Seeing the troubled expression on Francisco's face, Christian chuckled softly.
"I believe you are imagining the wrong danger," he said.
"Your father has no real possibility of inheriting the House of the Duke. Leaving aside the fact that he is a bastard, he is also married to a Prussian woman—more importantly, the daughter of a Prussian general. For Spain, a kingdom that takes bloodlines so seriously, such a combination would be unacceptable. Even if they had no other option, they would never allow him to inherit the title."
Christian paused, studying his student carefully.
"But you, my young friend… you are a different matter."
Francisco frowned.
"You have attracted the attention of their king," Christian continued. "And that makes you valuable. He may try to use you—perhaps by threatening your family to ensure your loyalty to the Spanish Crown."
Francisco's frown deepened.
"Do you really think my uncle would go that far?" he asked quietly.
Christian laughed.
