like a Queen addressing her subject. It felt like Hesabeth was prey being stared down by a predator. Hesabeth could already feel her Bias attempting to flare to life again, but she fought to keep things in control since she knew that Gina was not a threat to her. Hesabeth wanted to make sure that they both had clarity of mind while having this conversation!
Gina continued:
"Anyone can love Jason. You aren’t the first person, and you sure as hell won’t be the last to tell me that. If saying you love him was enough reason for me to accept you, then Jason would have hundreds of wives already. So you need to tell me why you think I should share ’my’ future husband with you and accept you into the Marc family. Within the walls of this room, you are a woman, not a Queen who demands absolute obedience. So if you cannot let go of that ego of yours and speak to me like a woman, then we are done here."
Hesabeth’s eyes were wide in shock as she stared up at Gina. In truth, Hesabeth hadn’t understood it at first. Why was Jason so in love with this woman? What did Jason see in Gina that allowed him to ignore all of Hesabeth’s advances the way he did? Hesabeth knew that she was more regal than Gina! Hesabeth was a Queen, and she was also the most beautiful and exalted existence in the world! There shouldn’t be any woman who would dare to stand on the same level as her in a man’s heart! And yet for some reason, Jason saw Gina as someone above Hesabeth in his life! It was something that had troubled Hesabeth for days, and Hesabeth hadn’t been able to understand why Jason loved this woman so much! But right now, Hesbaeth finally understood.
The sheer aura and confidence that Hesabeth could see flowing off Gina at that moment was enough to make even Hesabeth feel slightly insecure! Although Hesabeth’s Bias made her stronger, Gina was still a TITAN rank, and there was no denying that Gina possessed the aura to back up her power! It felt like Gina was an executioner holding a blade above her and if Hesabeth didn’t give the right answer at this moment, then she would lose her head! For the first time in her life, Hesabeth was at a loss for words, and she turned away to stare down at the bed with a frown on her face. Gina shook her head when she saw this, and she turned and began to leave the room.
"I suppose that is the limit of your affection. I’ll forget we ever had this conversation."
"Wait. Gina..."
Gina finally turned around when she heard Hesabeth speak up, and Gina saw that Hesbaeth was finally on her feet. Hesbaeth had put her fan aside, and now the two women were standing face to face like equals. Hesabeth’s face was squeezed in slight discomfort as she stared at Gina, and Gina gave Hesabeth her full attention as Hesabeth finally spoke up.
"I know... I know I am asking for something selfish. Uhm... I... I’m not used to asking for things. I’ve always had things handed to me all my life. I’ve never had to work for anything, and I have always been the most adored wherever I go. That is the sort of life I’ve lived. That is who I am, and I see nothing wrong with that. But this is the first time that I’ve felt the desire to actually work for something. I know you might not understand how much this means to me since you haven’t lived my life. But a life where everything is handed to you on a golden platter is... It’s lonely. People have always loved me, but I always knew that the reason for their love was my Bias. The suitors I’ve had, and all the romantic interest they’ve shown me. It was all tainted by my Bias. My friendships were all tainted by my Bias. Even the actions of my own parents were tainted by my Bias."